The Gentiles See the Light

Later, in important centers, Paul and his companions preached the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. But from this time on their chief energies were directed toward heathen peoples who had little or no knowledge of the true God and of His Son. Through the untiring efforts of the apostles to the Gentiles, those “without Christ” who “once were far off” learned that they had been “brought near by the blood of Christ” and that through faith they could become “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:12, 13, 19).ULe 65.10

To those who believe, Christ is a dependable foundation. This living stone is broad enough and strong enough to support the weight and burden of the whole world. The apostle wrote: “You are ... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:19, 20).ULe 65.11

As the gospel spread in Pisidia, in blind prejudice the unbelieving Jews “stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them” from that district.ULe 66.1

The apostles were not discouraged. They remembered the words of their Master: “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:12).ULe 66.2

The gospel message was advancing!ULe 66.3