Acts 13:47

Paul quoted the Isaiah commission because he was addressing Jews. Isaiah explained their duty. He and Barnabas were only carrying out God’s will. The servant of the Lord is the person addressed in Isaiah 49:6. Jesus Christ, the perfect Servant of the Lord, was the ultimate light to the Gentiles who would bring salvation to the end of the earth (cf. Luke 2:28-32). As Israel and Christ had been lights to the Gentiles (Genesis 46:3; Luke 2:29-32), so now were Paul and Barnabas (cf. Matthew 5:14-16). Not only had the Jews received a commission to reach out to the Gentiles with blessing (Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 49:6), but so had Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).