[:en]Thoughts from Acts 13[:]

[:en]Barnabs and Saul were sent off to proclaim the word of God in Jerusalem at Salamis (vs. 1-3).  They traveled to Paphos with John as their helper and met Elymas, the sorcerer, who opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul, Serguis Paulus from faith.  He was made blind by Paul (vs. 4-12).  From Paphos, they sailed to Perga in Pamphyla where John left them to return to Jerusalem.  Then they went on to Pisidian Antioch and read from the law and the Prophets.  They brought the message of salvation and the forgiveness of sins.  Many were converted but the Jews got jealous and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.  So Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly:  “We had to speak the word of God to you first.  Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles” (v. 46).  The word of God spread buy the Jews incited the people to stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.  So they departed and went to Iconium filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (vs. 49-52)[:]