THE MISSION BEGINS Acts 13 is an important chapter in many ways. Before this chapter, key figure is apostle Peter, key city is Jerusalem, and recipients of Gospel are Jews. After Acts 13, key figure is apostle Paul, key city is Antioch, and recipients of Gospel are Gentiles. In c. 13 the missionary journeys of Paul begin and from this point forward he is known as Paul. Synagogue was the hub of Jewish community. If one wished to make contacts with them, it was the place In Acts 13:17-41 we have Paul’s 1st recorded sermon I. JESUS, THE FOCUS OF HISTORY 13:17-25. Paul quickly scanned several hundred years of history of the Israelites, climaxing with the coming of the Messiah. The Jews understood Messiah would be a direct descendant of King David. II. JESUS, FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY 13:26-37 Paul gave 2 reasons why execution of Jesus did NOT disqualify Him as the Messiah: 1). He did NOT deserve to die (vs. 28, 29); 2). His death fulfilled Scriptures of prophecy. His death on the cross actually qualified Him to be the Messiah. Paul contrasted men’s rejection of Jesus with the reception by God (v. 30). Bad news may fill the headlines but the good news of the Savior coming should fill our hearts! III. JESUS, FORGIVER OF SINS 13:38-41. OT Law could NOT justify the sinner, it could only condemn them. But, in Jesus, God not only forgives us, He imparts to us the righteousness of Christ.