45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Verses 45-49 display negative volition toward the gospel by some in Antioch.
13:45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes,
The Jews became resentful toward the large crowds that Paul and Barnabas received in Antioch. The synagogue was packed with people. Almost everyone in the city came to hear them.
they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming (abusing), they opposed the things spoken by Paul.
The Jews were filled with “envy” and tried to contradict and even blaspheme what the apostles said. They opposed the team at every turn. Their opposition stemmed from the Jews’ bias toward Gentiles. The Greek indicates they were “contradicting and blaspheming” or abusing the gospel constantly.
13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
God’s plan was to present the gospel to the Jew “first” (Acts 3:26; Ro 1:16). However, the Jews in Antioch rejected the gospel and judged themselves “unworthy of everlasting life.” Their decision made them unqualified for an eternal future with God (Jn 8:24).
Because of the Jewish rejection of the Word of God, the apostles turned from the Jews to the Gentiles to deliver the gospel. They were “bold” in presenting their message.
13:47
For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ “
Paul quoted Isaiah 49:6 to show that God commanded the team to bring the gospel to the Gentiles because the Jews rejected their message. Even in Jewish Scriptures, God commanded Israel to reach Gentiles.
13:48
Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.
After going positive to the apostles’ message, many Gentiles turned to the Lord. This response is set in contrast to the Jews’ reaction to the gospel in Antioch. It gave them a sense of joy, and they glorified God because of it.
And as many as had been appointed [ordained] to eternal life believed.
As many as were destined to receive eternal life believed. Those “appointed to eternal life” were those who believed the gospel under the conviction of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8-11). Mankind cannot come to God without His supernatural intervention in their lives (2 Th 2:13). He is the One who initiates the work of salvation in everyone, but only a few accept His work.
PRINCIPLE:
God has a program to reach everyone.
APPLICATION:
God has a plan that targets everyone. His plan rests on the volition of those who hear the message. God sovereignly manages His message through the conviction of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8-11). All positive response to the gospel answers God’s call. All salvation revolves around the grace of God.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of individuals to accept or reject the gospel presented under the influence of the Holy Spirit. If they reject it, the onus of the consequence lies upon them.
