- Covered In His Dust
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- Acts Chapter 13 (part 5)
"When disciples followed a rabbi, they followed him closely so they would never be out of his sight, never be someplace where they couldn’t hear him speak. They followed him so closely that his sandals often kicked up dust."
May you be covered in His dust.
If this is your first time getting Covered in His Dust notes, WELCOME!
👉🏽 Read Chapter 13 HERE before reading my notes. If you don’t, they won’t make sense.
You can access previous notes on Acts and Luke HERE.
Good morning Saints! ☀️
Acts Chapter 13 was thick! There are ten verses left! What can we possibly learn from the last ten chapters???
Let’s find out!
Paul had just preached in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. His audience was a mix of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles—those who respected and followed the God of Israel but hadn’t fully converted to Judaism.
I think it’s important to point out Paul’s method of teaching because we’ll see it over and over again throughout the Book of Acts and his letters.
Paul always starts with the scriptures—meeting people where they are—but races to Jesus. He connects the Jewish audience to their own history, pointing out how God's promises to Israel are fulfilled in Christ.
In Pisidian Antioch, Paul walks his audience through the story of Israel:
The Exodus: God’s deliverance of His people.
The Judges and Kings:
How God raised up leaders like David.
The Promise: From David’s line, a Savior would come.
Then, Paul doesn’t linger—he goes straight to the cross and resurrection.
Jesus died to bring forgiveness of sins. God raised Him from the dead to conquer death. Through Him, everyone who believes is justified.
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.
The word "begged" reflects their desperation, like someone starving finally hearing there’s food. When you’re starving, you don’t just politely ask for food. You plead, you beg, because you know it’s the only thing that can keep you alive.
This ONE verse prompted me to ask, “Am I desperate for God’s Word??? Am I starving for it???”
And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Remember to look for what’s not said.
It doesn’t say, "urged them to continue in the Law of God" or "urged them to continue in good works"—it says, "urged them to continue in the grace of God."
By saying this, they’re also guarding against two dangers:
Relying on the Law: They’re reminding the Jews and converts that salvation isn’t about following the law to stay right with God. The law reveals our need for grace, but it can’t save us.
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”
Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Relying on Works: Good works flow out of grace, but they’re not the source of it. They didn’t want these new believers to think they had to earn what God had already freely given.
Salvation
is
a
gift
—something we receive, not something we achieve. It’s a daily invitation to trust in what Jesus has done and let His grace shape how we live.
I think the concept of grace can be hard for Americans. We’re so used to earning everything—our success, our recognition, even our sense of worth. From a young age, we’re taught that hard work leads to rewards and that we get what we deserve.
But grace turns that upside down.
I’m going to point out three observations in the following six verses. Stick with me.
The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
Observation one: Paul is taking no responsibility for their rejection of the gospel. Instead, he puts it squarely on their shoulders, saying they have judged themselves unworthy of eternal life by thrusting the message aside.
Paul isn’t sugarcoating anything. He’s making it clear that rejecting the gospel isn’t just turning away from an idea; it’s turning away from the very gift of life God is offering.
God offers eternal life, but those who reject it essentially declare themselves unworthy—not because God withholds it, but because they refuse to accept it.
It’s tragic.
Observation two: Paul and Barnabas quote Isaiah 49:6, which reveals the truth that many Jews weren’t (and still aren’t) ready to accept: that God’s plan was always to include the Gentiles in His salvation.
The verse declares, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” This was a direct challenge to the deeply held belief that salvation was exclusive to Israel.
By quoting this prophecy, Paul and Barnabas weren’t introducing a new idea but showing that God’s intention to save all nations was woven into the scriptures from the beginning.
I think many Jews were prideful, almost as if they didn’t want others to be included. They had seen themselves as God’s chosen people—and rightly so, since God had set them apart to bring His light to the world.
But instead of viewing that as a mission to share God’s love and truth, many came to see it as a badge of exclusivity. The idea that Gentiles could now be part of God’s family without first becoming Jewish was deeply offensive to their sense of identity and privilege.
Observation three: The repeated reference to "the word of the Lord" or "the word of God"—four times in just six verses—teaches us something crucial: the power of God’s word in the spread of the gospel.
The focus on "the word of the Lord" reminds us that it’s the message of the gospel, not the messenger, that has the power to change lives. Paul and Barnabas were simply instruments; the transforming power came from God’s word.
It says, “The word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.” This shows that the gospel isn’t static—it moves, grows, and reaches new places and people. The repetition highlights how God’s Word is unstoppable.
We see people responding in two ways: some reject it and thrust it aside, while others rejoice and glorify it. The Word of the Lord exposes hearts and demands a response—it calls people to believe, and that decision changes everything.
This repetition reveals how life-changing God’s word is to His mission 🙏🏽
Have you ever read the Bible cover to cover?
