Acts 13:13–41: Jesus, God’s Savior for Israel
Introduction
As the missionaries continue into the unreached world, Luke gives a detailed account of the mixed results of their ministry in Acts 13. Here, we see Paul exercising the ministry to which Christ had called him, by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to Jews and Gentiles. In a synagogue of Jews and God-fearers, Paul preaches Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all God’s Old Testament promises, and he calls sinners to the salvation of the forgiveness of sins that is extended through faith in Jesus Christ. In this sermon, we hear a compressed account of Israel’s history with a very clear purpose: to prove that Jesus is God’s Savior for Israel.
Discussion Questions
1. Why does the phrase “Paul and his companions” suggest a shift in leadership among the missionaries (v. 13a)? Why is the departure of John (Mark) significant (v. 13b; cf. Acts 15:37–39)? What details should we notice about the worship and the government of the synagogues (vv. 14–15)? How do these details compare with our experience in the worship and government of the New Testament church?
2. Whom does Paul address at the outset of his sermon (vv. 16b)? How do we distinguish those two groups of people? Where does Paul begin his sermon (vv. 17ff)? Amidst the quick brushstrokes, what themes does Paul emphasize in vv. 17–21? What comparison does Paul bring out when he begins to speak about David (vv. 22–23)? What does it mean that Jesus is “a Savior” for Israel (v. 23)? How does the ministry of John the Baptist relate to Jesus’ ministry (vv. 24–25)?
3. Why didn’t “those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers” recognize Jesus or “understand the utterances of the prophets” (v. 27)? How does the reading of the Law and the Prophets in this synagogue service create a dramatic connection to this statement (cf. v. 15)? How did the people in Jerusalem fulfill the Prophets by condemning Jesus (v. 27)? How is Jesus revealed as the Messiah and the Son of God through his death, and especially his resurrection (vv. 28–37)?
4. What is the main message of the salvation that God has provided through Jesus (vv. 38–39)? Why is forgiveness of sins so central to the gospel proclamation? How does justification by faith alone in Christ alone fulfill the promises that God made to Israel in the Old Testament? If this message is true, why must Paul still warn the people not to turn away from the gospel, quoting Habakkuk 1:5 (v. 41)? What does this message demand from you today?
