Focal passage: Acts 13:26-39
When I taught in public school, I quickly learned that if I was going to effectively teach and manage a class I had to determine what was nonnegotiable. These expectations for behavior were set in place and not up for debate. Coming to class prepared with pencil and paper, respecting your classmates and listening while the teacher was talking were three such examples.
Equally important to having these expectations was that I clearly communicate them. How could the students know what the standard was if I didn’t communicate them?
In Acts 13, Paul delivers a sermon, and in the middle of this sermon, he does two note-worthy things. First, he establishes what is nonnegotiable in the message of salvation, Christ’s death and resurrection. Secondly, he communicates it to them.
Often referred to as the linchpin of Christianity, the message of salvation through Christ is empty if Jesus had not been resurrected (1 Corinthians 15). Jesus’ resurrection not only showed God’s immense power, but it proved Jesus was who He said He was. He was God, which is why Paul makes this part of his salvific plea, “But God raised him from the dead!” (v. 30).
He’s saying, “don’t miss this. It is of utmost importance.” He even repeats this truth again in verses 34 and 37. It is safe to say that Paul views this fact as a nonnegotiable.
The text also makes it clear that Paul extends the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. In verse 32, he says, “We bring you the good news.” In verse 38, he says, “Let it be known to you,” and then again, “through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
Bring, be known and proclaim describe what Paul is doing. He’s communicating the truth he knows.
When we tell others the gospel message we must include the resurrection of Jesus. It is a nonnegotiable, but we must also clearly communicate that message!