"And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that, He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee."
Acts 13:32-33
Part 1
Today: Declaring Glad Tidings!
“And we.”
Paul and fellow travelers went to Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:13-14). Barnabas and John Mark have been traveling with Paul on this “first missionary journey.” But the trip was too much for young John Mark, and he returned home. Paul and Barnabas were faithfully proclaiming the Gospel along their travels. When they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, they went to the local synagogue where Paul preached. He firmly believed that the Gospel “is to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16b). In every new town visited, Paul went to the synagogue first, with the Gospel message.
“Declare unto you glad tidings.”
These “glad tidings” are the “good news” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul is proclaiming to them.[1] There is no more fantastic or happier news in all the world!
For the Jews who have long awaited their Messiah, what better news could there be than “their Messiah has come?” To lost sinners, who are condemned by their sin, they are helpless and hopeless to appease God’s wrath. They can never save themselves. What more excellent news could there be than “the Savior has come,” and He will save you? “Glad tidings, indeed!” But proclaimers (“preachers”) are needed!
“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15).[2]
Those who carry this life-giving message to others have beautiful feet. At least they are attractive to those whose lives have been changed by these glad tidings.
Between Luke, Paul, Peter, and John’s writings in the New Testament, this vital ancient word “glad tidings” was used often. This word means “good news,” “gospel,” “to preach,” “to preach the Gospel,” etc., and these men wrote it down for us at least fifty-five times. Without the telling and retelling of Jesus’ good news, there could be no salvation! This is each believer’s mission, the retelling of the best story ever, to lost sinners! Let the world have their “newsy gossip,” we will tell them the best news they can ever hear!
We will be looking at an ancient promise that was “made to the fathers” a long time ago when we come back tomorrow. We will also see that God always keeps His Word. See you then!
Quote: “People sing, ‘I love to tell the story.’ Oh yeah, when did you tell it last?” (Larry Moyer).
[1] The “glad tidings” that Luke said Paul is declaring to them is the euangelizo. Meaning to “tell you good news” (Bullinger). Today we use the word evangelize, or evangelism, to indicate the sharing of the good news of the Gospel. E.W. Bullinger, The Companion Bible, the electronic version in eSword. Acts 13:32.
[2] Paul borrowed this thought from Isaiah 52:7.