I’m not talking about a few verses here and there. I’m talking about a full-scale commitment. A battle against distraction, excuses, and anything that keeps you from knowing God’s word deeply.
Starting January 1st, I’m looking for 10 men—just 10—who are ready to take on a 90-Day Bible Challenge. This is for men who are hungry for God’s word and ready to fight for it.
Here’s the mission: Read the entire Bible in 90 days. That’s about 15 chapters a day. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s for those who are desperate to draw closer to God, build discipline, and lead their families with confidence.
This isn’t just about reading—it’s about becoming a man of the Word. A stronger leader. A more confident believer.
The cost? $1 a day. What’s it worth to you to dive into the greatest book ever written, maybe for the first time in your life?
You’ll also get access to a private chat group for accountability and discussion. This is where the battle gets real. Where we sharpen each other. Where excuses don’t survive.
This challenge isn’t for everyone. It’s only for men who are ready to commit 100%.
There are just ten spots.
Will you take the challenge? Will you step into the battle?
The question isn’t if you’re ready to read the Bible. It’s if you’re ready to be transformed by it.
Let’s do this.
(Reply to this email if you’re one of the ten.)
But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Why “devout women of high standing” and “leading men of the city?”
These women were probably Gentiles who respected the Jewish faith or had partially converted. Because they were wealthy and influential, they had a lot of sway in their families and communities. The Jews knew that by turning these women against Paul and Barnabas, they could create social pressure to stop them.
“Devout women of high standing” were likely not Jewish because Luke usually uses "devout" in Acts to describe God-fearing Gentiles—those who respected Judaism, worshiped the God of Israel, but hadn’t fully converted.
Also, in that culture, Jewish women typically didn’t hold the kind of public status or influence in civic affairs that these women seem to have had.
The men were probably local political or civic leaders with the power to keep order. If they turned against Paul and Barnabas, they could use their authority to stop them or force them out of the city.
But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.
"But they shook off the dust from their feet against them" was a commonly understood term in biblical times, rich with meaning. It symbolized separation and judgment.
It was a way of saying, "I want no part of this place—not even its dust."
It’s the exact opposite of this Bible study.
May you be Covered in His Dust. Instead of rejecting or shaking off the dust, it’s a call to be covered in it, saturated even—staying close to Jesus and letting His teachings shape every part of your life.
A modern comparison might be a phrase like "bite the bullet," which we understand to mean facing something difficult with courage. But imagine, 2000 years from now, someone might ask, "Why would anyone bite a bullet? What does that even mean?"
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
The disciples had just been persecuted and driven out of town, yet they were filled with joy.
How is that possible?
The rest of the verse gives us the answer: they were “with the Holy Spirit.”
Reading the New Testament makes it clear—power, peace, and boldness didn’t come from their own strength but from God the Holy Spirit working in them.
Prayer for the Holy Spirit
Heavenly Father, I come before You, humbled and in awe of Your greatness. I confess my need for You—I cannot walk this life in my own strength. Lord, I see in Your Word the power, peace, and boldness You gave to Your disciples through the Holy Spirit, and I long for the same.
Father, I acknowledge that without Your Spirit, I am weak, lost, and unable to fulfill the purpose You have for me. But I know that You are faithful, and You promised to give Your Spirit to those who ask.
So I ask, Lord—no, I beg—fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Fill every part of me. Flood my heart with Your peace, my mind with Your wisdom, and my soul with Your power. Let Your Spirit lead me in truth, embolden me to share Your gospel, and comfort me when I feel weak.
Holy Spirit, breathe life into my prayers, my thoughts, and my actions. Guide me to walk in step with You, to hear Your voice, and to trust Your leading. Let Your presence be unmistakable in my life, so that others may see You and give glory to the Father.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your Spirit. I surrender myself to You completely. Use me for Your glory, today and always.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
We did it!
In Chapter 14, we’ll dive into a powerful story filled with persecution, healing, division, endurance, and encouragement.
It’s
so
good!
Ready to step into the battle?
The 90-Day Bible Challenge starts January 1st, and I’m looking for 10 men who are committed to reading the entire Bible in 90 days.
This will be an exclusive group, so if you’re in, don’t wait—let me know!
One Minute Inspiration
I love you,
George
Uncovering Scripture
PS: If a friend shared this Bible study with you and you’d like to receive it straight to your inbox, just click HERE to subscribe—it’s free and always will be!
George Sisneros is a full-time missionary in Guatemala and the founder of Ordinary Missionaries and the El Rosario Christian Academy for Boys.
He’s been married to his wife, Vonda, for 26 years. He’s a father to nine children, five adopted.
In 2024, George and his wife expanded to Cuba, joining forces with nine pastors committed to transforming lives through the gospel.