Introduction: Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul’s missionary journeys, the chapter highlights the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the early church and the power of the gospel to reach people from various backgrounds. The Apostle Paul is a central figure in the New Testament as many of the epistles (letters) to the churches were written by him. The chapter also points out the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition and the need for believers to be bold in sharing their faith, something we need in our society today, year 2024.
I. The Call of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:1-3)
The church in Antioch is fasting and praying when the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Paul to go on a missionary journey. This trip aligns with what Jesus taught in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, which is why Barnabas and Saul being sent out to witness to the world. Barnabas and Paul remind us of Isaiah 6:8, where Isaiah responds to God’s call with “Here am I, send me,” Barnabas and Paul were willing to go for the Lord, and be that witness for Jesus Christ in the uttermost part of the world.
II. The Mission Begins in Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12)
Barnabas and Saul start their journey in Cyprus, where they encounter a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. Paul calls out to the Lord to stop the false prophet from causing trouble and Bar-Jesus was struck blind for a season. Later on in the Bible Paul writes about spiritual battles in Ephesians 6:12, he writes about the spiritual battle against evil, which is evident in the confrontation with Bar-Jesus. The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, believes the gospel and is amazed by the teaching of the Lord.
III. The Gospel Preached in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:13-41)
Paul preaches a sermon in the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia, there Paul recounted Israel’s history and declaring Jesus as the Savior. Some of the Jews believed and many of the gentiles who were present believed on Jesus, which caused the leaders of the synagogue to be envious. While Paul was preaching he quoted Psalm 2:7, to show that Jesus is the Son of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Paul also uses the verses in Habakkuk 1:5 to warn the people not to reject the gospel as God is doing a work in their midst and establishing a New Testament Covenant.
IV. The Response and Persecution (Acts 13:42-52)
Many Jews and Gentiles believe the gospel, but some Jews stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, because of they were filled with envy, the people were listening to Paul instead of them. In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus tells His followers they will be persecuted for His sake, which is seen in Paul and Barnabas’ experience, and many times in the world even today. However, even while facing opposition, the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit because of the great things God had done there.
Conclusion: Acts 13 teaches us that the gospel is powerful and life changing. It also reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we may face opposition and persecution, but we can find joy and strength in the Holy Spirit. This chapter encourages us to be bold in sharing our faith and to trust in God’s guidance as we seek to fulfill His mission. We as believers can be encouraged by the example of Barnabas and Saul, who forsaking all, were willing to go wherever the Holy Spirit led them, and let us be faithful in our own calling to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
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