In the middle of Acts 13, we read that Paul and his companions came to the city of Pisidian Antioch in central Asia Minor, different from their sending church in Antioch on the coast of Syria. On the Sabbath, it says they entered the synagogue and sat down.
And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them saying, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it” (v. 15).
I have to laugh to myself facetiously when I read that. Imagine Paul politely declining: “No thank you.” If these officials only knew who they were asking! Actually they were about to find out, as Paul proceeded to give an abbreviated history of God’s working with Israel. He demonstrated how God fulfilled His promises to Israel through David by bringing a Savior, Jesus, to Israel (vv. 17-25). Paul told them of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, referring again to God’s word through David; and how they needed to believe in the person and work of Jesus for forgiveness of sins and justification before God (vv. 26-41).
Am I / are we ready to proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to those who look to us for an exhortation from God. 1 Peter 3:15 says:
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
And the best defense is a clear presentation of the gospel, centered in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and justification before a holy God.
Yours and His,
Pastor Ed