Begging To Be Told (Acts 13:42)

 

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Psalms 143; 146

1 Samuel 20:35-21:7

Acts 13:42-52

Observance: Irenaeus of Lyons, bishop and teacher (d. c. 200)

Begging To Be Told (Acts 13:42)

As [Paul and his companions] went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.

There is a line from an Anglican priest, I cannot remember, who complained that whenever St Paul preached there was either a riot or a revival. Yet whenever he preached, he got served tea. When I first heard that it cut me deep – the worst response I ever got from a sermon was that it was “a lovely speech”.

These are important things for every Christian to bear in mind when labouring as members of Christ’s body to bring in his lost sheep. What works? What doesn’t? What is the best way to make more Christians? What will make people sit up and listen to us?

Some preachers will go into the depth of human sin and depravity, hoping that the Holy Spirit will convict the hearer to turn to Christ for rescue. Others will call on philosophy, in the effort to demonstrate the superiority of the Christian worldview. Perhaps psychology may be brought in dialogue with spirituality, or science with mysticism, to demonstrate how God is not only real, but is working in us without us even recognising it.

Yet look at what St Paul said to get the crowd going: “God raised [Jesus] from the dead… and we bring you the good news that what God has promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus.” (Acts 13:30-33) The possibility that death is not the end; that the great enemy of death has been defeated; the fact that out of every single person that has walked this earth, one person has come back from the grave: this is what got everyone asking the apostle to return for another round.

It sounds astounding, and it is. St Paul recognises this, and quotes Habakkuk in response: “Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.” (v. 41; Habakkuk 1:5) It is astounding, and difficult to believe. But it is true, and it is good news. Christ has died, Christ is risen. And the people begged that these things might be told them again.

How does Christ’s resurrection move you? How does it inspire you? How does it make you eager for more?

God of the living, in whose presence all the lives of those that love you are kept safe: keep us amazed at the resurrection of your Christ, our Lord Jesus, that we may be bearers of your good news and be honoured with the duty of bringing more people into your kingdom.