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Meditations for Muslims: Paul's Sermon at Antioch (Western Turkey)

The Governor of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus, became a follower of Jesus. This is recorded in Acts 13. Also, in this chapter is Paul’s sermon at Antioch (Western Turkey).

Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people. "We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: "'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' So it is stated elsewhere: “‘You will not let your Holy One see decay.' "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.' Acts 13:26-41 (NIV)

Notice verses 29, 30 and 39.

When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. Acts 13:29

But God raised him from the dead…Acts 13:30

Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Acts 13:39



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