And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. -Acts 13:15

In the above verse, the apostle Paul, along with Barnabas, were given a golden opportunity to speak. They were in the synagogue, and perhaps many of the people had yet to hear the full gospel message. The rulers of the synagogue gave them an “open mic” so to speak, and let their visitors teach on whatever they wished.

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. -Acts 13:16

And what did the apostle do with this opportunity? Did he give a helpful and practical lesson to the Jews that were before him? Did he give a useful Bible teaching that would help them in their everyday life? While those things are important, Paul knew he had a far greater, and more urgent message to share with the people: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The summary of Paul’s message is salvation through Jesus Christ:

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man [Jesus] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: -Acts 13:38

And what would’ve happened—if there were only one opportunity to reach a person—had Paul simply taught a useful or helpful life lesson? They would have been helped some, no doubt, but at life’s end, they would’ve been no closer to eternal life than before Paul’s message. Yet in giving the light of the gospel message, God’s servants were able to make an everlasting difference in lives of their hearers.

• The Exclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• The Filthiness of Darkness
• The Simplicity of the Gospel
• Window of Opportunity
• Our Words Ought to Build Up, Not Tear Down

Filed under:
Christian Devotions/Bible Study by Dean