# Overview Acts Chapter 13 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, as the focus shifts towards the missionary journeys of #Paul and #Barnabas. The chapter begins with the church at #Antioch, where prophets and teachers, including #Barnabas, #Simeon (called Niger), #Lucius of #Cyrene, #Manaen, and #Saul (later known as Paul), were gathered. During a time of worship and fasting, the #HolySpirit instructs the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which they have been called. After prayer and laying on of hands, they are sent off on their first missionary journey. They sail to #Cyprus, where they proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and encounter #SergiusPaulus, a Roman proconsul who seeks to hear the word of God. However, they face opposition from #Elymas the sorcerer (also known as Bar-Jesus), whom Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebukes and blinds, leading to Sergius Paulus’ conversion. The latter part of the chapter details Paul and Barnabas’ journey to #PisidianAntioch, where Paul delivers a powerful sermon in the synagogue. He traces the history of Israel, beginning with the #Exodus and leading up to #David, and then presents [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the promised #Savior and fulfillment of the #prophecies. Paul emphasizes Jesus’ death and #resurrection, offering forgiveness of sins and justification to all who believe. The message receives mixed reactions; some Jews reject it, while many Gentiles embrace it, leading to a broader spread of the gospel. However, the Jewish leaders incite persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who are eventually expelled from the region. In response, they shake the dust off their feet as a sign against them and move on to #Iconium, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. This chapter signifies the beginning of the Gentile mission and highlights the power of the gospel to transcend cultural and religious barriers. ## Theological Insights Acts 13 marks a pivotal moment in the early #Church, showcasing the transition of the #Gospel outreach to the #Gentiles under the direction of the #HolySpirit. This chapter begins with the commissioning of #Barnabas and #Saul (later known as #Paul), in the #Church of #Antioch, highlighting the church's role in discerning and sending missionaries (Acts 13:2-3). This reflects the church's obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance and emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting in seeking God’s direction. As Paul and Barnabas embark on their missionary journey, Acts 13:4-12 recounts their encounter with #Elymas the sorcerer, illustrating the spiritual opposition that accompanies the proclamation of the #Gospel. Elymas’ attempt to turn the proconsul, #SergiusPaulus, away from the faith contrasts with the power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers Paul to rebuke and blind Elymas. This event underscores the power of God in overcoming spiritual darkness and the authority given to the apostles to spread the Gospel. Acts 13:13-41 provides a powerful sermon delivered by Paul in #PisidianAntioch, where he addresses both Jews and #God-fearing #Gentiles. Paul recounts the history of #Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness from the time of [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12|the Exodus]] to the reign of #KingDavid. He connects Jesus to the Davidic promise, asserting that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to raise up a Savior. By referencing the resurrection of Jesus, Paul affirms the continuity of God's plan from the #OldTestament to the #NewTestament, highlighting the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith. In Acts 13:42-52, the response to the Gospel message is mixed. While many #Gentiles rejoice and believe, the Jewish leaders react with jealousy and opposition, leading to Paul and Barnabas being expelled from the region. This opposition further cements the shift of the mission to the Gentiles, fulfilling the prophetic word, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47, quoting [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 49|Isaiah 49:6]]). This reflects God's inclusive plan for salvation and the expansion of the early church beyond Jewish boundaries. Overall, Acts 13 highlights the sovereign work of God in guiding the early church's mission, the centrality of Jesus' resurrection in the apostolic preaching, and the inevitable opposition faced by those who proclaim the Gospel. It emphasizes the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and power in the mission to reach all nations with the message of salvation. ## Thematic Connections ### Missionary Expansion and the Role of the Holy Spirit In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the expansion of the missionary work of the early #church. The Spirit directs the church in #Antioch to set apart #Barnabas and #Saul (later known as #Paul) for the work to which He has called them. This theme of divine guidance and empowerment is seen throughout the Acts narrative, as the Holy Spirit orchestrates the spread of the Gospel, reminiscent of the Spirit’s direction of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospels, such as in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 4]]. ### Fulfillment of Prophecy and Continuity with Israel's History Paul’s sermon in #PisidianAntioch highlights the continuity of the Gospel message with the history of #Israel. He connects Jesus to the promises made to the patriarchs and to #David, emphasizing that Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. This theme of fulfillment echoes earlier chapters, such as Peter’s sermon at #Pentecost in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]], where he similarly appealed to #OldTestament prophecy to validate Jesus’ messianic identity. ### Opposition and Perseverance in Ministry Acts 13 also introduces the theme of opposition to the Gospel, as Paul and Barnabas face resistance from #Elymas the sorcerer and later from the Jewish leaders in Pisidian Antioch. This theme of opposition and perseverance can be connected to Jesus’ own experiences, as seen in his rejection by the religious leaders of his day (e.g., [[John/John Chapter 8]]). Despite opposition, the message of the Gospel continues to spread, demonstrating the resilience of God’s mission. ### The Inclusivity of the Gospel The chapter underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel, as Paul and Barnabas proclaim the message to both Jews and #Gentiles. This theme is a continuation of the vision given to #Peter in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 10]], where he learns that God shows no partiality. The turning to the Gentiles in Acts 13 is a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of a broader mission strategy, fulfilling the Great Commission as described in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]]. ### The Role of Prophetic Encouragement Acts 13 mentions the role of prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, who, through fasting and prayer, discern the call of God for Barnabas and Saul. This theme of prophetic encouragement is reminiscent of the early church’s reliance on prophetic insight, as seen in the appointment of the seven deacons in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 6]]. The prophetic ministry serves as a means of confirming God’s direction and empowering believers for service. