The Gospel Spreads to the Gentiles

Paul and Barnabas left Paphos, Cyprus. They sailed to Perga in Pamphylia in the province of Galatia. Barnabas's cousin, John, refused to go on with them and he returned to Jerusalem.

Paul and Barnabas continued inland and came to Antioch in Pisidian. As usual, Paul went to the synagogue on the Sabbath to preach to the Jews, proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah God promised, and admonishing them to be justified by faith in order to gain the hope of everlasting life. This message drew a large crowd. Both the Jews and the 'God-fearing' Gentiles invited them to preach more the following Sabbath.

On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city came together to hear Paul preach. The excitement throughout the city displeased some prestigious Jews who sought political gains in the name of religion. These obstinate and arrogant Jews were filled with envy; they slandered Paul and Barnabas and opposed the gospel they preached. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: �𦲀 have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth�仮�� (Acts 13:46��47).

Paul announced to the Jews that they had missed the chance of gaining everlasting life. These Jews felt offended, they gathered to expel Paul and Barnabas from the city. Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet in protest against them, and left. The Gentiles in Pisidian, Antioch believed the gospel Paul preached, and reckoned it to be God's mercy. They gladly gathered to serve the Lord, and were often filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:13��52).