Acts 13:15 – “After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.’”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes an important moment in Paul and Barnabas’s visit to the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. They had arrived in the city, attended the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 13:14), and now they were invited to speak.

In Jewish synagogues, the typical order of worship included:

1. Reading from the Law – Passages from the first five books of the Bible (Genesis to Deuteronomy).
2. Reading from the Prophets – Passages from books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others.
3. A word of exhortation – A message of encouragement or teaching based on the Scriptures.

As visiting Jewish men, Paul and Barnabas were given an opportunity to speak. This was a common practice in synagogues—if a respected visitor was present, the leaders would often invite them to share a message.

This moment sets the stage for Paul’s first recorded sermon, where he explains how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. The invitation to speak was God’s open door for them to share the gospel.

Historical Context

• The synagogue was the center of Jewish worship and teaching. Since most Jews outside of Israel lived far from the temple in Jerusalem, they gathered in synagogues to hear Scripture read and explained.
• Jews often invited visiting teachers to speak. This was a common tradition—traveling rabbis or respected Jewish men were sometimes asked to give a message after the readings. Paul and Barnabas, as Jewish men, were given this opportunity.
• Paul had a background as a Pharisee. Since he had studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), he would have been recognized as someone with knowledge of the Scriptures, making him a natural choice to give a word of encouragement.
• This was a key missionary strategy. Paul often began his preaching in synagogues (Acts 17:2). The Jewish people already believed in God’s Word, so he could use their own Scriptures to point them to Jesus.

Theological Implications

1. God opens doors for the gospel. Paul and Barnabas did not force their way into the synagogue—they simply showed up, and God provided an opportunity to share Jesus.
2. The Old Testament points to Jesus. The Law and the Prophets were not just historical writings—they all pointed to the coming of the Messiah (Luke 24:27). Paul would soon explain how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies.
3. God invites us to share His message. Just as Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak, we, too, have opportunities to share the truth when we remain faithful and available.
4. The gospel meets people where they are. Instead of starting with an unfamiliar message, Paul built on what the Jewish people already believed, showing them how Jesus was the fulfillment of their expectations.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the writer of Acts, sets up Paul’s sermon by showing how naturally the opportunity came. This is a smooth narrative transition, moving from the setting (the synagogue) to the moment when Paul is invited to speak.

• The phrase “after the reading from the Law and the Prophets” sets the context—this was a structured service where God’s Word was central.
• “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation, please speak.” The word “exhortation” (Greek: paraklesis) means encouragement or instruction. They expected a message that would challenge or uplift them.
• The invitation shows hospitality. The synagogue leaders were open to hearing different perspectives, even though they had no idea that Paul would be preaching about Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 4:16-21 – Jesus also read from the Scriptures in a synagogue and then explained how He fulfilled them.
• Acts 17:2 – Paul’s strategy was to go to synagogues first and reason from the Scriptures.
• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
• 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Paul was always ready to share the gospel.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encouragement and teaching in worship gatherings are key to spiritual growth.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God gives us opportunities to share His Word. Just as Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak, we, too, are given moments where we can share our faith—in conversations, at work, or with family. We must be ready and willing to speak when the time comes.
2. The Bible is a powerful tool for evangelism. Paul used the Jewish Scriptures to share Jesus. We can also use God’s Word to show others the truth of the gospel.
3. Be patient and wait for God’s timing. Paul and Barnabas did not push their way in—they waited for an invitation. Sometimes, we need to wait for God to open the door before we speak.
4. Church gatherings should be centered on Scripture. The Law and the Prophets were read first, then a message was given. This reminds us that the foundation of Christian teaching must always be God’s Word.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He provides opportunities for people to hear the truth.

• The Jewish people in the synagogue had access to God’s Word—they just needed someone to help them understand it.
• God was giving them a chance to hear about Jesus through Paul’s message.
• God’s love is patient—He does not force people to believe but gives them opportunities to hear and respond.

Just as God orchestrated this moment for Paul to share the gospel, He also arranges moments in our lives where we can share His love with others.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus also taught in synagogues. Paul’s approach mirrored Jesus’ ministry, where He would read Scripture and explain how it pointed to Him (Luke 4:16-21).
2. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The synagogue readings were from the Old Testament, but Jesus is the One they were ultimately pointing to (Matthew 5:17).
3. Jesus invites all people to hear the truth. Just as Paul was given an opportunity to share the gospel, Jesus calls all of us to spread His message to the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
4. Jesus is the ultimate “word of exhortation.” Paul was about to share a message of encouragement, but the greatest message of hope and exhortation is found in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (John 3:16).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever had an unexpected opportunity to share your faith? How did you respond?
2. What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas about waiting for the right moment to share the gospel?
3. Why is it important that our teaching and preaching be rooted in Scripture?
4. How can we make sure we are ready to give an answer when people ask about our faith (1 Peter 3:15)?
5. In what ways does God open doors for people to hear the gospel today, just as He did for Paul in the synagogue?

Acts 13:15 reminds us that God is always at work, opening doors for the gospel. Our job is to be prepared, be faithful, and be willing to share when the opportunity comes. Just like Paul, we must trust that God is in control and will use us to spread His truth!