Question 1

What is happening in Paul’s sermon at the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia?

Accepted Answer

Paul and his companions arrive in Antioch of Pisidia and attend the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the regular reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders invite them to share a word of encouragement. Paul stands up and speaks to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. He traces Israel’s history from the ancestors, through Egypt, the wilderness, judges, Saul, and David, and then shows how God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus. He explains Jesus’ death and resurrection, offers forgiveness and justification through faith, and finishes with a serious warning not to reject this message.

Question 2

Why does Paul rehearse Israel’s history before talking about Jesus?

Accepted Answer

Paul starts with Israel’s history to show that what God is doing in Jesus is not something random or new, but the next step in the same story. God chose the ancestors, rescued Israel from Egypt with a strong arm, put up with them in the wilderness, gave them the land, judges, and kings. David is highlighted as a man after God’s own heart. From David’s family, God promised to bring a Savior. By walking through this, Paul shows that Jesus fits exactly with God’s long-standing promises and plan for Israel.

Question 3

What does it mean that Jesus is from David’s seed and fulfills God’s promise?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says, “Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus,” he means that Jesus comes from David’s family line, just as God said He would do. God promised that a king would come from David whose rule and mercy would last, often called the “sure mercies of David.” By raising up Jesus and then raising Him from the dead, God shows that Jesus is that promised king. He is the Savior God had in mind all along, not a different plan, but the fulfillment of what had been promised to David and the ancestors.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Accepted Answer

Paul explains that the people in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus or understand the prophetic writings they heard every Sabbath. By condemning Him, even though they found no reason for His death, they actually fulfilled those very writings. They had Him killed, placed His body in a tomb, but God raised Him from the dead. Many witnesses saw Him over many days. Paul connects this resurrection to the words, “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee,” and “Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption,” showing that Jesus did not remain in the grave like David did.

Question 5

What does Paul mean by forgiveness of sins and being justified by faith, not by the law?

Accepted Answer

Paul says that through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is preached, and that by Him everyone who believes is justified from things the law of Moses could not justify them from. This means that the law, with its commands and ceremonies, could not finally clear people of their guilt. It showed right and wrong, but it did not remove sin. In Jesus, God offers a full pardon. To be justified is to be declared right with God. This comes through trusting in Jesus, not through keeping the law. Believers are freed from the charges the law could only expose but never erase.

Question 6

Why does Paul quote the psalms and speak about the “Holy One” not seeing corruption?

Accepted Answer

Paul quotes from the psalms to show that what happened to Jesus was already written in Scripture. He mentions, “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee,” to point to Jesus’ unique sonship shown clearly in the resurrection. He also quotes, “Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” He explains that David served his own generation and then died and his body decayed. So that verse cannot be about David himself. It points to someone else, God’s Holy One, whose body would not decay. Paul is saying this fits Jesus, who was raised and did not remain in the grave.

Question 7

Who are the ‘men of Israel’ and ‘those who fear God’ that Paul addresses?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says, “Men of Israel, and ye that fear God,” he is speaking to two groups in the synagogue. “Men of Israel” are Jews, physical descendants of Abraham, who belong to the covenant people. “Those who fear God” are Gentiles who respect Israel’s God and attend the synagogue, often called God-fearers. By addressing both, Paul shows that this message of salvation is meant for all who revere God, not one group only. Later he says, “whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent,” widening the invitation to everyone listening.

Question 8

What is the warning at the end about ‘despisers’ and perishing?

Accepted Answer

Paul ends with a serious warning taken from the prophets: “Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish.” He applies this to his listeners so they will not treat God’s work in Christ lightly. God is doing a work in their days that many might find hard to believe, even when clearly told. The warning is that if they despise or ignore this message of salvation, they risk bringing judgment on themselves. The same promise that brings forgiveness to those who believe will be a cause of ruin to those who stubbornly reject it. So his sermon is both a gracious offer and a sober call to respond.

Question 9

How does this passage show God’s character and faithfulness?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows God choosing the ancestors of Israel, lifting them up in Egypt, rescuing them with a powerful arm, patiently bearing with them in the wilderness, giving them the land, judges, and kings. Even when they asked for a king in a wrong spirit, God still worked through that to bring David and, in time, the Messiah. God made promises to the fathers and to David and kept them by sending Jesus. He raised Jesus from the dead, proving that His word can be trusted. At the same time, God is holy and warns against unbelief, holding people responsible for how they respond to His grace.

Question 10

How can a believer today apply Paul’s message in this passage?

Accepted Answer

A believer today can listen to Paul’s message in several ways. First, see that faith rests on what God has actually done in history, not on vague feelings. God keeps His promises, even over many generations, so trust His word. Second, take seriously that forgiveness and being right with God come only through Jesus, not through our own efforts or religious rules. This should bring both humility and peace. Third, notice the warning against ignoring God’s work. We should respond with faith, not indifference. Finally, Paul’s example encourages us to explain the good news clearly, using Scripture, and to speak to both religious people and seekers with patience and boldness.

Acts 13:13

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

In Pisidian Antioch

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Acts 13:13

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

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In Pisidian Antioch

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