“When the Gentiles hear this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region.”

Acts 13:48 – 49 NASB

Closed gates, secret clubs, hushed whispers can lead us all to wonder what happens behind closed doors. Feeling like an outsider never feels good, even if being on the outside can benefit you. But what if the inside loop was not really what you imagined? What if the inside loop had it all wrong, and the knowledge in which they hold so tight to, was false? In today’s passage we see that the outsiders will be the ones who benefit eternally from the lack of knowledge and faith from those on the inside loop.

Paul and Barnabas were bringing the people a fresh word to the Gentiles and to the Israelites it had become a harsh word. The Israelite leaders had sat inside the gates of their synagogue holding onto the power and prestige while those outside sat in darkness and death. The Israelite leaders had the ability at any time to share the Word with those around them but yet they did not. Paul and Barnabas spoke of Jesus who wanted all to come to repentance and follow Him – His sacrifice was for everyone, the Jew and the Gentile! At this new knowledge, many of the outsiders rejoiced because now they had hope! Eternal life was being brought to them outside of the walls, outside of the secrecy, outside of the rituals that did not include them. How exciting would that to be to find out that a spot was open to you, an invitation was waiting!! Today, let us not be like the Israelites who held onto rituals or judgements towards who we think deserves to be included, but let us be like Paul and Barnabas carrying the Good News of Salvation to all people, everywhere we go.