Thoughts on the readings for May 4th (Deuteronomy 21, Song of Solomon 1, Acts 13)

Acts 13 speaks of Saul’s name being changed to Paul – meaning “little”; since he now saw himself in that way (see 1 Corinthians 15:9). We see that Barnabas and Saul were chosen from a very select group of believers. Barnabas and Paul first sail to Cyprus – quite possibly where Barnabas has connections (he sold his land and business). It was here that the Apostles were aided by God in the face of a powerful enemy. From verses 13-52 we read of the Apostles’ journeys to Perga and to Antioch in Pisidia. Antioch was in the mountainous region of Turkey. Paul appears to have been sick at this time. Ramsay speculates that it was perhaps malaria. Paul’s address in the synagogue at Antioch is masterful and contains many echoes from Stephen’s defence in Acts 7. In addition to bringing salient points from Israel’s history to the fore – especially those which focus on the coming Messiah – Paul shows how the Scriptures (in particular Psalm 2, Psalm 16 and Isaiah 55) reveal that Christ would die and be raised to eternal life. Through the Lord Jesus Christ forgiveness of sins would be granted to those believing and accepting God’s offer. The next Sabbath the entire city comes to hear Paul’s message. The Jews stir up opposition and are denounced by Paul, who declares that from now on Paul and Barnabas would preach to the Gentiles. The Apostles left Antioch shaking the dust from their feet as the Lord Jesus had commanded his disciples to do in Matthew 10 verse14).