For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Acts 13:47
Antioch, Pisidia, was an interesting turning point in Christianity. Initially, the Gospel was preached exclusively to the Jews, then it was expanded to take in the Samaritans as well. Then, at Cornelius’ house in Caesarea, Peter launched an active campaign to include the Gentiles among those to whom the Gospel would and could be preached. For a time, Gospel efforts focused on both Jew and Gentile. But at Antioch, Pisidia, the Jews in general rejected the message while the Gentiles accepted it. And that has been the trend ever since. That is what was always in the purpose of God.
We often point out that the Gospel opportunity for the Gentiles is a direct result of the rejection of the message, and the Messiah, by Israel. But we should remember that the extending of God’s blessing to the Gentiles is not an afterthought of God. It was not a matter of God being disappointed at the rejection by the Jews and then deciding to give the Gentiles an opportunity. No, our text today makes it plain that God always had the Gentiles in mind. Paul is quoting Isaiah 49:6, written 700 years earlier. This portion was also referred to by Simeon as he held the infant Jesus in his arms in the temple (Luke 2:32). Also note that the Lord Jesus in John 8:12 does not refer to Himself as the Light of Israel but the Light of the world.
It was not until after His resurrection that the Lord Jesus included the Gentiles in His great commission. Earlier in His ministry, He had sent his disciples out with instructions to avoid the Gentiles and go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matthew 10:5,6). He Himself declared that He was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matthew 25:24). At Antioch, Pisidia, the Jews were insulted that the Gentiles should have been approached with the Gospel. To the Jews, the Gentiles were poor dogs. Poor they certainly were in spiritual terms, idolatrous and engaging in heathen practices. Unlike the Jews, they had no practical knowledge of God, and in most cases were totally unaware of the Old Testament Scriptures. And yet, God always loved them and kept them in His purposes. Because we are Gentiles, we should rejoice that we are living in the day of opportunity for us.
The children of Israel are God’s chosen people. But the Messiah Who they have not yet accepted is a light for us in this day of grace. -Jim MacIntosh