Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Paul preached the gospel. He surely cared for people, but his occupation and his calling was the word. He went to his own people, national Jews. That’s who he knew and, obviously, he felt he’d be able to have the greatest influence with them… he was incorrect. They did not receive his word, and so he moved on. Sometimes you will have opposition, but your occupation is the word. If some will not receive the word of the Lord, at some point, you must move on to someone who will listen. Don’t put the people you are telling about Jesus ahead of the message of Jesus we’re called to share. Love them, pray for them, share with them… but don’t let them hold you back from sharing with others who will receive God’s word from you.
