2022-May-8: Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 13:14, 43-52 God commissioned Paul to be the apostle to the "Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15). When Paul and Barnabas come to Pisidian Antioch almost 900 miles away from Jerusalem - the Jews scattered in that part of the Roman Empire and the Gentiles come to hear his message of Salvation. When Paul explains God's salvation has come through Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, the listeners realize formal worship at the Temple in Jerusalem is no longer needed. God will meet them where they are and be with them without sacrifices or ritual. The Jews don't have to travel almost 900 miles thrice each year to sacrifice, and the Gentiles too are fully welcomed. Some of the Jews break away from their tradition and accept Jesus. Many more Gentiles enthusiastically accept the invitation to be welcomed into God's family forming the foundation of the church. But the local Jewish synagogue leaders, elders, a...