And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 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. 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. Acts 13:44-46

Paul and Barnabas began preaching in the synagogues for the next couple of weeks. It says the Jews began to be jealous of the multitude converting to Christ and began to speak blasphemy against the gospel. This event made Paul realize his ministry was directed to the Gentiles, not just Israel. 

As Paul said “Since you reject the Word of God and don’t consider yourselves worthy of salvation, they are turning to the Gentiles” Paul is now understanding the fulfillment of the New Covenant. Israel’s Messiah bring salvation to those who become Born Again, Jew and Gentile

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. 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. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. Acts 13:47-49

 Paul quotes Isaiah “I have made you a light of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6) The New Covenant is not a modern day invention, this was prophesied throughout the Old Testament. God would not only save the Jewish people, but He will also graft in the Gentiles through Jesus Christ! As it says the gospel was spread throughout the entire region

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. Acts 13:50-52

Obviously persecution was coming for Paul, Barnabas , and all the Christians for preaching boldly about Jesus. However, notice what they did “They shook the dust off their feet” , sound familiar? Yes the same words Christ used (Matthew 10:14) If anyone willingly rejects the gospel , move on as Christ said

Notice even during the persecution is says “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” There was no pity party for the early Church, they enjoyed serving Christ the Lord and fulfilling the great commission Amen!