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Light to the Gentiles In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas declare, "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth'" ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 13|Acts 13:47]]). This statement fulfills the prophecy from [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 49|Isaiah 49:6]], where God speaks of His servant as a light to the #Gentiles. In this context, #Paul and #Barnabas see their mission as a continuation of this prophetic vision, bringing the message of #salvation beyond the confines of #Israel to all nations. ### The Rejection by the Jews and Turning to the Gentiles Acts 13 illustrates a significant moment where Paul and Barnabas turn to the #Gentiles after being rejected by the #Jewish audience, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles" ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 13|Acts 13:46]]). This event recalls prophecies such as those found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 6|Isaiah 6:9-10]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 65|Isaiah 65:1]], where there are allusions to Israel's rejection and the subsequent opening of God's covenant to the Gentiles. ### The Resurrection of Jesus In Acts 13, #Paul speaks of Jesus' resurrection as the fulfillment of God's promises to the fathers, quoting from the Psalms: "You are my Son, today I have begotten you" ([[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 2|Psalm 2:7]]), and the promise of not letting His Holy One see corruption ([[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 16|Psalm 16:10]]). These references highlight the fulfillment of the prophetic declaration that the #Messiah would not undergo decay, affirming Jesus' resurrection as the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies. ### The Promise to David Paul also refers to the promise made to #David, saying, "I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David" ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 55|Isaiah 55:3]]), which is fulfilled in Jesus. This promise points to the #DavidicCovenant, where God assured David that his descendant would establish an everlasting kingdom ([[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). By tying Jesus' resurrection and exaltation to this promise, Paul underscores Jesus as the legitimate heir and fulfillment of God’s covenant with David. ### The Justification by Faith Acts 13 also highlights the prophecy of justification by faith as Paul declares, "By him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses" ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 13|Acts 13:39]]). This concept of justification through faith apart from the law echoes the message of the prophets, as seen in [[Habakkuk/Habakkuk Chapter 2|Habakkuk 2:4]], "The righteous shall live by his faith." This fulfillment shows the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from the Old Testament to its realization in Christ. ## Verses - **Acts 13:1** - "Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called 'the black man'), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul." - Note: The church at #Antioch held a diverse group of leaders including #Barnabas and #Saul, later known as #Paul. - **Acts 13:2** - "One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.'" - Note: The #HolySpirit directed the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a mission, highlighting the Spirit's active role in guiding the early church. - **Acts 13:3** - "So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way." - Note: The act of laying hands symbolized the church's support and commissioning of Barnabas and Saul for their mission. - **Acts 13:4** - "So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus." - Note: The mission began in #Seleucia and proceeded to #Cyprus, indicating the geographical expansion of the Gospel. - **Acts 13:5** - "There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant." - Note: #Salamis was the first stop in #Cyprus, where they preached in Jewish synagogues, with #JohnMark assisting. - **Acts 13:6** - "Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally, they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus." - Note: #Paphos was the endpoint on #Cyprus, where they encountered opposition from Bar-Jesus, a false prophet. - **Acts 13:7** - "He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God." - Note: #SergiusPaulus, the proconsul, showed interest in the word of God, highlighting the reach of the Gospel to influential figures. - **Acts 13:8** - "But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing." - Note: #Elymas actively opposed the Gospel, trying to dissuade the proconsul from faith. - **Acts 13:9** - "Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye." - Note: This verse marks the transition of Saul being referred to as #Paul, filled with the #HolySpirit. - **Acts 13:10** - "Then he said, 'You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, an enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord?'" - Note: Paul confronted Elymas directly, denouncing his actions as deceitful and opposed to God's truth. - **Acts 13:11** - "Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.' Instantly mist and darkness came over the man, and he began groping around, begging for someone to take his hand and lead him." - Note: Elymas's blindness served as a judgment and a sign of God's power. - **Acts 13:12** - "When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord." - Note: The miraculous judgment led to Sergius Paulus's conversion, underscoring the Gospel's transformative power. - **Acts 13:13** - "Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem." - Note: #Perga was their next destination, and John Mark's departure is noted here. - **Acts 13:14** - "But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services." - Note: The mission continued to #Antioch of Pisidia, with synagogue preaching. - **Acts 13:15** - "After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: 'Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.'" - Note: Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak after the readings, an opportunity to share the Gospel. - **Acts 13:16** - "So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. 