John Kilgallen, «Hostility to Paul in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13,45) — Why?», Vol. 84 (2003) 1-15
Throughout Acts 13–14 Luke brings to the reader’s knowledge opponents of Paul who are called " the Jews" . The present essay attempts to clarify the meaning of this short-hand identification of Paul’s Jewish opponents. It seems best to understand these particular Jews in the light of zealotry which has its roots in centuries of vigorous defense of Jewish religious convictions.
Into this context of divine labor is placed David, to whom, it will become clear, was entrusted the role of bestowing the holy blessings17 on Israel. Because of his singular significance and crucial role in history, Paul dwells upon David: ‘the man according to My own heart, a man who will execute all My desires’. The holy blessings for Israel are in this man’s hands18.
Now, the history of God’s work for His People is severely shortened19, in order to arrive at the time of John the Baptist. Apparently known to the Jews of Antioch, John gives credible witness to a ‘greater’ than he; Paul hereby lays the groundwork for belief in Jesus.
At this point, Paul introduces his audience to the latest of God’s works20. Contrary to the appearance of justice in the death of Jesus of