As Appointed

Acts 13:47, 52

For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. 

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Paul and Barnabas were still preaching in the temple continuing on with the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. Then comparing him to David, they said that when God's purpose with David had ended, he was then laid to rest and saw a corruptible death. But the Son of God did not see corruption! He was resurrected! As they went out of the temple, the people begged for more preaching on the grace of God. On the next Sabbath the whole city wanted to hear the word of God. Many hearts were saved and added to the church.

But the Jews were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what He said, as if they could contradict the Son of God. But jealousy grows into a terrible monster making men act wickedly. They began to revile Paul. Did this bother Paul or Barnabas? Absolutely not! In fact they answered them directly reminding them that the gospel came to them first, but they rejected it to their own eternal destruction. But now the gospel is given to the Gentiles. When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Notice 'as were appointed'. No one is saved outside of the Father's will regardless of the preaching or the preacher.

The Jews were enraged at this. They incited devout people of influence in the city to join them in stirring up persecution  against Paul and Barnabas  They drove the team out of the district. As for Paul and Barnabas, their work was done so they shook the dust off their shoes and traveled to the next city. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

When people are resisting God, they act in horrible ways. But it is so much worse when these things surface in the church. No matter how much worse it becomes for believers, they are filled with joy because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. God's will overrides all the evil of men. Those who are appointed are His! Nothing man can do can change that.

Father,

Stamp out any roots of jealously in my heart. Help me to love others and hear what they have to say, Open my eyes to Your perfect will in all that I do.

In Jesus name,

Amen