Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch, recorded in Acts 13:16-41, stands as a pivotal moment in the book of Acts, marking a significant shift in his ministry. Preaching in a Jewish synagogue during his first missionary journey, Paul laid out a compelling argument that Jesus is the promised Son of David, His resurrection fulfills prophecy, and salvation comes through faith rather than the Law. His message, deeply rooted in Old Testament Scripture, was a direct appeal to the Jews to recognize Jesus as their Messiah.
However, their rejection of the message led to a decisive turn in Paul’s ministry, as he declared that the Gospel would now go to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46). This shift aligns with the dispensational framework, in which Israel’s national unbelief resulted in the Gospel expanding beyond its original audience, though God’s promises to Israel remain unbroken. By examining the context of this sermon, its theological significance, and its dispensational implications, it becomes evident that this moment marked a transition in God’s redemptive plan.
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The Setting: Paul’s First Recorded Sermon
During his first missionary journey, Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, arrived in Pisidian Antioch, a Roman colony in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). As was his custom, Paul first sought out the Jewish synagogue, addressing his fellow Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. His strategy was to present the Gospel through the lens of Old Testament Scripture, making the case that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
At the conclusion of the synagogue’s traditional reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers extended an invitation, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak” (Acts 13:15). This open door allowed Paul to deliver one of his most significant sermons, presenting the Gospel message in a way that directly appealed to his Jewish audience while also setting the stage for his eventual turn to the Gentiles.
Paul’s Sermon: Proclaiming Jesus as the Fulfillment of God’s Promise
Paul’s sermon follows a structured argument, similar to Stephen’s speech in Acts 7, in which he traced Israel’s history to establish the foundation for his message. Beginning with a review of Israel’s past, he moved to the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ, highlighting His resurrection as the ultimate proof of His messianic identity. His message climaxed with a declaration that salvation comes through faith rather than adherence to the Law, concluding with a warning against rejecting the Gospel.
Paul opened his sermon by recounting Israel’s history, emphasizing how God had faithfully guided the nation from the time of the patriarchs to the era of the kings. He reminded his audience that God had chosen their ancestors, led them out of Egypt, provided judges, and ultimately established David as king. This historical overview was not merely a lesson in Israel’s past but a preparation for his central argument—that Jesus, as the descendant of David, was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior.
Building upon this foundation, Paul declared, “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised” (Acts 13:23). He further supported his claim by referencing the ministry of John the Baptist, pointing out that John himself had denied being the Messiah and had instead prepared the way for Jesus. Paul then confronted the tragic reality that Israel had failed to recognize their own Redeemer. “The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath” (Acts 13:27). This statement directly challenged his Jewish audience, forcing them to consider that their own Scriptures had foretold the rejection of the Messiah.
The central proof of Jesus’ messianic identity, according to Paul, was His resurrection. “God raised Him from the dead, and for many days He was seen by those who had traveled with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem” (Acts 13:30-31). To validate this claim, Paul cited multiple Old Testament passages, including Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, and Psalm 16:10. By quoting these Scriptures, he demonstrated that Jesus’ resurrection was not an isolated event but the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises.
Having established the identity of Jesus as the risen Messiah, Paul transitioned to the implications of this truth. He proclaimed, “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). This declaration was radical for a Jewish audience, as it directly challenged the long-held belief that righteousness came through adherence to the Law. Paul’s message reflected a dispensational shift—salvation was now being offered apart from the Mosaic Law, based solely on faith in Christ.
Paul concluded his sermon with a stern warning, quoting Habakkuk 1:5: “Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you” (Acts 13:41). This warning was prophetic, emphasizing that Israel’s rejection of the Messiah would have serious consequences. Just as past generations had suffered judgment for their unbelief, so too would those who refused to accept Christ.
The Dispensational Significance: A Shift Toward the Gentiles
Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch marks a turning point in the book of Acts, highlighting the transition from a primarily Jewish focus to an expanded mission that included the Gentiles. The Gospel was still being offered to Israel first, in accordance with Romans 1:16, but their continued rejection of Christ led to a broader outreach beyond the Jewish community.
This shift did not mean that God’s promises to Israel had been annulled. Rather, their national unbelief resulted in the temporary postponement of the Kingdom, while the message of salvation extended to the Gentiles. Paul’s later statement in Acts 13:46 solidified this transition: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” This decision foreshadowed the growing inclusion of non-Jewish believers into the body of Christ and the establishment of the Church as the primary means through which God’s redemptive work would continue.
Although Israel’s rejection delayed the fulfillment of the Kingdom, God’s covenant with them remained intact. Romans 11:25-27 affirms that one day, Israel will recognize their Messiah, and the promises made to them will be fulfilled. Until that time, the Gospel continues to be proclaimed to all nations, offering salvation to all who believe.
Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Warning
Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch was a masterful presentation of the Gospel, using Old Testament prophecy to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah. He declared that forgiveness and justification come not through the Law but through faith in Christ alone. However, his message also carried a warning—rejecting Jesus would lead to judgment and missed opportunity. This theme echoes throughout Israel’s history, showing that national unbelief results in temporary loss of blessing, though God’s ultimate plan remains unchanged.
For believers today, Paul’s words serve as a powerful reminder that salvation is freely available to all who believe. Though Israel as a nation rejected Christ, God’s promise remains that one day they will recognize their Messiah. Until then, the Gospel continues to be preached to all nations, offering salvation through faith alone.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
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