After Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogue, many Gentiles were deeply moved and begged them to return the next Sabbath to speak more. By the next week, nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of God. The success of Paul’s ministry made the Jews jealous. So, they began to debate with Paul, contradicting what he taught. They also heaped abuse on him. Their willingness to accept the gospel was part of God’s plan to bring salvation to all.

God used the opposition of the Jews to bring the good news to the Gentiles. When they were rejected by the Jews, Paul and Barnabas told the Jews they had to go to them first, but since they didn’t listen, they would take the gospel to the Gentiles instead. The Gentiles rejoiced at this news, and many came to believe, and the gospel spread all through the region. But this success also brought more opposition, and influential Jewish leaders incited persecution against Paul and Barnabas and ended up driving them out of the area. Despite this, Paul and Barnabas left full of joy and the Holy Spirit.
Application: Father, Jesus is our true light. May Jesus help us to be a light to others by shining through us.
One Word: God has called us to be lights