Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:43)
I have taught extensively about the misuse of the term grace in the body of Christ.
In many churches, the word grace and mercy are used interchangeably. The Greek term charis, which is translated grace in English, has nearly two dozen different usages in Scripture. You must study the verse and the verses surrounding its use to know what is being discussed in the passage.
Acts 20:32 tells us, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." What is the word of grace that builds us up? It is the Word of God. It is also the Word of God that allows us to know how to access our inheritance.
In Acts 13:43, as well as other verses in the book of Acts, grace refers to the work of God.
Sometimes, God's work is ministering the Word; sometimes, it is ministering to people in other ways.
Paul was encouraging the new believers to continue teaching the Word and ministering to one another. This was the grace that was given to them and the grace we are all called to demonstrate.
Practical Application – God has given you the grace to minister to those around you effectively, and He wants you to continue in that grace. Look for opportunities to continue in God's grace this week as He places you in the paths of those who need to hear the Word of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:10; Galatians 2:21