Everyone Who Believes Is Freed — Acts 13–15 | Video Devotion with Dave Miers
Nov 2, 2026 27200
Have you ever written a sermon?
This week, we get to look at the first recorded sermon of the Apostle Paul, and see how people respond. In Antioch in Pisidia, the synagogue rulers invite him to speak.
Paul jumps at the opportunity. What will he say?
Let’s follow along. Paul’s sermon has a clear shape: first, the introduction; second, the big idea; third, the conclusion; and then fourth, we’ll see how people respond to the message.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
1/ The Introduction: The Story So Far
Paul is speaking to people who know Israel’s story and the Scriptures. Listen for who is at work.
Acts 13:16–18
[16] So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. [17] The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. [18] And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. (ESV)
God is the subject of nearly every verb: he chose them, made them great, led them out, and gave them land, judges, and kings.
When we read the Old Testament, the first question we ask is, “What does this teach me about God?” He’s the author of the story and the one at work. Paul is showcasing God – his promises and his kindness.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Then jump down a few verses,
Acts 13:22–23
[22] And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ [23] Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. (ESV)
Paul is not giving a list of Israel’s heroes. John the Baptist had said he was not the one; the one they were waiting for was still coming. Where has this history been leading? Paul’s answer is Jesus.
Paul moves quickly from King David to his greatest descendant: Jesus!
Another question we ask when reading the Old Testament is, “How does this point me to Jesus?”
Paul gives the overview in his introduction; now we move on to his big idea.
2/ The Big Idea: Jesus Is The Hero Of The Story
After an Old Testament overview, Paul shows why Jesus is the hero.
Acts 13:28–31
[28] And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. [29] And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. [30] But God raised him from the dead, [31] and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. (ESV)
Jerusalem’s rulers did not recognise Jesus, but in doing so they fulfilled God’s promises. Jesus was without guilt, without sin, yet handed over to death on a tree. This was the greatest injustice, and yet the greatest moment of mercy: the sinless Jesus took the curse of sin on himself for those who condemned him and all who have rebelled against God. But God raised him from the dead. Death could not hold him down. David died and saw decay, but Jesus rose and lives.
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the message that Apostles proclaim throughout the book of Acts. They saw him alive, and that proves he is the hero of the story!
I grew up in a Christian family; I’m grateful for that! But I’m a Christian today, as an adult, because I’m convinced Jesus rose from the dead. The book of Acts is one reason I’m convinced it is true: Jesus is alive, he’s the hero of the story, and that changes everything.
3/ The Conclusion: Invited Into The Story
Paul moves from who Jesus is to what this means for his listeners. They are invited to receive forgiveness and freedom through him.
Acts 13:38–39
[38] Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, [39] and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. (ESV)
We look for freedom in the open road, a holiday, a fast car, or the latest device. But the freedom we most need is freedom from sin, death, and Satan.
Jesus died the death we deserve, rose again to forgive our sins and give us eternal life.
Paul invites people to believe in Jesus and find this freedom. The law revealed sin, but couldn’t free people from it. But everyone who believes is freed through Jesus!
Along with inviting people to believe, he warns them of the consequences of rejecting the message.
4/ The Response: The Story Rolls On
Some want to hear more; others oppose Paul and Barnabas. Here is the first response.
Acts 13:42–43
[42] As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. [43] And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. (ESV)
By the next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathers. Some reject the message, but Gentiles rejoice and believe. The word spreads despite opposition, and the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
God is sovereign over who believes. We make Christ known; God brings the growth. We cannot grant eternal life, but God can.
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas return to strengthen disciples. In Acts 15, the church confirms that Gentiles do not need to become Jewish to be saved. Jew and Gentile are saved through the grace of Jesus.
One gospel, one Saviour, one mission. The story rolls on.
The Good News is…
Everyone who believes is freed. In Jesus, you are forgiven and given a new story. So take courage. Keep making Christ known. Some will reject the message, but God is at work: his word keeps spreading, and his people are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 13–15
Reflection
How have you responded to Jesus’ offer of freedom?
Pray for courage to make him known, trusting God to bring the growth.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited