Acts 13:26

Acts 13:26 captures a pivotal moment in the early Christian mission, as the Apostle Paul delivers his first recorded sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch during his first missionary journey. This verse highlights the universal scope of the Gospel message, emphasizing that the "word of this salvation" is offered to all who would receive it, regardless of their background.

Context

Paul and Barnabas had arrived in Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath, they were invited to speak in the synagogue. Paul’s sermon, which begins in Acts 13:16, traces God's faithfulness from Israel's history, through King David, to the coming of Jesus Christ as the promised Savior. Verse 26 serves as a direct address and invitation, clearly identifying his audience:

• "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham": This refers to the Jewish attendees, descendants of Abraham, who were the primary recipients of God's covenant promises.
• "and whosoever among you feareth God": This phrase specifically addresses the Gentile proselytes or "God-fearers" who attended synagogue services. These individuals, like Cornelius in Acts 10, were Gentiles who revered the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism through circumcision.

This inclusive address sets the stage for the Gospel's expansion beyond ethnic Israel to the Gentile world, a central theme in Paul's ministry.

Key Themes

• Universal Offer of Salvation: The verse powerfully declares that the message of salvation is "sent" to both Jews and Gentiles who are open to God. This foreshadows the broader reach of the Gospel, breaking down traditional barriers, as further elaborated in Romans 1:16.
• The "Word of this Salvation": This phrase refers to the Gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins offered through faith in Him. It is the core message of the apostolic preaching, focusing on God's gracious provision for humanity's reconciliation with Him.
• Divine Initiative: The phrase "to you is the word of this salvation sent" emphasizes that this message is not a human invention but a divine initiative. God actively sends His message of rescue and redemption to humanity, demonstrating His love and desire for all to come to repentance and faith.

Linguistic Insights

• "Word of this salvation" (Greek: logos tēs sōtērias tautēs): The term logos here signifies not merely a word but a message, a discourse, or a communication. It underscores the comprehensive nature of the Gospel as God's complete message for humanity's deliverance.
• "Feareth God" (Greek: phoboumenoi ton theon): This specific phrase was a common designation for Gentiles who were attracted to Jewish monotheism and ethical standards, attending synagogue services but not fully converting. Paul's direct address to them signals the immediate availability of salvation through Christ, without the prerequisite of full Jewish conversion, a concept central to Paul's theology as seen in Galatians 3:28.

Practical Application

Acts 13:26 reminds believers today of several important truths:

1. The Inclusivity of the Gospel: God's salvation is for everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, background, or past. It calls us to share the Gospel broadly, knowing that God desires all to be saved.
2. The Urgency of the Message: The "word of this salvation" is "sent"—it's an active, urgent message that needs to be proclaimed. Just as Paul felt compelled to share it, so too should believers today.
3. Our Role in Proclamation: We are called to be channels through whom this divine message is sent. Understanding the incredible gift of salvation should motivate us to share it with those around us, inviting them to receive this life-changing word.