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THE APOSTLE OF THE RECONCILIATION 21
As an example and, may we hope, as a stimulus to further study, we analyse Paul's first address, recorded in Acts
13.
Acts 13:16-41
Paul's First Missionary Address
1. Its setting.
A 6-13. Typical Miracle. Jew Blinded.
Gentile believes.
B 14-41. The Address to Jews and Gentiles.
A 42-48. Typical result. Jews filled with envy,
Gentiles believe.
2. Its substance.
A i.
A Person. A Saviour, Jesus (23).
ii.
A People. To Israel.
B i.
A Proclamation. The word of this Salvation (26).
ii.
A People. To you, both Jew and Gentile.
C i.
A Preaching. Forgiveness of Sins (38).
ii.
A Peculiarly Pauline Message.
JUSTIFICATION (39).
D i. A Prophetic Warning.
Beware ... lest that come upon you. Israel (40).
ii. A Prophetic Encouragement.
Light of the Gentiles (47).
3. Its Structure.
The apostle divides his message into three parts by the personal form of address:
1. Men of Israel, and ye that fear God (Jews and Gentiles) (16).
Preparation. Christ. Seed of David (17-25).
2. Men, brethren, children of the stock of Israel, and whosoever among you feareth God (Jew and Gentiles)
(26).
Fulfilment. Christ. Seed of David (27-37).
3. Men and brethren (Jews) (38,39).
We may have occasion to return to this address, and to compare its teaching with the epistle to the Galatians; but
that will the better come in its place when we have considered the claim of this first missionary journey to be the one
to `the Churches of Galatia'.
The reader will observe a certain parallel between this address and that of Stephen recorded in Acts 7. Also
Peter's speech on the day of Pentecost finds some parallels of a striking nature, particularly the emphasis upon the
connection of Christ's resurrection with David.
The marks of departure from Peter's teaching are also important. Peter addresses:
`Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem: Ye men of Israel ... all the House of Israel' (2:14, 22 and
36).
Peter calls upon his hearers to
`Repent, and be baptized ... for the remission of sins' (2:38).