When Difficulties Direct

Throughout the book of Acts we have seen the progression of the gospel. We are reminded once again of Jesus’ Great Commission. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have seen the gospel proclaimed in Jerusalem, in Judea, and Samaria. Now we come to Acts 13 and we see the gospel launched “to the ends of the earth.”

Paul and Barnabas have been preaching the gospel. The Jewish people that they were speaking to were responding with great interest. Unfortunately, this upset the leaders of the people. The Bible says, “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him” (Acts 13:45). Paul and Barnabas could have allowed this to discourage them. They could have looked at the situation and quit. Instead, they simply say, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). The Gentile response is also worth noting. We are told, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).

This story has two things for us that are worthy of note. First, we are reminded once again that God has a heart for the nations. God’s desire is that all people will come to a saving knowledge of Him. As believers, we are to take part in this gospel advance. Second, it was after a difficult situation occurred that the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. We must be careful not to view every challenge as a negative. Sometimes God uses these difficulties to direct our path and accomplish His will. Walk in faith and expectation…even in the difficult times.