Word + Walk: Redirection Ain't Rejection
✝️ Redirection Ain't Rejection
Text: Acts 13:13–51
Big Idea: God's mission moves forward even when people resist it. The gospel redirects, not retreats. It goes where hearts are ready, not where pride resists.
A History of God's Faithfulness (Acts 13:13–25)
Paul begins by recounting Israel's story—a story of divine initiative. He shows how God chose, led, endured, gave, and raised up leaders for His people. It's a bridge-building approach, not a bridge-burning one.
Paul's tone is not accusatory. He meets them in their shared memory before presenting Jesus as the promised Savior.
Reflection: Who needs you to tell the gospel not as a break from their past but as its fulfillment?
The Presentation of the Savior (Acts 13:26–39)
Paul connects the dots from David to Jesus. The law couldn't justify, but Jesus can. David saw decay; Jesus did not. What was promised has now been fulfilled. Paul's use of Psalm 2 and Isaiah 55 shows how Jesus is not a theological stretch but the scriptural solution.
Reflection: Who around you might already be halfway to Jesus and just needs someone to finish the story?
Warning & Costs of Discipleship (Acts 13:38–41)
Paul offers radical hope: "Everyone who believes is freed..." But he also sounds a prophetic warning from Habakkuk: "Don't scoff. Don't miss what God is doing." Habakkuk warned of Babylon's rise. Paul warns of missing Jesus. Don't let familiarity with religion harden your heart to revelation.
Reflection: Am I open to how God might surprise me, or have I grown spiritually skeptical?
Reception and Rejection (Acts 13:42–51)
The gospel finds two responses: the curious and the jealous. When the crowd shows up, the power struggle begins. But Paul doesn't pout. He pivots. Isaiah 49:6 reminds us that this was always about the nations. The Gentiles rejoice, not because they just heard news, but because they now belong.
Reflection: Where is God calling you to keep going, even after people pushed back?
🙏 Walk It Out: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1 – Tell the Story
Acts 13:16–25; Deuteronomy 6:20–25
Walk It Out: Who needs to hear how God's story connects with theirs?
Day 2 – Fulfillment, Not Fantasy
Acts 13:26–37; Psalm 2
Walk It Out: How can you show Jesus fulfills, not replaces, what others already hope for?
Day 3 – Don't Miss the Moment
Acts 13:38–41; Habakkuk 1:5
Walk It Out: Where might God be doing something you didn't expect, and how will you respond?
Day 4 – When the Room Turns
Acts 13:42–45; Proverbs 27:4
Walk It Out: Are you willing to stay on mission even when others grow jealous?
Day 5 – Pivot, Don't Pout
Acts 13:46–51; Isaiah 49:6
Walk It Out: Who might be open to the gospel that you've been overlooking?
🗣️ Adult Bible Class & Family Discussion Questions
What was Paul’s strategy for presenting the gospel in the synagogue, and how does it model respectful dialogue?
︾ Acts 13:16–23
Follow-Up: Who are you trying to reach who needs you to start with shared ground?
What is the significance of Paul’s use of Psalm 2 and Isaiah 55 in proving Jesus as Messiah?
︾ Acts 13:33–35; Psalm 2; Isaiah 55:3
Follow-Up: How can you learn to read the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus?
Why was the resurrection central to Paul's message?
︾ Acts 13:30–37
Follow-Up: What does Christ’s resurrection say about the credibility of His promises to you?
How does Paul balance invitation and warning in his sermon?
︾ Acts 13:38–41; Habakkuk 1:5
Follow-Up: Why do both grace and truth need to be present in gospel conversations?
What caused the shift in reception from interest to hostility?
︾ Acts 13:42–45
Follow-Up: How do you stay faithful to God's mission when others turn on you?
What does Paul’s use of Isaiah 49:6 reveal about God's heart for the nations?
︾ Acts 13:47; Isaiah 49:6
Follow-Up: Where might God be calling you to go, even if it's uncomfortable?
How did the Gentiles respond to their inclusion in God's plan?
︾ Acts 13:48–52
Follow-Up: Who in your life needs to know they belong in God’s family?
🗾 Quick Scripture Reference List
Acts 13:13–51 – Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch and its aftermath
Psalm 2 – You are my Son, today I have begotten you
Isaiah 55:3 – The sure mercies of David
Habakkuk 1:5 – A work in your days you would not believe
Isaiah 49:6 – A light for the Gentiles
Deuteronomy 6:20–25 – Tell your children the story
Proverbs 27:4 – Who can stand before jealousy