Luke 9:5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.

 

Paul and Barnabas had preached their hearts out to the people in Antioch of Pisidia. They were rejected by the Jewish leaders but gladly accepted by the Gentiles. Groups of new Christians formed all over the city and they met in houses, caves, or wherever they could. The Joy of the Lord was upon them and the Word of the Gospel of Christ spread like wildfire! And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the Word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to Eternal Life believed. And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. (Acts 13:48-49)

 

This made the Jewish leadership furious and Luke wrote that they stirred up the devout Jewish women against them and together with the city officials, they ordered Paul and Barnabas to leave the city. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. (Acts 13:50)

 

Paul and Barnabas had completed their work in Antioch of Pisidia. Their mission there was finished and it was time to move on. The Holy Spirit undoubtedly reminded Luke of Jesus’ Words to His Disciples when He said And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them. (Luke 9:5) because these are the same words he used when he wrote the Book of Acts. But they shook the dust off their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. (Acts 13:51)

 

Paul and Barnabas did what they were Called by God to do. They preached the Gospel of Christ to anyone and everyone who would listen. Those who heard the Word and accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord began meeting together wherever they could. The Church grew in number quickly and the Lord rose up Leaders, Teachers, and Preachers among the new Converts to continue the Work.

 

Paul and Barnabas were happy. They had done what they were sent there to do. It was now time to move on, which they gladly did. And the Disciples were filled with Joy, and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52)

 

Satan used the Jewish leadership to expel Paul and Barnabas from Antioch and because they left, the Jews probably claimed victory. But, NOT SO! What the enemy planned for harm, God used for Good as they moved on to their next assignment filled with the Holy Spirit and the Joy of the Lord!

 

Trust in the Lord. He will……….turn the tide……….in your life.

 

Hallelujah!        Doreen

 

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