ACTS 13:13–25
PAUL AT ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA: SALVATION HISTORY PROCLAIMED
Text – Acts 13:13–25
13 From Paphos Paul and his companions set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. John left them there and returned to Jerusalem,
14 but they continued from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats.
15 After the reading from the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials said to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”
16 So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow Israelites and you others who fear God, listen.
17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their stay in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out,
18 and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.
19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance
20 for about four hundred fifty years. After these things he provided judges until Samuel the prophet.
21 Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 Then he removed him and raised up David as king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’
23 From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
24 John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel;
25 and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to loosen the sandals of his feet.’
Historical and Jewish Context
Antioch in Pisidia was a Roman colony with a strong Jewish presence, making the synagogue a natural place for proclamation. Visiting teachers were often invited to offer exhortation after the Scripture readings. Paul follows a familiar Jewish homiletic method: recounting Israel’s salvation history to show God’s faithful action through time. His address includes not only Israelites but also “God-fearers,” Gentiles attracted to Jewish worship. The emphasis on Egypt, the Exodus, judges, kingship, and David reflects the core narrative identity of Israel.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Paul’s sermon shows that the Gospel is the fulfillment—not the rejection—of Israel’s history. God is the primary actor throughout salvation history, guiding, correcting, and fulfilling His promises. Jesus is presented as the promised Savior arising from David’s line, firmly rooted in covenant continuity. John the Baptist serves as the final prophetic bridge between the Old Covenant and Christ. This passage illustrates how Christian proclamation interprets Scripture christologically, revealing Jesus as the culmination of God’s plan.
Parallels in Scripture
Deuteronomy 7:7–8 – God’s choosing of Israel
1 Samuel 13:14 – David as a man after God’s heart
2 Samuel 7:12–16 – Promise to David
Luke 1:68–75 – God remembering His covenant
Luke 3:15–16 – John the Baptist’s testimony
Key Terms
Synagogue – Place of Scripture and proclamation
God-fearers – Gentiles open to Israel’s God
Salvation history – God’s unfolding plan through time
Davidic promise – Covenant fulfilled in Christ
Savior – Jesus as God’s definitive deliverer
Baptism of repentance – Preparation for the Messiah
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 13:13–25 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, emphasizing that the risen Christ fulfills God’s promises and stands at the center of salvation history proclaimed in the Scriptures.
Conclusion
Acts 13:13–25 reveals how the Gospel is proclaimed through remembrance of God’s faithful action in history. Paul shows that Jesus is not an interruption but the fulfillment of Israel’s story, sent by God as Savior according to His promise.
Reflection
Do I see my faith as part of God’s ongoing saving work?
How attentively do I listen to Scripture proclaimed in the Church?
Do I recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises in my life?
Prayer
Faithful God, You guided Your people through history and fulfilled Your promises in Jesus Christ. Open my heart to understand Your word, strengthen my faith in Your saving plan, and help me to proclaim Christ with conviction and gratitude. Amen.