The Scriptures

Pete Kersker - Jul 14, 2026

After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak" (Acts 13:15 NIV).

Paul (Saul) and Barnabas (Joseph, the son of encouragement) had travelled to Antioch. (This one was located in the region of Psidia.) They started their visit by gathering together with Jewish believers at the synagogue (church building) on the Sabbath. The Scriptures were read and, as visiting teachers, they were given the opportunity to speak.

Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country... (Acts 13:16-17 NIV).

Paul and Barnabas were visitors from outside the region. The people gathered together that day probably didn't know them. It makes sense, then, that they would start their speech with something they all had in common: the Scriptures.

for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance (Acts 13:18-19 NIV).

The synagogue was a somewhat modern invention for the Jewish people. It gave them a place to gather that was close enough to their homes to go to every Sabbath (Saturday). It also became a place where a copy of at least some of the scrolls (books) of the Scriptures would be kept. Every Sabbath (Saturday), they could hear the Scriptures read, explained, and discussed.

All this took about 450 years. "After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years (Acts 13:20-21 NIV).

It was important for Paul and Barnabas to speak to this group from the Scriptures. It showed that they had learned the Scriptures themselves and could speak of them from memory. It showed the people that they believed that God communicated to them through the Scriptures. It also prepared the people to hear about the one that was spoken about, but not named, in the Scriptures: Jesus.

After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised (Acts 13:22-23 NIV).

Have the Scriptures ever prepared your heart to hear what God has to say to you?
How well do you know the Scriptures? Have they led you to Jesus?