Acts 13:16

"After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.”"

Key Reflection

This verse highlights the expectation that the listeners, having heard the authoritative texts of the law and prophets, should now apply those teachings to their lives through personal exhortation. It underscores the communal responsibility to engage with and internalize the spiritual messages just read.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. Men of Israel. Jews. The design of this discourse of Paul was to introduce to them the doctrine that Jesus was the Messiah. To do this, he evinced his usual wisdom and address. To have commenced at once on this would have probably excited their prejudice and rage. He therefore pursued a train of argument which showed that he was a firm believer in the Scriptures; that he was acquainted with the history and promises of the Old Testament; and that he was not disposed to call in question the doctrines of their fathers. The passage which had been read, perhaps De 1, had probably given occasion for him to pursue this train of thought.

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