Fulfilled.  If you want one word for the gospel of Jesus for the Jews, it is that word.  Fulfilled.

Paul and company go to Pisidian Antioch to preach the gospel.  It wasn’t all smooth sailing.  Half way there John Mark deserts them.  It is painful but these things happen.  Those who keep their eyes on the mission don’t lose heart.

So when they arrive, Paul and the brothers are invited to speak as was common when visitors came.  So they stood up and presented the gospel in a way that the Jews understood.

Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

He showed how in the Law and the Prophets Jesus was going to be killed and raised again.  People likely knew Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 about the death of the Messiah.  But they may have missed Psalm 16:10 about his resurrection.

After Paul spoke, many of the Jews and converts to Judaism were eager to know more.  Everyone was fine with that.

Until the next Sabbath day, the whole city practically turned out.  That’s when it all changed.

Jealousy struck like lightning.

But those who were appointed for salvation believed.  And the Word of God spread throughout the whole region.

Of course those with jealousy stirred up the leaders of the city and expelled them.

And the disciples?

Filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Paul spoke the word of God that Jesus is the Messiah, raised from the dead who now offers forgiveness of sins in his names.

The people were thirsty for the message.  But when the crowds came, their turf felt threatened.

Wherever the gospel begins to spread, there will be jealousy and opposition.  It doesn’t mean stop preaching the gospel for fear of displeasing the people.  It means keep on preaching, and at some point, you may need to leave.

But rejoice.  Because if anything, persecution makes people more interested.  They want to know what they are not allowed to know.

Also it can increase the boldness of the other disciples.  Boldness rises up with boldness.