There is a major difference of the way Paul preaches the gospel in Acts 14:15-17 and in Acts 13:16-39. In Acts 14, Paul appeals to the natural revelation but in Acts 13, Paul talks directly about the promised Messiah. It is due to the background of the audience. Acts 14 is to the Gentiles who do not have the background of the Old Testament but Acts 13 is to the Jews.
Therefore, when we share the gospel, we cannot use the same approach for every one. We need to adjust our message to a level the audience can understand and relate to.
Mike
From chapter 13 and 14 we see the picture of the gospel shifting from Jews (Acts 13:45) to Gentiles (Acts 13:48). Why? The Jews jealous to Jesus and also to His disciples. As Paul and Barnabas first preached to them they gladly invited them to come back (Acts 13:42). Until they see the whole city gathered to hear them the Scriptures said, "When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealously (Acts 13:45). This is the beginning of the episodes of persecution (Acts 13:49), plotting to mistreat and stone the apostles (Acts 14:5), and finally stoned Paul (Acts 14:20). They cannot denied the message from the OT in Acts 13, and they cannot denied the miracles in Acts 14. They can only kill the messengers. How do we treat the Word of God when we do not like them? How do we handle our jealousy when people like the other brothers' and sisters' teaching more than mine?
Audrey
Therefore, when we share the gospel, we cannot use the same approach for every one. We need to adjust our message to a level the audience can understand and relate to.
Mike
From chapter 13 and 14 we see the picture of the gospel shifting from Jews (Acts 13:45) to Gentiles (Acts 13:48). Why? The Jews jealous to Jesus and also to His disciples. As Paul and Barnabas first preached to them they gladly invited them to come back (Acts 13:42). Until they see the whole city gathered to hear them the Scriptures said, "When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealously (Acts 13:45). This is the beginning of the episodes of persecution (Acts 13:49), plotting to mistreat and stone the apostles (Acts 14:5), and finally stoned Paul (Acts 14:20). They cannot denied the message from the OT in Acts 13, and they cannot denied the miracles in Acts 14. They can only kill the messengers. How do we treat the Word of God when we do not like them? How do we handle our jealousy when people like the other brothers' and sisters' teaching more than mine?
Audrey
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