I’ve never seen a visiting preacher at a loss for words when called upon to “share.” In season or out they’ll rise to their feet, if they’re worth their salt, and give you something to think about.
Here in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:13-43), Paul does just that, starting his sermon with the exodus from Egypt. You could tell right off the bat that this would be no homily. After briefly mentioning 530 years of Israelite history, he landed on Jesus of the line of David.
From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus. Acts 13:23
What was different about Jesus, setting him apart from the likes of Abraham, Moses, David, and even John the Baptist, was the persecution he endured unto death, and not going the way of all of us, that is to languish in the grave.
30 But God raised Him from the dead.
33 God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus.
34 As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead.
37 He whom God raised did not undergo decay.
In these verses, Paul calls our attention to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and the many witnesses to this feat, in order to set up his “therefore’s” in verses 38 and 40.
38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. 40 Therefore take heed, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you: 41 ‘Behold, you scoffers, .and marvel, and perish; For I am accomplishing a work in your days, a work which you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you.’ ” (Hab. 1:5)
As a result of this impromptu sermon, many—not all—were moved, at least to ask him back for a curtain call the following week (v. 42). If someone calls on you to share a good word, the “go to” should always be the Good News, that this Jesus is alive and well and working in the hearts of “men!”
32 “And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers. Acts 13:32
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