Acts: A 14-Day Devotional For MenSample

Responding to Rejection
Acts 13:44–49

God’s plan is bigger than our personal setbacks. Initially, Paul and Barnabas enjoy a very favorable response to their ministry in Antioch in Pisidia. When the leaders of the synagogue invite them to offer a word of encouragement, Paul does not disappoint. He moves quickly through the Law, Prophets, and Psalms and powerfully articulates how God has fulfilled his promises in the death and resurrection of Jesus. The people beg them to return, and one week later “almost the whole city” gathers to hear them preach the word again (Acts 13:44). The stage is set for a citywide revival. But instead, the Jews revile and oppose the missionaries. 

How might we have reacted to such rejection? Paul and Barnabas respond in a surprising way. 

First, the missionaries are not intimidated but emboldened: “Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly” (v. 46). Throughout Acts, boldness characterizes Jesus’ witnesses, especially Peter and Paul (see 4:13, 31; 9:27–28; 28:31). Their boldness does not come from their strong personalities or personal resilience but from the Holy Spirit, who enables them to proclaim the truth powerfully whatever the situation. 

Second, Paul and Barnabas do not take rejection personally. They do not seek to defend their reputations or nurse their bruised egos. Instead, they recognize that the Jews ultimately rejected God by thrusting aside his word (13:46). 

Third, God’s Word orients and guides the missionaries even in rejection. They turn to the Gentiles because the Jews reject God’s Word (v. 46), but that doesn’t mean that the Gentiles are Plan B. Rather, Jesus has commanded them to turn to the Gentiles to “bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (v. 47; quoting Isa. 49:6). Jesus is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). Jesus commissions the apostles as his witnesses “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) and sets apart Paul for ministry to the Gentiles (9:15). Jewish opposition provides an opportunity for new, God-directed ministry among the Gentiles. 

Fourth, God has appointed some to eternal life, who respond to the gospel with joy and saving faith (13:48). We must not give up when others reject or criticize us. Like Paul and Barnabas, we should continue to speak the gospel and trust that God will open hearts and grant faith.—Brian J. Tabb