Congregation Book Study, Week June 24-30, 2024, Chapter 11, paragraphs 11-19, Responses.

Study of the Book of the congregation, June 24-30, 2024, Chapter 11 paragraphs from 11-19, Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 11 paras. 11-19.

11, 12. How did Paul capture the interest of the people in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia?

To capture the interest of the people in the synagogue, Paul employed several strategies by taking advantage of his knowledge of the scriptures and his ability to connect with his audience. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul and Barnabas attended synagogue on the Sabbath, as it was a significant day for the Jews, when the community gathered for the public reading of the Scriptures. This allowed them to address an audience that was already spiritually inclined and in a state of mind receptive to spiritual topics,

After the public reading, the presidents of the synagogue invited those who wanted to teach to the platform and Paul and Barnabas took advantage of that opportunity by beginning their speech by remembering the history of Israel, a topic close and relevant to their audience, made up of Jews and proselytes.

Paul also spoke of the history of Israel from the sojourn in Egypt to the conquest of the Promised Land, Paul established an emotional and cultural bond with his audience, reminding them of Jehovah's powerful acts and his continued care for his people and found common ground. .

In Acts chapter 13 verses 15 and 16 it is described how the presidents of the synagogue invited Paul and Barnabas to speak after the public reading of the law and the prophets, this opportunity allowed Paul to address an audience of Jews and proselytes beginning his speech in this inclusive way by saying: Men of Israel and all others who fear God listen. To capture their attention, Paul turned to a familiar and relevant topic for them, the history of Israel, by mentioning how Jehovah exalted the people while they lived as foreigners in Egypt and how he freed them and led them through the desert for 40 years, Paul connected with his audience by reminding them of their heritage and the mighty works of God.

Furthermore, Paul possibly used biblical passages read during the Sabbath celebration, thus showing his ability to adapt to circumstances. In this way he captured the interest of his audience in the synagogue using an introduction that he applied to them. He also drew parallels between his message and the history of Israel and possibly used recent readings of the scriptures. This combination of strategies demonstrated his ability to communicate effectively and his deep knowledge of the scriptures and the audience of he.

In Antioch of Pisidia Paul captured the interest of the people in the synagogue by taking advantage of the opportunity given to him by the religious leaders during the public reading of the law and the prophets. The presidents of the Synagogue invited to speak and Paul stood up and began his speech. His audience was made up of Jews and proselytes, so he began his message by acknowledging his audience by saying man of Israel and of all the others, who fear God, listen. This initial greeting served to capture the attention of all those present, since it addressed both the Jews and the proselytes who shared the fear of God.

13. How can we get people interested in the message?

To capture the interest of the people to whom we preach, it is crucial to employ strategies similar to those used by Paul. The main focus must be to adapt our message to the beliefs and knowledge of our audience. It is essential to select topics that are relevant and attract attention. of people. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This involves understanding their concerns, interests and religious beliefs if people know the Bible and quoting passages that are familiar to them can be a very effective technique, this approach not only demonstrates our respect for their prior knowledge, but also creates a point of connection common. Inviting them to read these passages in their own Bible can be even more impactful, as it allows them to see the message directly from their own scriptures.

Our goal is to capture the person's interest when preaching, so we must choose topics that are attractive to them and that are related to their religious beliefs. If they are familiar with the Bible, we can quote verses that they know and suggest that they read them in their own Bible, so that they feel more involved, the key is to always find an effective way to awaken their interest in the message.

Just as Paul connected with his audience through the story of Israel, we can look for ways to connect emotionally with our audience. This may include personal stories, common stories, or cultural references that resonate with them.

14. a) How did Paul manage to relate Jesus to the topic he was talking about, and what warning did he give?

Paul explained that the kings of Israel were ancestors of a Savior, Jesus. He detailed how John the Baptist had prepared the people to accept Jesus and mentioned his execution and resurrection by connecting Jesus to the history and prophecies his audience knew well. Paul showed that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel's ancestors. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul also gave a warning to his listeners quoting the scriptures in which he told them: Be careful lest what is said in the prophets happen to you, you see mockers, be amazed and die, because in your days I am doing something that you did not do. They will believe even if someone explains it to them in detail. This warning served to urge the audience not to reject the message of salvation and to take seriously the prophecies that were being fulfilled before their eyes.

This warning reminded listeners of the importance of not rejecting Jesus' message, as it was a prophetic fulfillment that could have serious consequences if not taken seriously. 

Paul explained that the kings of Israel were ancestors of “a savior, Jesus.” This historical and genealogical link that Jesus had with the kings of Israel connected Jesus directly to the line of David, a central and respected figure in Jewish history. This established Jesus as part of the divine plan that the Jews knew and respected.