'Men of Israel,' he said, 'and you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me.'" - Note: Paul's address was inclusive, addressing both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. - **Acts 13:17** - "'The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery." - Note: Paul recounted the history of #Israel, emphasizing God's deliverance. - **Acts 13:18** - "He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness." - Note: Reference to the #wilderness wanderings and God's patience. - **Acts 13:19** - "Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance." - Note: God's fulfillment of the promise to give #Canaan to Israel. - **Acts 13:20** - "All this took about 450 years. After that, he gave them judges to rule until the time of Samuel the prophet." - Note: Transition from the conquest to the period of the #judges. - **Acts 13:21** - "Then the people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years." - Note: Introduction of #Saul, the first king of Israel, from the tribe of #Benjamin. - **Acts 13:22** - "But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’" - Note: #David's rise as king, known for his heart aligned with God's will. - **Acts 13:23** - "And it is one of King David’s descendants, Jesus, who is God’s promised Savior of Israel!" - Note: [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] is presented as the fulfillment of the promise to #David. - **Acts 13:24** - "Before he came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized." - Note: Ministry of #John the Baptist and his call to repentance. - **Acts 13:25** - "As John was finishing his ministry he asked, ‘Do you think I am the Messiah? No, I am not! But he is coming soon—and I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the sandals on his feet.’" - Note: John's humility and acknowledgment of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the Messiah. - **Acts 13:26** - "Brothers—you sons of Abraham, and also you God-fearing Gentiles—this message of salvation has been sent to us!" - Note: The message of salvation is for both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. - **Acts 13:27** - "The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had spoken about. Instead, they condemned him, and in doing this they fulfilled the prophets’ words that are read every Sabbath." - Note: Fulfillment of prophecies through Jesus' rejection by Jerusalem's leaders. - **Acts 13:28** - "They found no legal reason to execute him, but they asked Pilate to have him killed anyway." - Note: #Pilate's role in Jesus' crucifixion despite the lack of legal grounds. - **Acts 13:29** - "When they had done all that the prophecies said about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb." - Note: Reference to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning Jesus' death and burial. - **Acts 13:30** - "But God raised him from the dead!" - Note: The resurrection of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] is proclaimed as the central tenet of the Gospel. - **Acts 13:31** - "And over a period of many days he appeared to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem—they are now his witnesses to the people of Israel." - Note: Eyewitnesses of the resurrected Jesus serve as credible witnesses. - **Acts 13:32** - "And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors," - Note: Proclamation of the #GoodNews tied to ancestral promises. - **Acts 13:33** - "and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm says about Jesus: ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.’" - Note: Fulfillment of #Psalm 2:7 in the resurrection. - **Acts 13:34** - "For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, ‘I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.’" - Note: The resurrection as a fulfillment of promises to #David. - **Acts 13:35** - "Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.’" - Note: Reference to #Psalm 16:10 concerning resurrection. - **Acts 13:36** - "This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed." - Note: Contrast between #David and [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] concerning resurrection. - **Acts 13:37** - "No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay." - Note: Clear distinction that the prophecy refers to [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. - **Acts 13:38** - "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins." - Note: #Forgiveness is offered through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. - **Acts 13:39** - "Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do." - Note: Justification by faith in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], surpassing the #Law of Moses. - **Acts 13:40** - "Be careful! Don’t let the prophets’ words apply to you. For they said," - Note: Warning against rejecting the Gospel message. - **Acts 13:41** - "'Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’" - Note: Quoting #Habakkuk 1:5 as a warning. - **Acts 13:42** - "As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week." - Note: Eagerness of the audience to hear more of the #Gospel. - **Acts 13:43** - "Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God." - Note: The response of Jews and converts, and an encouragement to trust in God's grace. - **Acts 13:44** - "The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord." - Note: The widespread interest in the message of the #Gospel. - **Acts 13:45** - "But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said." - Note: Opposition arose from jealousy among some Jews. - **Acts 13:46** - "Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, 'It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.'" - Note: The decision to turn to the #Gentiles after rejection by some Jews. - **Acts 13:47** - "For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’" - Note: Reference to #Isaiah 49:6, emphasizing the mission to the Gentiles. - **Acts 13:48** - "When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers." - Note: The positive reception and belief among the #Gentiles. - **Acts 13:49** - "So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region." - Note: The effective spread of the #Gospel in the region. - **Acts 13:50** - "Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town." - Note: Opposition grew, leading to Paul and Barnabas being expelled. - **Acts 13:51** - "So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium." - Note: Shaking the dust off their feet was a customary act of rejection. - **Acts 13:52** - "And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." - Note: Despite opposition, the believers experienced joy and were filled with the #HolySpirit.