◄ Acts 13 ►
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Summary A Light for the Gentiles Acts 13 underscores the power of the Gospel to break boundaries and reach the hearts of people from diverse backgrounds. Amidst opposition and trials, Paul and Barnabas remain unswerving in their commitment to proclaim the Good News. Their courage and obedience, guided by the Holy Spirit, illuminate the essence of missionary work—unchanging faith, relentless dedication, and a profound understanding of God's sovereign plan. Verses 1-3: The Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul While the prophets and teachers in Antioch are worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit directs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them. After fasting and praying, they lay their hands on them and send them off. Verses 4-12: Ministry in Cyprus and Confrontation with Elymas Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark sail to Cyprus and proclaim the Word of God in the synagogues. In Paphos, they encounter Elymas the sorcerer who opposes them. Saul, now called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, strikes Elymas blind, leading to the conversion of Sergius Paulus, the proconsul. Verses 13-41: Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia From Paphos, Paul and his companions sail to Pisidia. On the Sabbath, they enter the synagogue, and Paul delivers a sermon tracing Israel's history and proclaiming Jesus as the Savior. Verses 42-52: Opposition and Acceptance Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles follow Paul and Barnabas, who urge them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathers to hear the Word of the Lord. Seeing the crowds, the Jews are filled with jealousy and begin to contradict and blaspheme. Paul and Barnabas speak boldly, declaring that since the Jews reject the Word, they are turning to the Gentiles. The Gentiles rejoice, and the Word of the Lord spreads throughout the region. The Jewish leaders, however, incite persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who shake off the dust from their feet and move on to Iconium. Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey with Barnabas, as they are commissioned by the Holy Spirit and the Antioch church. This chapter chronicles their efforts to spread the Gospel in Cyprus and Pisidia, their encounters with opposition, and their unwavering commitment to share the message of Christ. Teaching Points The Role of the Holy Spirit Acts 13:2-4 emphasizes the Holy Spirit's guidance in the church's mission. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' The Holy Spirit is the initiator and director of missions. The Importance of Fasting and Prayer The church in Antioch was engaged in fasting and prayer when the Holy Spirit spoke (Acts 13:2-3). This underscores the importance of spiritual disciplines in discerning God's will. Opposition to the Gospel Paul and Barnabas faced opposition from Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:8-11). This reminds us that spiritual warfare is a reality in the mission field, but God's power is greater. Preaching to the Gentiles Acts 13:46-47 marks a significant shift as Paul and Barnabas declare, We now turn to the Gentiles. This fulfills the prophecy that salvation would reach the ends of the earth. The Response to the Gospel The chapter concludes with mixed reactions to the gospel message—some believed, while others rejected it (Acts 13:48-52). This highlights the varied responses we can expect when sharing the gospel. Practical Applications Seek the Holy Spirit's Guidance Regularly engage in prayer and fasting to seek the Holy Spirit's direction in your life and ministry. Prepare for Opposition Be aware that sharing the gospel may invite opposition, but trust in God's power to overcome obstacles. Embrace God's Global Mission Be open to God's call to reach out beyond your immediate community, just as Paul and Barnabas did. Persevere in Evangelism Understand that not everyone will accept the gospel, but continue to share it faithfully. People 1. Barnabas Described as a prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36), is a key figure in the early church, known for his role in supporting and mentoring Paul. 2. Simeon called Niger Another prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch. The name "Niger" suggests he may have been of African descent, as "Niger" means "black" in Latin. 3. Lucius of Cyrene Also a prophet and teacher in the Antioch church. Cyrene was a city in North Africa, indicating Lucius may have been from that region. 4. Manaen Described as "brought up with Herod the tetrarch" (Acts 13:1). This indicates he had a privileged upbringing, possibly in the court of Herod Antipas, and later became a leader in the church. 5. Saul (Paul) Initially mentioned as one of the prophets and teachers in Antioch. Saul, later known as Paul, becomes a central figure in the spread of Christianity and the author of many New Testament letters. 6. John (also called Mark) Accompanies Barnabas and Saul as their assistant on their missionary journey (Acts 13:5). He is traditionally understood to be the author of the Gospel of Mark. 7. Sergius Paulus The proconsul of Cyprus, described as an intelligent man who seeks to hear the word of God from Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:7). 8. Elymas the sorcerer (Bar-Jesus) A Jewish false prophet and sorcerer who opposes Barnabas and Saul, attempting to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith (Acts 13:8). Places 1. Antioch (in Syria) Acts 13:1: "Now in the church at Antioch..." Antioch was a major city in ancient Syria and an early center of Christianity. It served as the starting point for Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey. The Greek name for Antioch is Ἀντιόχεια (Antiocheia). 