Paul and Barnabas now sail to Perga which today is in southern Turkey. (v13). John Mark leaves them here, an incident which we will return to (see Acts 15 v37-38). Paul and Barnabas come to Pisidian Antioch where they go to the synagogue and are invited as visiting teachers to share a message (v14-15).

Paul knowing what these people knew and believed began in the Old Testament sharing the story of Israel up until King David and moves from David to his great descendant Jesus (v16-23).

In sharing the Gospel Paul saw God’s great plan at work. Paul saw a world not of chance but one in which God’s purposes were being fulfilled.

Paul speaks of the ministry of John the Baptist (v24), who was regarded as a great prophet, but who spoke of one much greater than himself who was coming (v25).

Good Gospel preaching always seeks to exalt Christ. The Jesus who Paul met on the Damascus road enthralled and captivated Paul’s heart. Paul was consumed by Jesus and constrained by his love. This brought both power and passion into his witnessing.

We need to be those equally captivated by Christ and burning with a love and passion for such a wonderful Saviour and Lord.