In today’s first reading we hear Paul preaching in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia. Much like our Eucharist, this synagogue service begins with the “reading of the law and the prophets.” Paul is then invited to preach, that is to give a “word of exhortation.” Paul begins his preaching, his “word of exhortation,” be reviewing salvation history. This review probably comes from the reading from the Torah (Law) that has just taken place as part of the synagogue service.
In his preaching Paul proclaims that God chose the Israelites and redeemed or freed them from slavery in Egypt. God continued to be with his people, the Israelites, by giving them judges and then a king to guide them. Paul then proclaims the Christian message that Jesus is a descendant of King David: “From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.” Paul’s homily will continue in tomorrow’s first reading: “We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus,” (Acts 13:32-33).
Paul proclaims that God is a faithful God, he is a God of promises who always fulfills his promises. Since God is always faithful, he has never rejected the Jewish people. They were and remain the elect, the people of God as Paul asserts in his letter to the Romans: “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Of course not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.” (Romans 11:1). The new thing, the “new wine” that Christians proclaim is that God’s promise of redemption and freedom is extended to all people and nations. Simeon announces this new promise as he receives the baby Jesus:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 1:29-32).
Paul’s exhortation is for all of us who have seen this light of revelation and salvation.
Image: “St Paul Preaching in Athens” is marked with CC0 1.0.