¹³Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia . . . ¹⁴But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. ¹⁵After 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.” ¹⁶Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: ¹⁷The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it.”

Launching out from Cyprus, Paul and company sailed north to the southern Galatian region (modern-day Turkey). After a series of smaller towns they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, the capital city of southern Galatia (to be distinguished from the Syrian Antioch, from which they had been sent on this mission tour in Acts 13:1–4). There they found a Jewish synagogue and joined in on the Sabbath day service.

We catch a glimpse of the order of service in this synagogue, which followed somewhat the custom of the Jewish Sabbath gatherings. The reading of the Law and the prophets was primary, a concerted effort to carry on with the traditional teachings of Moses (as recorded in the first five books of the Bible, called by the Jews “The Torah” or “the Law”). This was (and is) foundational to Judaism, what binds them together through the centuries and around the world. The reading of the Torah was followed by a reading from the prophets, which would include both of what we call the major and the minor prophets. But the phrase itself may refer to the whole of Scripture, including the historical and poetic books as well.

Customarily, any competent man could teach from the Scripture, especially a visiting rabbi. Word had not yet arrived about Paul’s conversion and the commotion his teaching about Jesus and grace had stirred up among the Jews in Israel. News did not travel fast in the ancient world, which lacked modern communication technology. So Paul accepted the invitation to speak, and he did not hold back.

He began by laying the foundation, making clear who his audience was: “Men of Israel.” This signaled that an authoritative statement was to follow, addressed to them not as people in general but the special people of God. He talked “as one who is speaking the utterances of God,” as Peter later wrote (1 Peter 4:11). Paul further clarifies that he is addressing God-fearers (possibly referring to Gentile proselytes). This is a word from God, so all had better listen.

O Father, help me exhort Your Word confidently to Your people.