February 08, 2022 – Tuesday
Acts 13:47 NIV
47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Acts 13:47 NET
47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have appointed you to be a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Comment.
Paul and Barnabas and others had gone from the port of Perga to the city of Pisidian Antioch and on the Sabbath, in the synagogue, Paul spoke to them there. He shared first the history of the Jewish people (starting in v16) and then the good news of Jesus in verses 38-39, Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.
They were invited to speak at the next sabbath when most of the city gathered to hear them speak. When (v45) the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. And that is when we come to our Verse of the Day, For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” As you might imagine When (v48) the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Taking a look at what Paul (the assumed speaker for verse 47) said, he quotes Isaiah 49:6b, I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Paul in quoting Isaiah here is shows he believes God’s Servant in the first part of the verse is Jesus. It is interesting to note, Isaiah prophesied this over 700 years prior to Jesus showing God’s salvation through Jesus would not be for Israel alone, but for the entire world. It should not surprise us that this verse is sometimes called the “great commission of the Old Testament.”
This also reaches back to a declaration Jesus made in Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. All the nations of the earth, to the ends of the earth, and all the peoples on earth were to be blessed by the Good News of Jesus Christ. This also fulfills God’s word to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
When Paul and Barnabas quoted Isaiah 49:6b, they were rebuking the Jews and reminding them they had a duty
to encourage the Gentiles to know the Lord and not turn them from His grace and salvation. The same goes for those of us who have become believers, followers of Christ. We are not to close ourselves off entirely from unbelievers. Instead, we are to be a light to them as Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. We are to point others to Him by our behavior and our life should be a testimony that glorifies Him.
Prayer: Father God, Give us the courage of Paul and Barnabas so that we might always share the Good News of Your Son with others, especially with our behavior and lives. Help us to always seek to honor and glorify You. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek