Focal Passage: Acts 13:42-52
In this study, we find that Paul and Barnabas have left Paphos and traveled to Perga in Pamphylia (modern-day Turkey). John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas and had accompanied them as a helper according to Luke in Acts 13:5.
It was here that John Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem. Luke gives no details as to why he left. We do not know what role he played, but his departure created some difficulty for the missionary team. So much so, that later a division developed between Paul and Barnabas when Barnabas wanted to take him with them again on their second missionary journey. As a result of this division, Barnabas took John Mark and returned to Cyprus and Paul took Silas and headed toward Syria.
The missionary team did not stay in Perga, but traveled on to Pisidian Antioch. It is believed they arrived several days before the events Luke describes in the passage. By this time, no doubt the two had made introductions and had some communication with the rulers, and/or, leaders of the synagogue.
On the Sabbath, as an act of respect, they invited Paul and Barnabas to speak. Paul accepted the invitation and shared the Good News with those that were there. Those who were present were not only Jews, but also Gentiles who had been converted to Judaism.
Nimmo
The people were so intrigued by what Paul said, that they invited them back the next Sabbath to continue. However, many of the Jews, and Gentiles who had converted to Judaism, continued to follow Paul and Barnabas, hungry to learn more.
On the next Sabbath, a large crowd had gathered to hear the Word of the Lord. Luke, using hyperbole, says almost the whole city showed up. This is also where the green-eyed monster showed up. The Jews, seeing the crowds, became filled with jealousy.
Jealousy can be a dangerous emotion. It blinds us to reason, steals our joy, robs us of peace, fills us with anger and bitterness, makes us envious, but most of all, causes us to do things we should not do. It hinders our relationship with God because we are no longer focused on the righteousness of God, but instead focused on what caused our jealousy.
There were probably many reasons the Jews were jealous, but I am sure one of the main reasons was that they prided themselves on the fact that they were the chosen people of God. They thought they were closer to God than the Gentiles and therefore had privilege with God. In their minds, God loved them more. But the size of the crowds showed that God loved the Gentiles just as much. That, they couldn’t handle.
Therefore, they closed their minds to the salvation offered by God through the preaching of the gospel by Paul and Barnabas. However, the story was different for the Gentiles who were there.
They were thrilled with the fact that God loved them and offered them the same gift of grace, and they didn’t have to become a Jew to receive it. Their hearts were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. B&R
