The apostle Paul’s first and longest recorded sermon deals with the theme of God’s promise of salvation: “From the offspring of this man [David], according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus” (13:23). “To us the word of this salvation is sent out” (13:26). “And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to our children [or, to us, their children] in that He raised up Jesus, as it also is written …” (13:32-33).  The sermon falls into three parts, each beginning with Paul’s direct address to the congregation:

1. The Gospel Continues to Progress (v.13-15)
2. The Gospel Begins in the Old Testament (v.16-25)
3. The Gospel is Relevant for YOU. (v.26-41)

God’s promise to send a Saviour and His fulfillment of that promise in sending Jesus demands a response. The God who keeps His promises is also the God who carries through with His warnings! Paul’s sermon gives abundant evidence that God faithfully kept His gracious promise to send Jesus as the Saviour of all who will believe in Him. The word of this salvation is sent to you (13:26). Through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you (13:38). Through Him everyone who believes is justified in God’s sight (13:39). But also, all who scoff at Him or ignore Him “will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thess. 1:9). Remember, Paul was speaking here to a religious audience. Everyone present believed in God. But they needed personally to put their trust in His promise of salvation through Jesus Christ so that the words of His warning did not come upon them.

Discussion Questions

1. Why must God’s election be the cause, not the result, of our faith in Christ?
2. Why is it important to affirm that God is sovereign even over evil?
3. Why must a person believe in the deity of Jesus Christ in order to be saved?
4. What lessons can we learn about witnessing from Paul’s presentation of the gospel here?