ACTS 13
PAUL AND BARNABAS TRAVEL TO SHARE THE MESSAGE OF JESUS
Among all of the men who were prophets and teachers of God’s Word, Barnabas and Saul are commissioned by the Holy Spirit for a specific mission. Barnabas and Saul pray and fast before going to Salamis, where they will proclaim God’s Word to the Jewish people.
After traveling across the island, Saul and Barnabas meet a false prophet who opposes them and wants the local leadership to reject their message. Once the man suddenly becomes blind, following Saul’s prediction, the leaders are amazed and believe the message of Saul and Barnabas.
Throughout Acts, Saul is often referenced as Paul. Although God has previously changed the names of believers to express a conversion or new calling, Paul is simply the Greek version of the Hebrew name Saul. Because Paul / Saul is speaking to both a Jewish and Gentile audience, both names are used interchangeably.
Paul and Barnabas continue their journey and visit a synagogue in Pisidia. At this point, John Mark is no longer with Paul and Barnabas.
When the people ask Paul for encouragement, Paul shares the history of Israel, highlighting many ways that God has provided for His people. Beginning with God’s rescue of the Israelites from Egypt, spanning the time of the prophets and kings, and covering the lineage of David, Paul summarizes God’s establishment of the major Old Testament leaders.
Paul continues his message, emphasizing that everything God had previously accomplished was in preparation for the arrival of Jesus. Sharing the good news of the gospel message, Paul tells of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Whoever believes in the death of Jesus as the payment for sins has become right in the eyes of God and is welcomed into His kingdom.
Quoting Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, and Psalm 16:10, Paul expresses a deep understanding of the Scriptures and explains how Jesus served as a fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and Prophets. Because of Jesus, forgiveness of sins and eternal life are available to all who believe. Referencing Habakkuk 1:5, Paul warns that many will scoff at the news of Jesus in disbelief.
Encouraged by Paul’s teaching, the people ask him to speak again the following week. On the next Sabbath day, almost the entire city gathers together to hear Paul and Barnabas share God’s Word. When the Jewish people see the crowds, they become jealous and speak against Paul and Barnabas, attempting to contradict their teaching.
Because Paul and Barnabas are rejected by the Jewish people, they share that the Gentiles, non-Jewish people, are also invited to follow Jesus. Upon hearing this, many Gentiles rejoice and glorify God, accepting the gift of eternal life. Paul and Barnabas proclaim they are on a mission to share God’s Word with everyone, not just the religious Jewish people. Frustrated, the Jewish people drive out Paul and Barnabas, leading them to travel towards Iconium.
