ACTS SERIES: THE START OF PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY – CHAPTER 13

In Antioch during the time of Herod and Saul, there were prophets and teachers who, while fasting and ministering to God the Holy Spirit, instructed them to “Separate me, Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them.” Therefore, the prophets and teachers laid hands on Barnabus and Saul and sent them out to do the work for which God had called them.

Departed from Seleucia, Barnabus, Saul, and John Mark sailed to Cyprus, stopping in Salamis, the capital of Cyprus, where they preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. Then, passing through the isle unto Paphos, they encountered a Jew called Barjesus or Elymas, a sorcerer and a false prophet who was a friend of Sergius Paulus, a prudent man and the Roman governor of the island. And when Sergius Paulus called for Barnabas and Saul to hear the word of God, Elymas attempted to dissuade him from hearing them. Consequently, Saul, now addressed as Paul, confronted him and said, “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” Immediately, Elymas became blind, and this act caused Sergius Paulus to believe their teachings.

Leaving Paphos, the group sails to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark leaves them to return to Jerusalem, and Paul becomes the group’s leader. Traveling to Antioch in Pisidia, the missionary group went into the synagogue on the sabbath and was asked to give words of exhortation after reading the law and the prophets. Paul, the new spokesperson for the group, shared a historical retrospect of Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt, their journey through the wilderness into Canaan, where they had judges and kings, and the ministry of John the Baptist. Paul continued by unveiling the gospel via the life of Jesus, His trial, crucifixion, and resurrection without bodily corruption. Then, he concluded his message with a warning to those who reject the salvation God offered them. At the end of Paul’s message, the interested hearers requested Paul and Barnabus return the following week to continue sharing. The Jews and the religious proselytes inspired by Paul encouraged the missionaries to continue their mission work.  

On the following week, the whole city gathered to hear the word of God, which caused the Jewish leaders to feel jealous and threatened over the seemingly popular new gospel message. Thus, they resorted to using contradictions and blasphemy against Paul and Barnabus, which caused Paul and Barnabas to move beyond the Jews who judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life. Instead, Paul and Barnabas focused on sharing their message with the Gentiles, who received the gospel with gladness as it was shared throughout the entire region.

Being incensed with the move of God, the Jewish opposition was able to incite devout, honorable women and chief men of the area against Paul and Barnabus, who then made them leave the area. So, chapter 13 ends with Paul and Barnabus following the instruction of Jesus in Luke 9:5; they shook the dust off their feet and moved on to Iconium.

Below are the nuggets I gathered from chapter 13:

While fasting and ministering to the Lord, the Holy Spirit gives instructions.

In all that you do, the Holy Spirit leading is crucial.

Beware of the false prophets who lead men astray.

Miracles will cause unbelievers to believer.

When Saul became the lead spokesperson for the Gentiles, his name was changed to Paul, which is a Roman name.

Everyone is not fit for the life and work of a missionary.

When speaking to an enemy of the faith, allow the Holy Spirit to direct your speech.

Eventually, God judges and pronounces sentences on His enemies.

Even in judgment, God is merciful.

There are people who are glad to hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When you are doing the work of a missionary, the enemy will attempt to stop you.

When people refuse to listen to your message, move on.