Repentance NOT Just for Me

Reading this morning in Acts 13 I am reminded that Repentance is not just for me. Paul and Barnabas were in Pisidia at Antioch and were asked to speak to the Jews there. Paul stood and spoke of the gospel and in doing so, was so compelling that the Jews asked him to come back the next week and speak the same once again.

“⁴²As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. ⁴³And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.” — Acts 13:42-43 (ESV)

How is that for evangelism. You speak once and then are asked to come and speak the same again the following week. Paul and Barnabas were certainly accepted as the bringers of the gospel and it was well received.

And then the following Sabbath came.

“⁴⁴The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. ⁴⁵But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.” — Acts 13:44-45 (ESV)

Here we see that the Jews were only interested in receiving for themselves. They were not interested in giving to others, only receiving. And then Paul and Barnabas rebuked them.

“⁴⁶And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.’” — Acts 13:46 (ESV)

There is the lesson. God has provided for me, yes. He also provides for you, and you, and you, and you. It is my role to get that provision to you in the form of evangelism. I am to bring the gospel to you and make forgiveness available for your repentance. I am not the only one that is given forgiveness and I have to be willing to and take action to ensure that you are provided for with this in mind. Repentance and forgiveness are NOT just for me, but for thee as well.

What are you out there hording for yourself? Are you taking on things and celebrating them and denying others the same opportunity or offerings? What if you provided for others and allowed for their chance at forgiveness and repentance and remember that it is NOT just for you?