Paul also mentioned that John the Baptist had prepared the people to accept Jesus, noting that John, a recognized and respected prophet, had announced the coming of Jesus. This reinforced the legitimacy of Jesus as the promised Messiah.

14. b) What was the reaction of the listeners?

The reaction of the listeners was surprising and positive, as we read in Acts chapter 13 verses 42 and 43, the people begged him to talk about these matters the following Saturday, this enthusiasm shows that Paul's message resonated deeply with them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Furthermore, once the meeting in the synagogue was over, many Jews and proselytes who worshiped God followed Paul and Barnabas. This following indicates that many were interested in learning more and exploring the message of salvation offered through Jesus.

Hearing Paul's message about Jesus and the resurrection made people interested and eager to learn more. So much so that the people begged him to talk about these matters the following Saturday.

Both Jews and proselytes who worshiped God showed interest and commitment in the message they had heard. This response indicates that Paul's message deeply touched the listeners, awakening in them a great interest and desire to know more about salvation and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus.

“We are going to the nations” (Acts 13:44-52)

15. What happened the following Saturday?

The following Saturday almost the entire city gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas, this massive interest shows that the message they had shared the previous week had resonated deeply with the people, awakening great curiosity and desire to hear more. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

However, not everyone responded the same. The arrival of almost the entire city to listen to Paul and Barnabas caused the envy and rejection of certain Jews. These individuals, upon seeing the great influx of people and the interest generated by the apostles, began to contradict Paul and blaspheme against what he said. he said. 

The opposition was so intense that Paul and Barnabas were forced to respond directly and decisively, they bravely confronted them and told them it was necessary to preach the word of God to you first, but since you have rejected it and think that you do not deserve life eternally we go to the nations.

This caused a strong reaction among certain Jews, who, feeling threatened by Paul's growing popularity, began to contradict him and blaspheme his teachings. Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas did not allow themselves to be intimidated and boldly told him that it was necessary to preach the word of God, first to them, but since they had rejected it, they turned to the Gentile nations. Paul cited scripture to support his decision by mentioning the mission to be a light to the nations and bring salvation to the ends of the Earth.

In the face of this opposition, Paul and Barnabas responded with courage and clarity. They declared that it was necessary to preach to the Jews first, but because they had rejected the message and considered themselves unworthy of eternal life, they would turn to the Gentile nations. Citing Jehovah's command, they stated: “I have appointed you as a light to the nations, so that you may bring salvation to the farthest parts of the earth.”

16. How did the Jews respond to the words of Paul and Barnabas, and what did they do?

The Jews responded to the words of Paul and Barnabas with hostility and rejection, while the Gentiles who heard the message rejoiced and many became believers. Paul and Barnabas explained to the Jews that although they had been the first to hear the good news about the Messiah, they had rejected him and as a consequence God would punish them. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This statement infuriated the Jews who then instigated the influential women and important men of the city to provoke a persecution against the apostles, as a result of this pressure, Paul and Barnabas were expelled from their territory. Faced with this persecution, Paul and Barnabas took a symbolic and significant action: They “shake the dust off their feet” against them and went to Iconium. However, this rejection and persecution did not mean the end of Christianity in Pisidia Antioch.

The Jews responded negatively to the words of Paul and Barnabas despite having been the first to hear the Good News about the Messiah, they decided to reject it, which caused their punishment by God. 

Their mission was not in vain, since they left disciples in Antioch of Pisidia who were filled with happiness and the Holy Spirit, thus ensuring the continuity of Christianity in the Region.

17-19. In what ways can we imitate Paul and Barnabas, and how will this help us be happy?

Paul and Barnabas demonstrated great perseverance in their mission to preach the message of the Kingdom. Despite facing opposition, we can imitate their example in several ways that will also help us be happy. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It is essential not to become discouraged or stop our preaching work, even if influential people or adverse circumstances try to stop us. Therefore when we encounter rejection, we can follow the example of Paul and Barnabas and shake the dust from our feet, this symbolic gesture indicating that we do not bear the burden of responsibility for the refusal of others to accept the message.

If people do not want to listen to us, we must imitate the disciples of the first century, who continued to be happy and allowed themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Maintaining love for the truth and continuing to be guided by the Holy Spirit will allow us to be flexible and find joy in our lives. work regardless of the answers we receive. 

This attitude helps us stay focused on our Mission and enjoy lasting happiness based on our relationship with God and our commitment to his purpose.

Like Paul and Barnabas, we can imitate their determination to preach the message consistently and faithfully even in the face of opposition. This helps us be happy because we focus on doing our duty, without depending on people's responses, trusting that we are doing the right thing. 

We learn the importance of remaining steadfast in our work to preach good evidence, even when we face resistance or rejection.

The example of Paul and Barnabas is an example that teaches us that we should not be discouraged by difficulties, nor by being faced with criticism or lack of acceptance.