And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. (43) Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (44) And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. (45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. (46) Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. (47) For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. (48) And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. (49) And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. (50) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. (51) But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. (52) And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
It appears very plainly from what is here said, as the immediate consequence of Paul's eloquent discourse, that as it is for the most part now, so was it then; some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. The Gospel hath always been, and always must be, in proof of its divine truth, the savor of life unto life, and of death unto death, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16. And while the Reader remarks upon what is here said, of the whole city being moved with the relation of the Apostle's preaching, I think it will strike him, that similar effects are not unusual now. What a day of hearing is the present! And how is almost the whole city up in arms to attend preaching! But, alas! what consequences follow? Perhaps there never was a period since the reformation of less vital godliness!
But here is the relief to every child of God, which this history teacheth, and which every age of the Church affords the same. We are told, that in the mixed multitude of Jew and Gentile, the Lord's testimony was given. For, as many as were ordained to eternal life, believed. Reader! this is the grand and essential standard. This forms the blessed decision, amidst all doubts and questions of men. All that were ordained to eternal life, in the Father's gift, Christ's purchase, and the Holy Ghost's regenerating grace, believed. Provision was made for these blessed effects from everlasting. Thy people (said Jehovah to Christ), shall be willing in the day of thy power, Psalms 110:3. All that the Father giveth me (said Christ) shall come to me, John 6:37. According to his mercy (said Paul) he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3:5. Precious Lord Jesus! while thy redeemed are daily praying for an increase of faith, give us grace to praise thee for the least portion, which so fully proves our interest and everlasting safety in thee. As many as were ordained to eternal life believed!