Viral: Part 36 - Paul's First Sermon

In Acts 13:13-41 Paul preaches his first recorded sermon at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. In this text he refers to Jesus as "Savior" for the first time and uses key messianic scriptures in order to make the case for Christ. In the opening verse we learn of the departure of Paul and Barnabas' traveling companion and helper, John Mark, whose story continues in Acts 15 and is further fleshed out in some of Paul's epistles. Mark's departure reminds us that ministry includes heartaches but also teaches us that God is sovereign and at work in the hearts of his people. He is the God of second chances. This is an evangelistic text and the sermon has this same emphasis with a call to embrace the promises of God and heed the warning of coming judgment.