Charting New Territories: The Commencement of Paul's First Missionary Journey

Acts 13 underscores the power of the Gospel to break boundaries and reach the hearts of people from diverse backgrounds. Amidst opposition and trials, Paul and Barnabas remain unswerving in their commitment to proclaim the Good News. Their courage and obedience, guided by the Holy Spirit, illuminate the essence of missionary work—unchanging faith, relentless dedication, and a profound understanding of God's sovereign plan.

Verses 1-3: The Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul

While the prophets and teachers in Antioch are worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit directs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them. After fasting and praying, they lay their hands on them and send them off.

Verses 4-12: Ministry in Cyprus and Confrontation with Elymas

Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark sail to Cyprus and proclaim the Word of God in the synagogues. In Paphos, they encounter Elymas the sorcerer who opposes them. Saul, now called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, strikes Elymas blind, leading to the conversion of Sergius Paulus, the proconsul.

Verses 13-41: Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sail to Pisidia. On the Sabbath, they enter the synagogue, and Paul delivers a sermon tracing Israel's history and proclaiming Jesus as the Savior.

Verses 42-52: Opposition and Acceptance

Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles follow Paul and Barnabas, who urge them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathers to hear the Word of the Lord. Seeing the crowds, the Jews are filled with jealousy and begin to contradict and blaspheme. Paul and Barnabas speak boldly, declaring that since the Jews reject the Word, they are turning to the Gentiles. The Gentiles rejoice, and the Word of the Lord spreads throughout the region. The Jewish leaders, however, incite persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who shake off the dust from their feet and move on to Iconium.

Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey with Barnabas, as they are commissioned by the Holy Spirit and the Antioch church. This chapter chronicles their efforts to spread the Gospel in Cyprus and Pisidia, their encounters with opposition, and their unwavering commitment to share the message of Christ.

Divine Guidance and Commissioning
Missionary Work
Opposition to the Gospel
Faith and Conversion
Preaching and TeachingThe Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul
Preaching in Cyprus
Confrontation with Elymas the Sorcerer
Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia
Opposition from the JewsBarnabas
Saul (Paul)
The Holy Spirit
Elymas the Sorcerer (Bar-Jesus)
Sergius Paulus
John Mark
The people of Antioch, Pisidia
The Jewish leadersAntioch, Syria
Seleucia
Cyprus
Paphos
Antioch, Pisidia

1. What does the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry?

2. How does the confrontation with Elymas the sorcerer showcase the power of God and the consequences of opposing His work?

3. How does Paul's sermon in the synagogue of Pisidia reflect on his understanding of the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Christ?

4. How do we see the theme of Jewish opposition and Gentile acceptance of the Gospel unfold in this chapter?

5. How does Paul and Barnabas' response to persecution inspire us to handle opposition today?

6. What can we learn from the way Paul and Barnabas continuously delivered the message of the Gospel despite the challenges they faced?

7. How does the missionary work in this chapter broaden your understanding of spreading the Gospel?

8. How can Paul and Barnabas' determination to preach the Word of God inspire you in your faith journey?

9. How does the story of Sergius Paulus' conversion underscore the transformative power of the Gospel?

10. How does the boldness of Paul and Barnabas in the face of persecution influence your own courage to share your faith?

11. What lessons can we draw from the way Paul and Barnabas relied on the Holy Spirit throughout their missionary journey?

12. How does the departure of John Mark from the missionary team challenge us to commit wholeheartedly to God's calling?

13. What does the believers' joy in Pisidia teach us about the reception of the Gospel?

14. How can Paul's sermon help us understand the significance of the Old Testament in revealing the Gospel?

15. How does the interaction between Paul, Barnabas, and Elymas challenge you to confront falsehood?

16. In what ways does the Jews' rejection of the Gospel reflect on the hardness of human hearts?

17. How does the Gospel's acceptance among the Gentiles in Pisidia challenge the Church's outreach today?

18. How do you understand the significance of the phrase "continue in the grace of God" in your life?

19. How does the portrayal of the Gentile's joy at hearing the Gospel challenge our own reception of God's word?

20. What does Paul and Barnabas shaking the dust off their feet symbolize, and how can this action speak to us when facing rejection?