Join Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb as they discuss the transformation of Paul from a law-abiding Pharisee to preaching freedom from the law of Moses. Explore Paul's Apostolic Sermon in Acts 13, the message of salvation and Jesus' resurrection, and the implications of ignorance and fulfillment of prophecy.
Paul emphasizes justification through faith in Christ's work, highlighting freedom from the law of Moses.
Paul's sermon in Acts 13 showcases Jesus as fulfillment of prophecies, offering salvation and righteousness through faith.
Deep dives
Paul Preaches Justification Through Christ's Finished Work
Paul consistently emphasizes the message of justification through faith in Christ's finished work, highlighting the importance of the gospel message of justification in his sermons. He points out that the law of Moses cannot free individuals from sin, underscoring the need for Christ's work on the cross to provide freedom from the law and forgiveness of sins. Throughout his preaching, Paul stresses the continual need for the promise of justification to be proclaimed repeatedly, offering hope and encouragement to believers.
Paul's Sermon: Reflecting on Israel's History and God's Initiative
In his sermon based on Acts 13, Paul recaps Israel's history from the patriarchs to the monarchy, emphasizing God's initiative of grace throughout. By referencing historical events and prophecies, Paul highlights how Jesus fulfills the promises made to David and serves as the Savior. He underscores that God's work in history, culminating in Christ, demonstrates redemption and fulfillment of prophecies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus as the cornerstone of faith.
The Good News Proclaimed: Salvation Through Jesus Christ
Paul's preaching declares the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that forgiveness of sins is proclaimed through Him. He emphasizes that believing in Christ leads to freedom from the limitations of the law of Moses, providing a path to righteousness and justification. Paul's message focuses on the transformative power of faith in Christ and the liberation it offers from the bondage of sin and the demands of the law.
Message of Hope and Encouragement to All Hearers
Paul's sermon radiates a message of hope and encouragement to all listeners, inviting believers, skeptics, and legalists to embrace the promise of salvation through Christ. By portraying Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecies and the key to forgiveness and righteousness, Paul seeks to inspire faith and convey the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. His words echo with the reminder that the gospel message of redemption and justification holds relevance for individuals at any stage of their spiritual journey.
In Acts 13:16-41, we encounter the newly converted Paul preaching at the synagogue in Antioch. In this episode, Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb discuss what happened between Stephen’s death and Paul’s conversion, and what uniquely transformed Paul from a law-abiding Pharisee to preaching “[freedom] from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.”