Continue in Grace of God

Acts 13:43b niv

“… Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.”

Paul was saved by the grace of God and his life was changed. God called Paul and Barnabas together to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So Paul began his first missionary journey from Antioch where the prophets and teachers prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13:3).  Paul and Barnabas sailed to the island of Cyprus and went to different towns and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Jewish synagogues. They went on to Perga (Turkey) and went north to another Antioch which is between Asia and Galatia. 

Paul and Barnabas went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down. Paul and Barnabas listened to the leaders of synagogue (church) who read the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. After that the leaders asked Paul and Barnabas if they have any message that will encourage the people.  Paul took the opportunity to speak to the Israelites and there he gave his long speech from Acts 13:16 through 41. While Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people asked them to tell them more about these things on the next Sabbath.

When the meeting was over, many Jews and those who had changed to the Jewish religion and who worshiped God followed Paul and Barnabas from that place. They were really hungry for more of what Paul has to say. But Paul and Barnabas were persuading them to continue trusting in God’s grace (Acts 13:43b NCV).  

In King James Version quoted: “… Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” And what was more interesting was that the next Sabbath day, almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God (Acts 13:44). I believe that when they heard, “God’s grace,” that was very new to them.

This devotion touched my heart to “continue in the grace of God.” This means I am to continue to study them and remind myself that we are under the grace of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and our Savior.

May the Lord bless your heart to continue in the grace of God!

Dorothy