Appointed to Eternal Life

Acts 13:48  Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.  And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Context:

  • The Spirit specifically called for Paul and Barnabas to be sent on a missionary journey (13:1 – 4)
  • In Antioch of Pisidia, a group of Gentiles who attended synagogue services heard Paul’s first message and begged for more (13:42)
  • The next Sabbath, a large number of Gentiles attended synagogue services in order to hear the Word of God (13:44)

Appointed or ordained (tassw):

To arrange in an orderly manner

  • Matthew 28:16  The eleven disciples went…to the mountain which Jesus had appointed.
  • Luke 1:8  While he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,
  • Luke 7:8  A centurion said, “I am a man set under authority.” 
  • Acts 12:21  So on the set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne.
  • Acts 15:2  They determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go.
  • Acts 22:10  The Lord said to me [Paul], “Arise and go into Damascus and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.”
  • Acts 28:23  So when they had appointed him [Paul] a day, many came to him.
  • Romans 13:1  “The authorities that exist are ordained of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:40  Let all things be done decently and in order.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:23  But each one in his own order; Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:15  The household of Stephanus…has devoted themselves to the ministry.
  • Colossians 2:5  Although I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order
  • Hebrews 5:6, 7:11  According to the order of Melchizedek.

Conclusions:

  • The emphasis of the word is orderliness and planning
  • Therefore, [this event] was set up in an orderly manner by God.
  • Paul and Barnabas were sent specifically by God.
  • God knows the hearts of all people.
  • These Gentiles already had demonstrated a desire to know about Jehovah.
  • God arranged the meeting of good hearts with the good news.