30th October 2025

Chosen By Grace

And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. . .

Acts 13:48

Today's Bible Reading: Acts 13:42-52.

In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas are preaching the Gospel in Antioch. They had just delivered a bold and powerful message about Jesus being the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel. As they leave the synagogue, the Gentiles—those outside the Jewish community—beg them to come back and speak more the next Sabbath. And when that day arrives, almost the whole city gathers to hear the word of God.

But it’s verse 48 that strikes at the heart of how salvation truly works: “As many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” This short sentence carries a profound truth: God is the one who appoints people to eternal life. In other words, our belief in Jesus is not something we initiate on our own—it begins with God’s choice, His grace, His call.

This is not always easy for us to accept. We like to think we are in control. That we found God. That we made the right decision. But Scripture reminds us again and again: “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). “We did not choose Him, but He chose us” (John 15:16).

The Gentiles did not know they were being invited into God’s family that day. Yet when they heard the Gospel, they were overjoyed. They glorified God’s word. And those whom God had already appointed to eternal life responded in faith (v 48).

Paul and Barnabas didn’t know who would believe—they simply preached faithfully. It’s the same with us. Our job is not to decide who is chosen, but to share the Gospel message. God does the calling. 

Prayer: Father, thank You that my salvation does not rest in my own efforts or choices, but in Your sovereign grace. Thank You for choosing me, for calling me out of darkness into Your light. In Jesus' name. Amen.