Sharing The Gospel from the Old Testament: Acts 13:14-15
“14) But going on from 14-15, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15) After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” Acts 13:14-15
We now discover why attending the local synagogue on the Sabbath was such a good strategy. They automatically read from the Law and the Prophets during the service. Every synagogue had scrolls of every book in the Old Testament.
Because Paul was a former Pharisee, he was an expert in the Old Testament. He was well equipped to share the gospel using the Old Testament. It was a natural launch into the Gospel.
I believe the Old Testament is vital for every believer. It helps put a biblical foundation under our faith. Romans 8:1-5 explains how Jesus fulfilled the Law, so that we might be set free to walk in the Spirit.
Knowing the Old Testament puts the whole story together. It colors in the full progressive revelation of God to mankind. It paints the fall and human depravity in living color. It shows that God had a plan for human redemption from the beginning. It also reveals the holy character and nature of God and the basis for righteous judgement.
It puts the gospel into the historical context as it unfolded throughout human history. The early Christians were able to open the Old Testament and show the many prophecies that pointed to Jesus Christ.
I beg you to study the whole Bible. Paul told Timothy, “15) and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17) so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
In this context, he was referring to the Old Testament because the New Testament was not yet complete or compiled. Embrace the whole Bible. Study the whole Bible. Master the full story of Gods revelation to mankind.
Both Jesus and Paul were masters of the Old Testament. Attending the synagogue on the Sabbath and reading from the Law and the Prophets set the stage for the gospel.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
