Continue in the Grace of God

Acts 13:43

And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

 

Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch sharing the message of Jesus. To begin with, Paul traced the workings of God through Jewish history, and when he came to David, he made the vital connection to Jesus. David died, was put to rest, and knew corruption, but Jesus did not see corruption at all. As Paul told those assembled about Jesus forgiving sin and fulfilling the law, many wanted to hear more including some Jews and devout men. To these he urged them to continue in the grace of God. What a simple way to describe the believer's walk! Continuing in the grace of God means no additions (works, Judaism, etc.) of any kind but simply relying on grace. As Paul said, By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

 

The next Sabbath day nearly the entire city joined together to hear the Word of the Lord. But into the mix also came discord. Many Jews were filled with jealousy and began to contradict Paul. But were Paul and Barnabas intimidated? No, they explained that, It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. What a slap in the face to these people! But when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified God, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. God's sovereign will and plan was fulfilled down to the last person. I imagine the Jews thought they had the last word when they ran Paul and Barnabas out of town, but instead it just meant the gospel would be spreading to Iconium as well. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.  What a glorious time! God was working mightily in His disciples and many believed. The church was growing!

 

Father,

Point out to me when I am not continuing in the grace of God. Help me to live each day in this reality.

In Jesus name,

Amen