Acts 13:26–33 (NRSV)
Read Acts 13:26–33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 26"My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Verse 27Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Verse 28Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. Verse 29When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. Verse 30But God raised him from the dead; Verse 31and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. Verse 32And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors Verse 33he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.'
Devotion
The context and historical recounting of Paul’s sermon to the Israelites in Antioch reads like the “in,” “out,” “in,” “shake it all about,” and “turn around” of the Hokey Pokey song. The Israelites, God’s “in” people, were outside recognizing Christ as Messiah. Christ’s ministry proceeded among society’s outsiders—people who were women, children, sick, “unclean,” despised, and disregarded. It was a shakeup of traditional ideas of power and a turnaround of the last becoming first. It was the King of kings becoming slave to all, the innocent dying for the sinful, and, in His death, rising to conquer that very same death. Christ’s disciples, who were outside of the religious leadership, became the “insiders” and witnesses to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. However, Paul’s message wasn’t about insiders and outsiders. It was the Good News of salvation for ALL who believe. Paul’s inclusive message endures. No insiders. No outsiders. All.
Prayer
God of All, we praise and thank you for your loving gift of salvation meant for all—no insiders and no outsiders. Lead and empower us to share your Good News to all of our neighbors, near and far, without exception or hesitation. Amen.