Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’” The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. 

Act 13:46-48a

After the Jewish leaders reject Paul and Barnabas, they move out of the synagogue and go to speak in places where they Gentiles gather. They speak to the Gentiles who are delighted to hear the word of God and give God glory for the message of the Gospel. 

Both the Gentiles and Jewish leaders hear the same message. The Gentiles receive the message while the Jewish leaders reject it. The difference was the condition of their hearts. Joy and gratitude come when we decide to open our hearts to God’s word. 

Pray today for a heart that is open to God’s word and free of jealousy or other negative attitudes of the heart.