Barnabas and Paul were two pioneers and we read the exciting story about this first mission - this first outreach - this first venture into totally fresh territory, in Acts Chapter 13, in the New Testament.

They preached in Pisidian Antioch, in modern Turkey, and from verse 16 we are given the text and content of Paul's message.

We have the record of what God gave Paul to share and proclaim - the first vital elements, when preaching in a Jewish setting - in the synagogue - but with Gentiles present too - people like us who realised the Jews had something of God which was real, and these Gentiles are interested, hungry and seeking God. These could be regarded as his basic notes. What a treasure!

Paul begins by speaking of God, choosing Israel.

We need to remember that in these days when there is a battle on for Jerusalem, and that piece of land in the centre of Jerusalem, where the Temple used to be.

Paul speaks about the time the children of Israel spent in Egypt - the way they were led out under the leadership of Moses - the wilderness experience - the judges - Samuel - Saul their first king - and then King David. Then, he speaks about JESUS.

David was a heart man - a man after God's own heart - a man who fulfilled the will of God - although displaying various weaknesses - a man who obeyed God.

God had given Israel so much - made you a nation - set you free when you were in bondage – gave you leaders in your own land.

Paul went on to express the truth that God has not yet given you all that He has for you - or all that you need - God has even more for you.

Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism - these two vital areas where faith and salvation are concerned, but no matter how powerful a ministry John had - he was not the promised one - he was pointing to the One who was to come after him - namely Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

This message of salvation - of being rescued from sin - is to us and for us - Jews and Gentiles. Paul speaks about Jesus being executed - the cross - and this being all illegal - and God raising Him from the dead - and those who had travelled around with Jesus saw Him risen and alive.

What God promised, He has now fulfilled. He preaches about the resurrection of Jesus in verses 33, 34 and 37, and how through Jesus, sins can be forgiven, and everyone who believes can be justified.

Paul was aware of some who were starting to react – negatively. "Don't scoff at what I am saying." Down through the years many have scoffed. Do not despise or reject Jesus Christ, but this is exactly what they were about to do.

Others were interested and curious. We would like to hear you again on this next Sabbath. Come again. We invite you to speak further. Now these people were genuinely interested. There was much conversation, and discussion, and Paul and Barnabas urged them to continue in the grace of God. Paul is exhorting and encouraging his listeners to persevere. This important essential element is mentioned early on in his first outreach.

There was quite an attendance the next Sabbath, and their main aim was to hear the word of the Lord. There must have been a high proportion of Gentiles present, because the Jews were filled with jealousy, and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.

Paul displays such boldness. We had to speak the word of God first to you, but since you reject it, we now turn to the Gentiles!

You were raised up to be a light - to bring salvation to the earth.

The Gentiles warmed to the Word of God, all who were appointed to eternal life believed.

In verse 50, real serious opposition arose. Ten days speaking and teaching there, and opposition arises not because of what was preached, but because of jealousy, and the popularity of Barnabas and Paul. Persecution was stirred up, and Paul and Barnabas are expelled from this region.

These two Christian missiles had hit targets in more ways than one, but with no thought whatsoever of giving up, they move on.

The Word of God frequently causes division. That is just a fact we have to live with. Paul's preaching divided that community, and divided that congregation.

But they left behind them a group of disciples who were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit, and these people would just have to get on with it, after only ten days of having Barnabas and Paul among them, and you can imagine how some would have frowned upon their new vibrant faith as they believed in Jesus Christ and were filled with the Spirit of the Living God.

Whenever Jesus Christ presents us with opportunities, we are to take them and welcome them as gifts from God. There were those who welcomed the men who brought the message of Jesus Christ, and there were those who planned to persecute the messengers.

Revival and riot frequently go hand in hand. Ten days or so had transformed that city, and what a rich legacy they left behind.

Sandy Shaw