2. Seleucia Acts 13:4: "So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia..." Seleucia was the port city of Antioch, located on the Mediterranean coast. It was the departure point for Paul and Barnabas as they set sail for Cyprus. The Greek name is Σελεύκεια (Seleukeia). 3. Cyprus Acts 13:4: "...and sailed from there to Cyprus." Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It was the first destination of Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. The Greek name is Κύπρος (Kypros). 4. Salamis Acts 13:5: "Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues." Salamis was a city on the eastern coast of Cyprus. It was known for its large Jewish community. The Greek name is Σαλαμίς (Salamis). 5. Paphos Acts 13:6: "They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos..." Paphos was a city on the western coast of Cyprus, known for its worship of the goddess Aphrodite. It was here that Paul encountered the magician Elymas. The Greek name is Πάφος (Paphos). 6. Perga (in Pamphylia) Acts 13:13: "From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia..." Perga was a city in the region of Pamphylia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It was an important stop on Paul's journey. The Greek name is Πέργη (Perge). 7. Antioch (in Pisidia) Acts 13:14: "On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down." This Antioch was a different city from the one in Syria, located in the region of Pisidia in Asia Minor. It was a significant Roman colony. The Greek name is Ἀντιόχεια τῆς Πισιδίας (Antiocheia tēs Pisidias). 8. Iconium Acts 13:51: "So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium." Iconium was a city in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor. It was another key location in Paul's missionary work. The Greek name is Ἰκόνιον (Ikonion). Events 1. Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul In the church at Antioch, prophets and teachers, including Barnabas and Saul, were worshiping and fasting. The Holy Spirit instructed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. After fasting and praying, they laid hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:1-3). 2. Preaching in Cyprus Barnabas and Saul, accompanied by John Mark, traveled to Cyprus. They proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, starting in Salamis (Acts 13:4-5). 3. Encounter with Bar-Jesus (Elymas) the Sorcerer In Paphos, they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas. He opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, away from the faith. Saul, also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas, causing him to become temporarily blind. Witnessing this, the proconsul believed, being amazed at the teaching about the Lord (Acts 13:6-12). 4. Paul’s Sermon in Pisidian Antioch Paul and his companions traveled to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath, they entered the synagogue, and Paul was invited to speak. He delivered a sermon recounting Israel's history, emphasizing Jesus as the promised Savior, and proclaiming the forgiveness of sins through Him (Acts 13:13-41). 5. Response to Paul’s Message The message was well received, and many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas. The next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. However, the Jews, filled with jealousy, contradicted Paul and blasphemed (Acts 13:42-45). 6. Turning to the Gentiles Paul and Barnabas boldly declared that since the Jews rejected the word of God, they would turn to the Gentiles, fulfilling the Lord’s command to be a light to the Gentiles. Many Gentiles rejoiced and believed, and the word of the Lord spread throughout the region (Acts 13:46-49). 7. Persecution and Expulsion The Jews incited prominent women and leading men of the city to persecute Paul and Barnabas, eventually expelling them from the region. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet as a testimony against them and went to Iconium. Despite the opposition, the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:50-52). Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 28:19-20 The Great Commission, which aligns with the missionary work initiated in Acts 13. Romans 10:14-15 The necessity of preaching the gospel to those who have not heard, echoing the mission to the Gentiles. Ephesians 6:12 A reminder of the spiritual warfare involved in spreading the gospel, as seen in the encounter with Elymas. Prayer Points Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life and church. Ask for boldness and perseverance in the face of opposition to the gospel. Pray for open hearts among those who hear the gospel message. Seek God's guidance in identifying and reaching out to those who have not yet heard the good news. As we reflect on Acts 13, may we be inspired to participate in God's mission with the same zeal and reliance on the Holy Spirit as the early church. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry? 2. How does the confrontation with Elymas the sorcerer showcase the power of God and the consequences of opposing His work? 3. How does Paul's sermon in the synagogue of Pisidia reflect on his understanding of the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Christ? 4. How do we see the theme of Jewish opposition and Gentile acceptance of the Gospel unfold in this chapter? 5. How does Paul and Barnabas' response to persecution inspire us to handle opposition today? 6. What can we learn from the way Paul and Barnabas continuously delivered the message of the Gospel despite the challenges they faced? 7. How does the missionary work in this chapter broaden your understanding of spreading the Gospel? 8. How can Paul and Barnabas' determination to preach the Word of God inspire you in your faith journey? 