13:16
Paul now speaks to the synagogue. Sometimes the messages recorded in Acts begin with Jesus, other times they give a broader sweep of Israel’s history. Stephen’s speech is the best example of the latter. Paul’s speech here is also an example of the latter. The recorded speech is much shorter than Stephen’s, though we must remember that what we have recorded is a very much condensed version. Paul could speak for a very long time (Acts 20:9). The audience consisted of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.
13:17-19
Paul starts by reminding them that the God of Israel chose their ancestors. The emphasis throughout is that it is a God driven enterprise. We all do well to remember that. If we turn it into a man-centred enterprise then we very quickly go off the rails. Then he reminds them how God first prospered them in Egypt, and then used mighty power (i.e. the plagues and the Red Sea) to lead them out. After then God “endured their conduct in the wilderness”. The Israelites were never a particularly obedient bunch! After that God “overthrew seven nations in Canaan”. It was God who gave them the Promised Land. If we read Deuteronomy and Joshua there are repeated statements that it was God who gave their enemies into their hands.
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