The Apostle Paul made three significant missionary endeavors that are recorded for us in the Scriptures. One thing stands out in all of them. No matter where he went, no matter where he stayed, no matter where he preached, the message of the gospel was received by some and rejected by others. One might dismiss that as to be expected. But the fact that the gospel can be both received or rejected is significant to each one of us.
Paul took Barnabus with him and visited the city of Iconium early on his first missionary journey. The record of their ministry illustrates the two responses to the gospel message. We read “And it came to pass in Iconium, that they [Paul and Barnabus] went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren” (Acts 14:1-2; emphasis added). In every case the gospel is either believed or not believed; therefore, the message is received or rejected.
The gospel is not something we learn and do. Rather, it is a message we hear and believe. Paul wrote to the believers at Rome, “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).
The gospel is a message that is for all people. As Paul emphasized, there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek. Anyone can believe and be saved; however, it is just as true that anyone may choose not to believe and, consequently, reject the gospel’s invitation to know their sins forgiven and the joy of eternal life.
Paul preached in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. As was his custom, he went first into the synagogue and “three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach, is Christ” (Acts 17:2-3). The response was predictable. The record tells of “the Jews which believed not”, but more importantly, it declares “some of them believed” (Acts 17:4-5).
The gospel message promises light and life to all who believe. It is a matter of simple faith. The invitation of the Savior stands. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Have you believed?
From the Chaplain 