Joel M Bradshaw

5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”–Acts 18

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man [Paul] is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16)

1. This was a key moment in salvation history.
2. Paul had experienced persecution and Gospel rejection from Jewish people.
3. Paul made the decision to transition to Gentile ministry.
4. The shaking of his clothes communicated resignation, rejection, and judgment.
5. All who reject Jesus will ultimately face that decision.
6. But, because of this moment in Acts 18, Paul dedicated himself to bringing the Gospel to the Gentile world. Centuries later, and under the sovereign hand of God, that Gospel would reach a Gentile like me.
7. I receive this text with joy. How do you receive it?–JMB