This week we studied Acts 13.
( v 1-3) The chapter begins in Antioch, where a few of the church leaders and prophets assembled together for a time prayer, fasting and worship. During this time of worship, the Holy Spirit called for Saul and Barnabus to be sent out to minister. It's interesting that the church is given direction as they pray, fast, and worship Him.
(v 4-12) Saul and Barnabus were sent out by the church in Antioch, and traveled to Salamis, where they preached God's word in the Jewish synagogues. John Mark also joined them.
They went on to Pathos, a city on the west coast of the island of Cyprus. The proconsul of the Jews, Sergius Paulus, asked for Saul and Barnabus to teach him the Bible. Sergius was an intelligent man and a member of the Roman government. He was powerful and had great influence. A sorcerer named Bar-Jesus tried to come against Saul's teachings, but Saul full of the Holy Spirit, rebuked him. Saul also pronounced physical blindness upon the man, as a means of God's judgement. It was at this point, the Proconsul believed in God. :)
From Pathos, they traveled up to Perga which is modern day Turkey. John-Mark left Saul and Barnabus and decided to go home.
(v. 14-43) The two men traveled to Pisidium Antioch, where they entered another Jewish Synagogue. Saul stood up in the synagogue and began preaching a sermon to the congregation. Saul spoke regarding the children of Israel, the time period of the prophets and of Jesus' life and ministry. In his survey of Israel's history, Saul appealed to both the Jews and the Gentiles, as he addressed both types of people in his opening sentence. Many Gentiles were attracted to the teachings of Saul and Barnabus, and invited them to return the next Sabbath day to continue to share the message. .
(v. 44-52) Almost the entire town came the following Sabbath to hear Saul and Barnabus continue in teaching. Immediately, the Jews became jealous of crowds which followed. In their jealously, the began gossiping and speaking against the teachings of Saul and Barnabus. But, Saul and Barnabus grew bold and spoke against the Jews by quoting the prophets and how the gospel, which was given to the Jews, was rejected, and then given to Gentiles. The Gentiles were greatly blessed and many people were saved and the church spread throughout the region. Saul and Barnabus were eventually forced to leave the region, but they shook the dust from their feet. They left with joy and the Holy Spirit!
Thoughts:
I find it interesting that God gave the early church of Antioch direction through prayer and fasting. I also I love that Jesus didn't leave the Gentiles out. He made it clear that the gospel was to be brought to them as well. It is sad that the Jews didn't accept Jesus, but it fulfilled prophesy. I also was blessed that they shook the dust off their feet, and left with joy regardless of the opposition of the Jews. They were on a mission and were interested in the people with an open heart. They didn't waste their time or energy on those who were not open to the gospel. They also left with joy because they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The joy of the Lord was their strength.
