surprising ears

Good morning all,
When Paul was first converted we overhear God telling Ananias that Paul will be a missionary to the gentiles. Here we see that ministry start to take shape. Paul's practice seems to have been going first to synagogues when he arrived in a new place. Here he does that with some success but also with some focused opposition. Because of the opposition from Jewish leaders Paul decides to go to the gentiles instead. As we'll see, this mission to the gentiles will be the main focus of Paul's ministry from here until the end of Acts.

For us today this story should make us grateful that God has brought us all into the covenant regardless of our background. It also reminds us that sometimes the people we expect to respond to God's love do not and we are called to share the good news with others who we might not expect to listen. Sometimes the most receptive ears are in the most surprising places.

Blessings,
Sam


Acts 13:42-52
42As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath. 43When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. 49Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. 50But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. 51So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.