[:en]SCRIPTURE: ACTS 13
“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” (Acts 14:46)
BARNABAS AND SAUL SENT OFF (vs. 1-3)
While the believers in Antioch were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them to set apart Barnabas and Saul and send them off.
ON CYPRUS (vs. 4-12)
Barnabas and Paul went to Cyprus to proclaim the Word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John Mark was with them as their helper. When they traveled to Paphos, the proconsul wanted to hear Barnabas and Paul. But Elymas, the sorcerer opposed them and tried to persuade the proconsul from faith. Saul struck Elymas with blindness and the proconsul believed the teachings about the Lord.
IN PISIDIAN ANTIOCH (vs. 13-52)
John Mark returned to Jerusalem while Paul and his companion proceeded to Perga and Pisidian Antioch. Paul gave a sermon about the life and death of Christ, His resurrection, salvation through faith in Christ and the gospel of the grace of God. Many Jews and devout converts of Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas. When the Jews saw the crowds, they became jealous and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. Paul spoke boldly that the Word would go to the Jews first, but because they rejected it, the messenger would go to the Gentiles. The Jews stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region. So, they left and went to Iconium to continue their work. And the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.
SUMMARY:
- Paul and Barnabas traveled to many places and seized every opportunity to serve the Lord. Are you serving the Lord?
- The church in Antioch sent off Barnabas and Saul to proclaim the Word of God. Are we sending missionaries to share the gospel?
- Elymas, the sorcerer tried to hinder the proconsul from listening to Barnabas and Paul. As a result, he was struck blind. Do not be a stumbling block to people who want to hear the gospel. Otherwise, you will be condemned.
- The Jews were filled with jealousy when they saw crowds gathered to hear the Word of God. But the opposition did not stop Paul and Barnabas. They continued to minister the Word. Do not allow opposition to discourage you from doing the work that God has entrusted you to do.
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