Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46

Paul and Barnabas are speaking to the Jews first and then, as the Jewish leaders reject the message, these two openly turn their preaching to the Gentiles. They announce this. They do not make this turn without quoting Isaiah 49:6, pointedly that Savior Messiah Jesus Christ is Light to the Gentiles, to all, as Isaiah prophesied.

The Jewish leaders speak openly against the message of The Way. Those who block salvation in Jesus Christ for others must be publicly taken to ask. Sadly, the Jewish leaders who reject Christ’s offer are saying that they are unworthy of eternal life. Paul and Barnabas turn the message to the Gentiles yet still offer Christ to their Jewish brothers and sisters in other places.

Now with their focus on the Gentiles, turning from their ungrateful countrymen in Antioch, the Holy Spirit fully assures them with confidence to continue to preach Christ. With salvation in Christ each person has to choose for themselves. Large numbers of Gentiles come to Christ.

Both the joy and peace of Christ within one’s heart is evident for those who choose Christ salvation — He is joy. We’re shown Christ’s guidance is inward heart-felt and outward, as exemplified in this snippet of Scriptures.