Paul turns to the Gentiles

When Paul and Barnabus first arrive in Asia Minor, they are initially greeted joyfully by the Jewish leadership in the region. But when their message becomes so popular the people are urging them to speak repeatedly, the leadership becomes jealous of Paul and his cohorts and begin to contradict their teaching and speak blasphemously against them. Paul recognizes at this early stage of his ministry that even though the message was a jewish message about a Jewish Messiah, miraculously the Gentiles received the message with joy and were believing that Jesus came for them, as well as the Jewish people. Paul remembered Isaiah had prophesied (see Isaiah 49.6) that the Messiah would be a "light to the Gentiles."The Gentiles heard, rejoiced, glorified the Word, and believed, spreading the Word throughout the region.​ Indeed this fulfilled what Jesus had said, through the Apostle John, that He came to His own, but HIs own received Him not. But to as many as do receive Him, He gave them the right to become children of God​ - to those who believe in His Name. (John 1.12)