Why the Gospel Still Faces Opposition Today (Acts 13-14)
Why does the gospel face so much resistance? Paul’s boldness in Acts 13-14 reminds us the gospel still offends because it confronts every heart.
Acts 13-14
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Does opposition overwhelm you?
Few people thrive in contentious environments, but sometimes they’re inevitable. The Apostle Paul understood this very well. In Acts 13, Paul delivers a sermon in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia. “This speech was addressed not only to Jews but also to Gentiles who worship God, who were apparently also present in the synagogue service.”[1]
Paul begins by recounting Israel's history, highlighting God's guidance from the Exodus through the reign of King David. He emphasizes that Jesus, a descendant of David, is the promised Savior sent by God. He explains that although Jesus was condemned and crucified, God raised him from the dead, fulfilling prophetic scriptures. Through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is offered, and all who believe are justified—a justification not attainable through the Law of Moses. Paul concludes by warning his audience to heed this message lest they miss out on God's promised salvation.
As The Gospel Transformation Bible says, the main thrust of Paul’s message is that “Through Christ we can avail ourselves of a power that the law never had. The law hung over us as a ministry of death, threatening to kill us for our sins; the Spirit of Christ delivers us from the bondage of sin, guilt, and death into new life (2 Cor. 3:6–7).”[2]
After Paul and Barnabas delivered their sermon, the people invited them to speak again. The following Sabbath, almost the entire town gathered to hear their message. But that’s when things go south. Verse 45 says, “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul was saying, insulting him.” In response, Paul and Barnabas double down on their message and refer to Isaiah 49:6, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Verses 48-52 say,
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the prominent God-fearing women and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. 51 But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Despite the enormous backlash to his message, Paul remained focused. In Acts 14, Paul is stoned to the point he is left for dead. At this point, any ordinary person would have pulled back and avoided all confrontation. But not Paul. Why? Because his message was too great. In his mind, the news that the gospel was for everyone was so great that he couldn’t remain silent—even when it put his life at risk.
