Paul's First Missionary Journey - In Pisidian Antioch; Acts 13:13 – 52 Part 10

Church History: They publicly avowed their contempt of Christ and of his doctrine and law, were not ashamed, neither could they blush. They endeavored to bestow prejudices in the minds of others against the gospel; they sought to draw others to follow their malicious ways. This was an obstinate infidelity. They went out of the synagogue, not only to show that they did not believe the gospel, but because they were resolved they would not, and therefore shied away from hearing those things that had a tendency to convince them. Justly therefore, the gospel was taken from them, when they first removed themselves from it, and left the church before they were asked to leave. For it is certain that God never leaves any till they first leave him.

The Gentiles were as willing to hear the gospel as those rude and ill-conditioned Jews were to get out of the hearing of it: They desired that these words, or words to this effect, might be preached to them the next Sabbath; in the week between, so some take it; on the second and fifth days of the week, which in some synagogues were their lecture days. But it appears (Ac ts13:44) that it was the next Sabbath day that they came together. They begged that the same offer might be made to them that was made to the Jews. Paul in this sermon had brought the word of salvation to the Jews and proselytes, but had taken no notice of the Gentiles; and therefore they begged that forgiveness of sins through Christ might be preached to them, as it was to the Jews. This justified Paul in his preaching to them, that he was invited to do it, similar to Peter being sent for by Cornelius. Who could refuse to break the bread of life to those who begged so hard for it, and to give that to the poor at the door which the children at the table threw under their feet?