My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Him or understand the words of the Prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Acts 13:26-27

Paul is a Jewish Christian speaking here to remind his brothers in the Jewish faith that the message of salvation has been sent to the chosen ones and gentiles. They are a God fearing Jewish Nation. The readings from the Prophets are read, the rabbi’s speak to expand what the Prophets are saying to God’s followers, and the women in the outer court may listen too.

Yet the Jews did not understand the words of the Prophets. We know they did not understand because they crucified our innocent sinless Savior of the world. Before Jesus died He wept (Luke 19:41-44), that their understanding was shallow at best. Earlier, Nicodemus the Pharisee had come to Him in the middle of the night, trying to understand, looking to Jesus for help– and Jesus tells him he must be born again, born from above, or reborn into Jesus’ salvation. (John 3)

These two simple verses from Acts 13 should cause us a great pause to search our hearts. Are we listening to Jesus’ Holy words from Scriptures? Are we freely zealous like Paul and Silas to speak of Christ’s redemption, not counting the cost? And are we thoroughly alive in Christ because we have been Baptized in the Holy Spirit’s refining fire, so much so that we name Him, claim Him, and live for Him confidently and boldly?