I. Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul in Antioch (Acts 13:1–3)
Antioch’s Church Leadership:
Included prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (called Niger, suggesting African descent), Lucius of Cyrene (likely a Romanized Gentile from North Africa), Manaen (connected to Herod’s court), and Saul.
Divine Commissioning:
During a time of ministering (λειτουργέω, meaning to render sacred service), the Holy Spirit directed the assembly to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific divine calling.
Following fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands, they were officially sent out.
II. Mission to Cyprus (Acts 13:4–12)
Initial Journey:
Departed from Antioch to Seleucia, then sailed to Salamis in Cyprus.
Preached in Jewish synagogues, accompanied by John Mark.
Encounter with Opposition:
In Paphos, met Bar-Jesus (Elymas), a Jewish false prophet and magician aligned with proconsul Sergius Paulus.
Elymas attempted to dissuade the proconsul from the faith.
Divine Judgment and Conversion:
Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas, resulting in temporary blindness.
The miracle led to Sergius Paulus believing the message of the Lord.
III. Ministry in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:13–52)
Transition and Synagogue Address:
Paul and his company (minus John Mark, who departed at Perga) arrived in Pisidian Antioch.
On the Sabbath, Paul was invited to speak in the synagogue.
Paul’s Historical Proclamation:
Recapitulated Israel’s history: divine election, the Exodus, conquest of Canaan, the judges, Saul’s reign, and David’s kingship.
Emphasized the promise of a Savior from David’s lineage, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Highlighted John the Baptist’s preparatory ministry and the unjust rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by Jerusalem’s leaders.
Declared Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances as fulfillment of prophecy.
Doctrinal Emphasis:
Forgiveness of sins and justification is now available through faith in Jesus—what the Law could not accomplish.
Issued a prophetic warning against unbelief.
Mixed Reception:
Initial interest from Jews and proselytes led to a full synagogue the following Sabbath.
Jewish leaders grew envious and opposed the message.
Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles, citing their divine appointment as a “light to the Gentiles.”
Outcome:
Gentiles received the message with joy; many believed.
The word of the Lord spread widely, but opposition led to Paul and Barnabas being expelled.
They shook the dust off their feet as a testimony and went to Iconium.
The new disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Antioch’s Church Leadership:
Included prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (called Niger, suggesting African descent), Lucius of Cyrene (likely a Romanized Gentile from North Africa), Manaen (connected to Herod’s court), and Saul.
Divine Commissioning:
During a time of ministering (λειτουργέω, meaning to render sacred service), the Holy Spirit directed the assembly to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific divine calling.
Following fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands, they were officially sent out.
II. Mission to Cyprus (Acts 13:4–12)
Initial Journey:
Departed from Antioch to Seleucia, then sailed to Salamis in Cyprus.
Preached in Jewish synagogues, accompanied by John Mark.
Encounter with Opposition:
In Paphos, met Bar-Jesus (Elymas), a Jewish false prophet and magician aligned with proconsul Sergius Paulus.
Elymas attempted to dissuade the proconsul from the faith.
Divine Judgment and Conversion:
Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas, resulting in temporary blindness.
The miracle led to Sergius Paulus believing the message of the Lord.
III. Ministry in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:13–52)
Transition and Synagogue Address:
Paul and his company (minus John Mark, who departed at Perga) arrived in Pisidian Antioch.
On the Sabbath, Paul was invited to speak in the synagogue.
Paul’s Historical Proclamation:
Recapitulated Israel’s history: divine election, the Exodus, conquest of Canaan, the judges, Saul’s reign, and David’s kingship.
Emphasized the promise of a Savior from David’s lineage, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Highlighted John the Baptist’s preparatory ministry and the unjust rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by Jerusalem’s leaders.
Declared Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances as fulfillment of prophecy.
Doctrinal Emphasis:
Forgiveness of sins and justification is now available through faith in Jesus—what the Law could not accomplish.
Issued a prophetic warning against unbelief.
Mixed Reception:
Initial interest from Jews and proselytes led to a full synagogue the following Sabbath.
Jewish leaders grew envious and opposed the message.
Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles, citing their divine appointment as a “light to the Gentiles.”
Outcome:
Gentiles received the message with joy; many believed.
The word of the Lord spread widely, but opposition led to Paul and Barnabas being expelled.
They shook the dust off their feet as a testimony and went to Iconium.
The new disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.