The Warning in Acts 13:26-43
Today’s reading from Acts 13:26-43 continues St. Paul’s bold proclamation in the synagogue at Antioch. He declares that Jesus fulfilled all the ancient prophecies. The people of Jerusalem failed to recognize Him. Instead, they urged Pilate to crucify Him. Yet, *“God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem.”* (Acts 13:30-31)
Thus, Paul gives a powerful witness: the Resurrection confirms everything Christ claimed. As Catholics affirm in every Creed, Jesus died under Pontius Pilate, rose again, and now reigns eternally. Paul reminds us: *“Everyone who believes in him is justified.”* (Acts 13:39)
Why God Started the Catholic Church becomes clear in this moment of divine history.
The First Protestants in Antioch
What happened next is sobering: *“Almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.”* (Acts 13:44-45)
Today, similar reactions occur when Catholics proclaim the fullness of the faith. Like Paul and Barnabas, we often face opposition. Yet, they did not retreat. Instead, they responded, *“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it… we now turn to the Gentiles.”* (Acts 13:46)
Thus, The Big Protestant Mistake began: rejecting Christ’s Church while claiming to follow Him.
The Church Created by Christ
Jesus founded only one Church. He said to Peter: *“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church… I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.”* (Matthew 16:18-19)
That Church alone holds the fullness of truth and the sacraments needed for salvation. Therefore, rejecting it is not a light matter. Instead, it is a rebellion against God’s will.
Read more in How God Uses the Catholic Church.
Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled
The Psalms foresaw Christ’s universal reign: *“The Lord has made his victory known… All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.”* (Psalm 98:2-3)
Today, that prophecy lives in the Church’s global mission. Every Holy Mass proclaims Christ’s death and Resurrection. Through the Eucharist, He becomes truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
Discover more in The Bible is a Catholic Book.
Rejecting Christ’s Teachings: A Grave Error
Sadly, many reject core teachings of Jesus, such as the Real Presence or the permanence of marriage. Yet Scripture warns us: *“He who hears you hears me.”* (Luke 10:16) Likewise, the Catechism reminds us: *“The Church is the pillar and bulwark of the truth.”* (CCC 171)
To deny the Church is to deny the Lord who established it. Let us pray for those led astray by error, that they may return to the fullness of faith.
Conclusion
Jesus still saves those caught in the error of Protestantism. However, returning to His Church is essential. Through the sacraments, we receive grace. Through the Church’s teaching, we find truth.
Let us follow the example of Paul and Barnabas. May we continue to proclaim the Gospel boldly, trusting Christ to draw all souls to His one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church.
Learn more about the Big Protestant Mistake
Today’s Simple Rhyme:
“May all be blessed to understand / and be as Catholic as we can.”
