In the book of Acts, Peter explained an important truth on the day of Pentecost. He quoted from Psalm 16, which says that God would not leave His holy one in the grave or let His body decay. Peter made clear that this passage was not speaking about King David. David died, was buried, and his body remained in the tomb.
Peter said it pointed instead to Jesus. Unlike all others, Jesus did not stay in the grave. His body did not waste away. He rose from the dead. Because of this, He has been lifted up and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.
I believe there is one way to respond to this. We must turn from our sins, put our trust in Jesus, and be baptized in His name. No one else is worthy of this honour. Only He has conquered death.
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,
Have you ever felt pressured to follow certain religious practices, like fasting or observing special days, as if they were required to be truly faithful? The Apostle Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the Colossians. He warned believers not to let anyone control their worship by enforcing rules about festivals, specific diets, or Sabbath observance.
In the Old Testament, only one fast was commanded, and the New Testament does not require fasting for the church. Jewish traditions, such as dietary laws and the observance of Sabbaths, were part of the ceremonial system given to Israel. However, these rituals were set aside after Christ’s resurrection. From that point, believers began gathering on the first day of the week rather than observing the Jewish Sabbath. Additionally, dietary restrictions were lifted—God’s instruction to Peter in Acts was clear: “Rise, kill, and eat.”
Christian worship is not about following external rituals but about the condition of the heart. Jesus emphasized this in John 4:23-24, where He explained that true worshippers honour God in spirit and truth. What matters most is sincere devotion to God, not adherence to man-made religious expectations
Paul and his companions traveled from Cyprus to the region of Pamphylia in modern-day Turkey. After arriving in Perga, John Mark returned to Jerusalem, while Paul and Barnabas continued north to Antioch in Pisidia. Following their usual practice, they visited the local synagogue, where Paul spoke about Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. His audience included Jews, converts to Judaism, and Gentiles who worshipped the God of Israel. Many were curious, especially when Paul mentioned Jesus’ resurrection, and they asked him to return the following Sabbath.
The next Sabbath, a large crowd gathered, including many Gentiles. This success angered the Jewish leaders, who stirred up opposition and eventually drove Paul and Barnabas out of the city. However, the two missionaries did not give up. They traveled to Iconium and continued to share the gospel with those willing to listen.
When Paul first preached at the synagogue, many were eager to hear more, especially the Gentiles. However, the following week, the large crowd and the positive response of the Gentiles sparked jealousy among the Jewish leaders. They spoke against Paul, contradicting and insulting him.
Responses to the gospel can vary greatly. Some may be indifferent, others hostile, but some will be receptive. Despite opposition, Paul and Barnabas continued their mission, showing that rejection should not deter the sharing of the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas boldly stated that the gospel was first offered to the Jews as God’s chosen people, but since the Jews rejected it, they would now focus on the Gentiles. The Gentiles were overjoyed, as they were now included in God’s plan of salvation without needing to adopt Jewish customs. This moment highlighted both God’s sovereignty and the responsibility of individuals to respond in faith.
After their second sermon, the message of Jesus spread throughout the region. However, the Jewish leaders, along with influential city officials, stirred up persecution, forcing Paul and Barnabas to leave the area. Following Jesus’ instructions, they shook the dust off their feet as a sign of moving on, and continued their mission in Iconium. Despite the opposition, the believers in Antioch remained joyful and filled with the Holy Spirit, finding strength in the transformation brought by the gospel.
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