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Here we have an account of another journey which Paul and Barnabas took to preach, plant, and propagate the gospel: Namely to Perga, in Pamphylia; and from thence to Antioch in Pisidia, so called, to distinguish it from the other Antioch in Syria, from whence they were sent forth, Act_13:1-3, where their colleague and companion John Mark withdrew from them and went no further with them to the work.
This Paul took very ill, as he might, if he left them because of the difficulties and dangers, which he saw did accompany and attend them in the planting and propagating of the gospel; for he that putteth his hand to that plough, and then draweth back, justly deserveth censure and reproof. However, such was the zeal of the two apostles, that they travel on to Antioch without their companion, where entering into one of the synagogues of the Jews on the sabbath day; after the reading some sections in the law and the prophets, as their manner was, the rulers of the synagogues desired a word of exhortation from them.
Where note, How wonderfully God over-ruled the hearts of these rulers of the synagogues, not only to suffer, but to desire the apostles to preach the gospel to them. Hereupon the apostle St. Paul stands up, and makes a most excellent sermon to them in the following verses.
Where note, How readily the blessed apostle embraces an opportunity to preach the gospel: the rulers need not ask him twice: Little importunity will serve to persuade an holy heart to undertake the work of God. The faithful ministers of Christ are forward for, as well as zealous in, their Master's work. No sooner did the rulers of the synagogue request a word of exhortation from the apostle, but immediately, though not unpreparedly, he stands up, and preaches to the people.