What One Must Know to be Saved: Pisidion Antioch
July 25, 2008In Pisidion Antioch, Paul entered the synagogue and taught the gospel.
In his message, Paul summarized the period of Israelite history from Egypt through King David, and taught that Jesus was descended from David. He reminded them of what John the Baptist had said about Jesus. He told them about the crucifixion and resurrection, and how those events fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. He told them of the eyewitnesses to the resurrection. Finally, he told them about the forgiveness of sins available to everyone who believes.
So, similar to Peter, Paul included the following points in his gospel message:
- Jesus is the Savior, the Holy One of God spoken of in the Old Testament
- Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy.
- John the Baptist pointed to Jesus with a message of repentance and baptism.
- Forgiveness of sins comes to those who believe in Jesus.
Subsequent accounts of Paul’s gospel message to the Jews include Thessalonica and Ephesus. In these accounts we learn that Paul’s message specifically included the facts that Jesus was the Christ and that repentance was a key part of his message. Paul’s gospel message to Jews was the same as that of Peter:
- Jesus is the Christ
- Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, in fulfillment of Old Testament propecy.
- Jesus is Lord
- In response we are called to repent and turn to God for forgiveness.
By now it should be pretty clear what made up the gospel message to a person with a knowledge of first century Judaism.
But what about Paul’s message to Gentiles?
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