Mixed Responses (Acts 13:42-45)

the various reactions to Paul’s teaching.

42 As they were leaving, the people urged them to speak about these matters the following Sabbath.
43 After the synagogue had been dismissed,
many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas,
who were speaking with them and urging them to continue in the grace of God.
44 The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of the Lord.
45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and began to contradict what Paul was saying, insulting him.

Application Point:
We can expect a variety of responses to the gospel message.

Discuss:

who was at the Sabbath meeting

• Jews and Jewish converts.
• The whole town.

Highlight the interest in the gospel.

• they urged Paul and Barnabas to stay another week.
• Jews and Jewish converts follow them.
• Paul and Barnabas urged them to continue growing in faith.
• Other Jews were jealous, contradicted and insulted them.

Discuss:

Jealousy suggest ways jealousy is dangerous.
Point out that jealousy was at the root of the violent response of the Jews on the next Sabbath.

45) Seeing the large number of Gentiles created jealousy in the hearts of ethnic Jews in the synagogue.
the situation deteriorated rapidly.
devout Jews initiated a verbal attack on Paul.
The shift from a measure of curiosity to active persecution was abrupt and violent
because of the presence of Gentiles.

Ask:

• What responses can we expect to encounter when we share the gospel?
• How can you overcome rejection as you witness for Christ? (p. 23)