These verses show the contrasting responses to the Gospel. There is the very positive note that from Pisidian Antioch the message of the Lord spread across the whole region (v49). We are not told if that is the work of Paul and Barnabas or if, as is likely, the new converts were involved in this as well.

A work which began with one small step with one sermon at a synagogue grew wonderfully by God’s grace. We must pray for the spread of the Gospel.

The other side of this is the growing opposition caused by the Jews (v50). Why was it women of ‘high standing’ and ‘leading’ men of the city involved in this opposition? The answer is surely to do with pride. The Gospel goes totally against human pride. Those who think a lot of themselves are easy for the devil to use in opposing the Gospel, particularly if they are religious.

Paul and Barnabas shake off the dust from their feet as they leave (v51), a sign they were considering the Jews to be God-rejecting pagans. These Jews were under the judgment of God.

But look at how the disciples felt even in the middle of this opposition (52). The believer filled with joy and the Holy Spirit will be a powerful witness.