When the rulers of the synagogue at Antioch, Pisidia asked Paul and Barnabas if they had "any words of exhortation for the people", Paul seized the opportunity (Acts 13:14-16). His sermon is recorded for us in verses 17-41. It is essentially the same message he had heard Stephen preach in chapter 7.

The Jews were very interested in two things: (1) The Old Testament Scriptures, and (2) The Promise of the Messiah. Paul met them at the place of their interest and preached Christ to them. He did not debate with them. He simply preached Christ to them. He did so boldly in simple, unmistakable, irrefutable terms. He spoke with such clarity that when he was done with his sermon everyone in the synagogue understood exactly what he had said. Thus, by example as well as by precept, Paul shows us what preaching is. It is the bold and clear declaration of the free grace of God toward sinners through the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 2:1-8). In this passage of Holy Scripture the Apostle Paul declared the message of the gospel in five points.

THE GLORIOUS SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (vv. 17-19). When he stood to preach the gospel the first words that fell from his lips declared the sovereignty of God. First, he spoke of God's sovereignty in election. "The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers" (v. 17). In the Old Testament God chose to make himself known only to the children of Israel, passing by all other nations. His choice of Israel was a matter of unconditional grace and absolute sovereignty (Deut. 7:7-9). Even so, in his sovereign, electing love, God chose to save a great multitude from Adam's fallen race through the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-6; II Thess. 2:13-14).

Secondly, Paul spoke of God's sovereignty in redemption. "With an high arm he brought them out of Egypt" (v. 17). God's deliverance, or redemption of Israel out of Egypt was typical of the redemption and salvation of his elect by Christ. As such, it was an act of particular, distinguishing, irresistible, and effectual grace. No sacrifice was provided for, no mercy was offered to, no grace was exercised toward the Egyptians. Everything that God did in the affair was for an elect, chosen people. So too, in the redemptive work of Christ and in the saving operations of his Spirit, everything is for God's elect. Christ died for and redeemed God's elect (Isa. 53:8; John 10:11, 15). The Holy Spirit regenerates and calls God's elect, those who were redeemed by Christ (Psa. 65:4). Even the intercessory prayers of Christ are made only for God's elect (John 17:9, 20). Those whom God purposed to bring out of Egypt, he brought out. Not even a hoof of the herds of Israel was left behind (Ex. 10:26). And all whom God purposed to redeem by Christ were redeemed by him (Gal. 3:13) and shall be saved by him (John 6:37-40). Not one shall be lost (Rom. 8:28-30).

Thirdly, the Apostle declared God's sovereignty in the operations of his grace and the works of providence. The inheritance of Israel in the land of Canaan was entirely the gift of God's sovereign grace. "He divided their land unto them by lot" (v. 19). That means he did it without man's choice or will (Prov. 16:33). Israel did not conquer the land of Canaan. God conquered their enemies before them. Israel simply took possession of the land at God's command, and received their inheritance by his decree. Even so, God's elect do not conquer their enemies, the world, the flesh, and the devil. Christ did that for us. We do not win eternal salvation. Christ won it for us! The believer simply takes possession of these things by faith at God's command.

THE TOTAL DEPRAVITY AND SINFULNESS OF MAN (vv. 18-21). The history of Israel is a history of human sin and divine mercy (Psa. 78; 103). The people whom God chose and redeemed as types of his elect were a sinful, undeserving, rebellious people. Paul here declares that God's elect, like all other men, are fallen, depraved, justly condemned children of Adam (Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1-4).

THE SURE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE (vv. 22-23). Throughout this brief survey of Old Testament history Paul was driving one point home to his hearers: God's purpose of grace is sure! God promised a Redeemer, a King, and a Savior, and he must come! Our great God so wisely and sovereignly rules this world that even the depraved hearts and sinful acts of men cannot thwart his purpose. In fact, they are instruments by which God fulfills his eternal purpose of grace (Psa. 76:10). This is Paul's doctrine: In spite of our sin, rebellion, and unbelief, God is faithful! "God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus!"

THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (vv. 24-39). Paul's message was "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (I Cor. 2:2). Everything he had said in the preceding verses was leading up to this point. In this part of his message the Apostle tells us five things about the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. CHRIST CAME (vv. 24-27). John the Baptist had but one mission. He was sent to prepare the way for and identify the Lord Jesus Christ. When he saw him, he pointed to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world...This is the Son of God!" (John 1:29-34). God himself assumed human flesh! "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The Son of God came into this world to save sinners by the sacrifice of himself.

2. CHRIST DIED (vv. 27-29). Though he was clearly an innocent, righteous man, one who "knew no sin" (II Cor. 5:21), he was despised and rejected of men and was put to death under the penalty of the law, according to the Scriptures. The Son of God died by the hands of wicked men, but he died according to the purpose of God (Acts 2:23). As the sinners' Substitute he died as a common criminal under the wrath of God, to satisfy the justice of God for his people. Christ died that he might save guilty sinners from the wrath of God (Isa. 53:4-11; Rom. 5:6-8; Gal. 3:13; I Pet. 1:18-20; 3:18).

3. CHRIST AROSE (vv. 30-37). The resurrection of Christ is God's public declaration that he is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Son of David, that he has put away the sins of his people which were imputed to him by the satisfaction of divine justice, and that the "sure mercies of David", (the sure mercies of God in Christ), shall be bestowed upon all his people.

4. CHRIST REIGNS (vv. 33-34). Jesus Christ is King! He reigns as the Son of David, the Son of Man upon the throne of God to give eternal life, to dispense "the sure mercies of David" to chosen sinners (John 17:2).

5. CHRIST SAVES (vv. 38-39). The gospel of the free grace of God in Christ is the message of redemption accomplished by the substitutionary sacrifice of the Son of God. It is the proclamation of the free forgiveness of sins and complete justification for all who believe upon the grounds of justice satisfied and righteousness imputed (I John 1:9; Rom. 3:24-26).

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAN (vv. 40-41). "To you is the word of this salvation sent" (v. 26). It is the responsibility of all to believe it. If you do, if you trust the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall live forever. If you refuse to believe, if you reject the gospel and despise the Son of God, unutterable woe shall be your eternal portion (Mk. 16:16).

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