September 8, 2024
Acts 13:42-52
Lessons Learned
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. God does not force Himself on anyone—we either submit to or reject the Holy Spirit speaking to their heart.
2. Persecution usually has the opposite effect from what the persecutors are trying to accomplish.
3. Shaking the dust off your feet was a practice that symbolized rejection. Here, the Jewish community would not accept the message of the Messiah, so they are rejected.
4. “The sovereignty of God is absolute; yet it is never exercised in condemning men who ought to be saved, but rather has resulted in salvation of men who deserved to be lost.” Charles R. Erdman
5. Predestination vs. free will:
Words that speak of predestination: Appointed, predestined, chosen, elect.
What the Bible says: Acts 13:48; Eph 1:5,11; Rom 8:29-30,33; Rom 11:5; 1 Thess 1:4; 1 Peter 2:4,9; Mark 13:20; Titus 1:1
Words that speak to man’s free will: Whosoever believeth, All who receive Him
What the Bible says: Matt 11:28; John 1:12; John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Rom 10:9-10; Rev 22:17
6. Link to a Biblical explanation of predestination vs. free will:
https://www.gotquestions.org/predestination-vs-free-will.html
7. Application:
· When the Holy Spirit has prepared the heart for the gospel—it is received with joy and gladness.
· Revival happens when people share their faith.
· Persecution has a way of strengthening and revitalizing the saints.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
8. Map of Paul & Barnabas’s 1st missionary journey below.
