SCRIPTURE: ACTS 13
Bible Verses:
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39)
“Then 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. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you[g] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”: (Acts 13:46-47)
BARNABAS AND SAUL SENT OFF (vs. 1-3)
Barnabas and Saul took with them John Mark to Antioch. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit sent them off to Cyprus.
ON CYPRUS (vs. 4-12)
They arrived at Salamis and proclaimed the word of God in Jewish synagogue. Then they went to Paphos and the pro-consul Sergius Paulus sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But a Jewish sorcerer named Elymas (also called Bar-Jesus) opposed them and tried to turn the pro-consul from the truth. Paul filled with the Holy Spirit rebuked him and made him blind. When the pro-consul saw what had happened, he believed in the Lord.
IN PISIDIAN ANTIOCH (vs. 13-32)
From Paphos, Paul and Barnabas sailed to Perga and went to Pisidian Antioch. They went to the synagogue and preached the Jewish history from Egypt to Canaan, from king David to John and Jesus, his death and resurrection. They preached repentance and forgiveness of sin. Many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas. On the next Sabbath day, about the whole city gathered to hear the word of God. The Jews were jealous and talked abusively against what Paul was preaching. Paul and Barnabas then bring the salvation to the Gentiles. And they left and went to Iconium.
THOUGHTS:
Jealousy is the main cause of hostility and division. The Jewish leaders were jealous to see the success of Paul’s mission. So they stirred up opposition against them. It is very tragic to let jealousy stop God’s work. So, no matter who is doing it, if it is God’s work, rejoice in it.