9. How does the story of Sergius Paulus' conversion underscore the transformative power of the Gospel? 10. How does the boldness of Paul and Barnabas in the face of persecution influence your own courage to share your faith? 11. What lessons can we draw from the way Paul and Barnabas relied on the Holy Spirit throughout their missionary journey? 12. How does the departure of John Mark from the missionary team challenge us to commit wholeheartedly to God's calling? 13. What does the believers' joy in Pisidia teach us about the reception of the Gospel? 14. How can Paul's sermon help us understand the significance of the Old Testament in revealing the Gospel? 15. How does the interaction between Paul, Barnabas, and Elymas challenge you to confront falsehood? 16. In what ways does the Jews' rejection of the Gospel reflect on the hardness of human hearts? 17. How does the Gospel's acceptance among the Gentiles in Pisidia challenge the Church's outreach today? 18. How do you understand the significance of the phrase "continue in the grace of God" in your life? 19. How does the portrayal of the Gentile's joy at hearing the Gospel challenge our own reception of God's word? 20. What does Paul and Barnabas shaking the dust off their feet symbolize, and how can this action speak to us when facing rejection? Topics 1. The Sending of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:1-3) The church at Antioch, guided by the Holy Spirit, sets apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which God has called them. The Greek term "ἀφορίζω" (aphorizo) is used here, meaning "to set apart" or "to appoint." 2. Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12) Barnabas and Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit, travel to Cyprus and confront a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. Saul, also known as Paul, rebukes him, leading to the proconsul's belief. The Greek word "πληρόω" (plēroō) is used to describe being "filled" with the Holy Spirit. 3. Paul’s Sermon in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:13-41) Paul delivers a sermon in the synagogue, recounting Israel's history and proclaiming Jesus as the promised Savior. He emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the resurrection. The Greek term "κηρύσσω" (kērussō) is used for "proclaim" or "preach." 4. Response to the Gospel (Acts 13:42-43) Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism follow Paul and Barnabas, eager to hear more about the grace of God. The Greek word "χάρις" (charis) is used for "grace." 5. Opposition from the Jews (Acts 13:44-45) The following Sabbath, almost the whole city gathers to hear the word of the Lord, but the Jews, filled with jealousy, oppose Paul and Barnabas. The Greek term "ζῆλος" (zēlos) is used for "jealousy." 6. Turning to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48) Paul and Barnabas declare that since the Jews reject the message, they will turn to the Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy that salvation would reach the ends of the earth. The Greek word "ἔθνος" (ethnos) is used for "Gentiles" or "nations." 7. The Spread of the Gospel and Persecution (Acts 13:49-52) The word of the Lord spreads throughout the region, but persecution arises, leading to Paul and Barnabas being expelled. They shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them and continue to Iconium. The Greek term "διώκω" (diōkō) is used for "persecute." Themes 1. Divine Calling and Commissioning Acts 13:2 - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" This theme highlights the divine calling and commissioning of individuals for specific ministry tasks. The Greek word "ἀφορίσατε" (aphorisate) means "set apart," indicating a special designation by the Holy Spirit. 2. Guidance of the Holy Spirit Acts 13:4 - "So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus." The theme emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing the mission work. The Greek term "ἐκπεμφθέντες" (ekpemphthentes) means "sent forth," underscoring the Spirit's active involvement. 3. Proclamation of the Gospel Acts 13:5 - "When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues." This theme focuses on the central task of proclaiming the Gospel message. The Greek word "κατήγγελλον" (katēngellon) means "proclaimed," reflecting the act of announcing or declaring the good news. 4. Opposition and Spiritual Warfare Acts 13:8 - "But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith." The theme of opposition and spiritual warfare is evident as Elymas, a sorcerer, actively resists the Gospel. The Greek word "ἀνθίστατο" (anthistato) means "opposed," indicating resistance against the truth. 5. Divine Judgment and Authority Acts 13:11 - "Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind, unable to see the light of the sun." This theme illustrates divine judgment and authority over those who oppose God's work. The Greek phrase "ἡ χεὶρ τοῦ Κυρίου" (hē cheir tou Kyriou) means "the hand of the Lord," signifying divine intervention. 6. Fulfillment of Prophecy Acts 13:32-33 - "We proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers, He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus." The theme of prophecy fulfillment is central, as the resurrection of Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of God's promises. The Greek word "ἐπήγγελται" (epēngeltai) means "promised," linking the past promises to their fulfillment in Christ. 7. Justification by Faith Acts 13:39 - "Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." This theme underscores the doctrine of justification by faith, contrasting it with the limitations of the Mosaic Law. The Greek word "δικαιοῦται" (dikaioutai) means "is justified," highlighting the legal declaration of righteousness through faith in Christ. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions