Acts 13: The First Missionary Journey Begins
Barnabas and Saul are sent out, and Paul preaches across Cyprus and Antioch.
Summary
Guided by the Holy Spirit during worship, the church in Antioch sets apart Barnabas and Saul for a mission and sends them off. On Cyprus they confront a sorcerer who opposes them, and the Roman proconsul believes; from this point Saul is called Paul. Traveling on, Paul preaches a powerful sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, tracing God's promises through Israel's history to Jesus and the forgiveness found in him. Many are eager to hear, but when some leaders grow jealous, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles, and the message spreads through the region.
Main Characters
- Paul (Saul) — Steps into leadership, preaching boldly and turning to the Gentiles.
- Barnabas — Paul's partner, sent out by the Antioch church for the mission.
- Sergius Paulus — A Roman proconsul who believes after seeing God's power.
- Elymas the sorcerer — Opposes the message and is temporarily blinded.
Key Verse
Acts 13:47 (WEB)
For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.’”
Lessons Learned
- Mission flows out of worship, prayer, and the leading of the Spirit.
- The whole story of Scripture points toward Jesus.
- Forgiveness and freedom are at the heart of the good news.
- Rejection by some can open the door to others.
- How does the church discern that Barnabas and Saul should be sent out?
- Why does Paul ground his sermon in Israel's history?
- What do you notice about how Paul responds to opposition?
- What does it mean that forgiveness is available “through Jesus”?
- How might worship and prayer shape a community's sense of mission?