The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52 (Acts 13:13-52)
While in Pisidian Antioch one Sabbath, near ’bout tha whole city gathered ter hear from Saul Paul. When tha Jews seen tha crowds, they whar filled with jealousy, fer Saul Paul spoke with authority, explaining how tha Son be Skipper’s boy, tha long awaited Messiah. Envious of Saul Paul’s wisdom and influence, tha Jews began ter contradict what he said and heaped abuse on him.
This be tha way of puny people: if they kin not measure up, they tear down.
If they kin not gain fame fer themself, they shame others.
If tha truth not be in ’em, they lie ’bout others. No doubt this whar not tha first time Saul Paul seen this tactic from children of that black-hearted rascal, tha devil.
Speaking boldly, he said, “We had to speak the word of God to you first, but since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.”
Tha Son said as much when he warned, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces (Matthew 7:6).”
If be a fine thing ter sow Skipper’s words. Only always make it yer task ter know tha soil of a feller’s heart. When tha Gentiles heard Saul Paul be turning his attention ter them, they whar glad and believed in tha Son.
This be tha way of Skipper’s treasured truth: most in true need, them who desperate fer help and healing, ‘ill accept, believe, and be healed. Over and over this be tha case. Tha sick who know they be sick seek a doctor. Tha rest simply live with thar afflictions and addictions and if they continue ter reject tha Son’s gift of grace and healing, die on a bunk made of thar sins.
From then on tha word of tha Son spread through tha whole region. I reckon so, fer once a body gets healed and helped, most wish ter tell others. Be this how ya view things? Because ya be grateful, doth ya tell folks ’bout tha Son?
Still seething with jealousy, tha Jewish leaders incited some God-fearing women of high standing and leading men of tha city ter stir up opposition agin Paul and Barnabas. Then they expelled tha pair from thar region.
On thar way out tha city gates, Saul Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet. This let folks know thar eternal punishment be on thar own head. At tha same time new believers whar filled with joy and tha Holy Ghost of Truth.
Some reject. Some accept. Some live empty lives and die tha same. Some be filled tha Holy Ghost of Truth and tha Son’s joy. God-fearing doth not make ya Son-saved. High standing doth not mean ya ‘ave good standing be fer tha Son.
Ya may lay ter this: the who stand tallest do so on thar knees.