Calling vs Calendar: Acts

For many years, I thought Paul was called and appointed by Christ to preach the gospel only to the Gentiles which was occasioned by hearing that he's the one who took the gospel to the uttermost. But this year, it stands out to me that his scope covered the Jews as well.

In Acts 9, when God speaks to Ananias concerning Paul, He says:

“This Man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the GENTILES and THEIR KINGS and to the PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.”


These are not just poetic words — they are God’s mission statement for Paul. And as we read through Acts, we see each part of it fulfilled. Paul indeed reaches the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel.


It didn’t happen because Paul was extraordinary. No. It all came to pass because God said it, and Paul obeyed. The same applies to every believer — our lives and our kingdom mission unfold because of what God has spoken, not what we try to invent.


As we journey through Acts, the thread of God’s faithfulness runs strong. After Paul’s call in chapter 9, the narrative shifts to an icebreaker for the Jerusalem leadership — clarifying the place of Gentiles in God’s Kingdom. During this time, Paul settles into fellowship with other believers in Antioch until the day the Holy Spirit says, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”


From that moment, their voyage begins — and throughout the rest of Acts, the three audiences God mentioned are reached.


Here are a few excerpts highlighting this:


Acts 14:1

At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of *Jews and *Greeks believed.


Acts 17:4

Some of the *Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing *Greeks and quite a few prominent women.


Acts 17:17

So he reasoned in the synagogue with both *Jews and God-fearing *Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.


Acts 18:4

Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade *Jews and *Greeks.


Acts 19:10

This went on for two years, so that all the *Jews and *Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.


Acts 19:17

When this became known to the *Jews and *Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.


Acts 20:21

I have declared to both *Jews and *Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.


Acts 26:1-3

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: “ *King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.”


In these passages, we see the unfolding of what God had already declared — Gentiles, Kings, and the people of Israel reached through one obedient vessel.


So, what’s God’s mission statement for you? Don’t write one for yourself before He speaks it. Never run ahead of God, and never walk too far behind Him. Endeavor to always keep in step with Him. #CITAM2025


We read on and pray.


“Lord, help me stay in step with Your calling, not my own calendar.”

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