Paul is preaching in Antioch, “Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘BEHOLD, YOU DESPISERS, MARVEL AND PERISH! FOR I WORK A WORK IN YOUR DAYS, A WORK WHICH YOU WILL BY NO MEANS BELIEVE, THOUGH ONE WERE TO DECLARE IT TO YOU.’ (From Hab 1:5)“ (Acts 13:40-41) This quote is a prophecy given by the prophet Habakkuk to the nation of Israel, predicting that they were going to be carried off into exile BY THE BABYLONIANS. It is quoted here by Paul in his preaching to Jews in the synagogue, announcing that the gospel of Jesus Christ had come, and the fact that this good news was now going to BE GIVEN FREELY TO THE GENTILES Because You Jews DESPISE JESUS even though you are in amazement and wonderment, you will perish because you refuse to ACCEPT JESUS AS THE MESIAH.
“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said (to the Jews), “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since YOU REJECT IT, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.” (Acts 13:46) This is what is sad, the still unbelieving Jews will be left behind when the rapture takes place, They will enter into a covenant with the anti-christ for seven years, “…he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week (šāḇûaʿ: period of seven years); But in the middle of the week He shall BRING AN END TO SACRIFICE and offering.” (Dan. 9:27) Then as Jesus says, “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the ABOMINATION THAT CAUSES DESOLATION,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matt. 24:15-16)
This is when the Jews finally “see” they have been deceived and repent and turn to God. Unfortunately many will be killed. While all of this is happening Christians will be with Christ at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
-Bill Stockham