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Before we start into chapter 13 of the book of Acts today we need to remember back to the last time we considered Barnabas & Saul here which was in Day 20 We all Need to be Encouragers
We left them in Antioch in chapter 11 where we knew that Barnabas was an encourager and that he wanted Saul to work with him and it is mentioned that Barnabas taught there for a year.
In between then and now we see that Barnabas and Saul made a journey back to Jerusalem in Judea to take help for a time of famine from the Antioch church
We left them in Antioch in chapter 11 where we knew that Barnabas was an encourager and that he wanted Saul to work with him and it is mentioned that Barnabas taught there for a year.
In between then and now we see that Barnabas and Saul made a journey back to Jerusalem in Judea to take help for a time of famine from the Antioch church
ch 11 v. 27 - 30
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
and then returned again to Antioch with another helper John Mark.
ch 12 v. 25
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
Now if you read Day 21 A Miraculous Escape you will remember there was a mention of John Mark there because the house Peter went to after the angel led him out of the prison was the home of Mary the mother of John Mark. Of course we know him better as Mark the writer of the second Gospel.
ch 12 v. 12
12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
Now here we have the three of them in Antioch at the start of chapter 13
verses 1-3
Here we have the Commissioning of Barnabas & Saul who are to be sent out to do the work God has called them to do and obviously it is together.
Did John Mark go with them?
Yes we see that in the next passage.
verses 4-12
It tells us here that John was their helper/assistant and their new location was the island of Cyprus.
The proconsul there was interested in hearing the word of God and so enquired of Barnabas and Saul but another man did not want the proconsul to become a believer and Saul was led by the Holy Spirit to speak directly to him and tell him he would not stop God plans.
God then dealt with him by making a dark mist surround him and the proconsul, hearing and seeing the work of the Holy Spirit, became a believer.
We also need to recognise and to pray about situations where people are hindering others from becoming believers. Sometimes we will see this happening but mostly we will not, but will be done in homes or in places were people gather together with friends. This is often the result of peer pressure and can happen to all ages in all walks of life. Let's not forget to pray for the people we have witnessed to.
Another thing to note from this passage is that the name Paul is first mentioned here
v. 9
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul,
Often we hear people saying that he was called Saul until his conversion on the road to Damascus and then changed his name to Paul but this is over a year later before it has been mentioned.
verses 13-41
Barnabas and Paul then travel to Antioch in Pisidia which is not the same Antioch they had been commissioned in which was Antioch in Syria. Apparently there were other cities called Antioch in various places.
By this time John Mark has left them and returned to Jerusalem.
Here Paul preaches in the Synagogue upon invitation by the Jewish rulers.
He speaks similarly to Peter in chapter 2 Day 4 Is There Strength in the Promise which was going through the scriptures historically, also similar to Peter in chapter 3 Day 6 Have we Got Your Attention? and similar to Stephen in chapter 7 Day 13 A Result of Hatred
So he is talking of the Israelites in Egypt, Wilderness 40 years and then land of Canaan, then judges, Samuel and the kings and then from David to Jesus our Saviour, john the Baptist and the salvation message to the descendants of Abraham.
But this time there is a difference because he ends up his message by warning them about not believing.
verses 42-52
Here Paul & Barnabas preach to the Gentiles upon their invitation.
42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
They were willing and eager to hear Paul's message but others were not happy
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.
This was the specific job Paul & Barnabas had been commissioned to do at the start of this chapter yet we did not see everything go smoothly for them
Two Different Reactions
- The Gentiles heard the Word of God and were glad and glorified God.
- The Jews were angry and got Paul & Barnabas thrown out of the area
But it specifically tells us that The Word of God spread.
I'm trying to read and write about the Book of Acts for 31 Days so please come back and join me for some notes & some thoughts each day.
As the month goes on each Day's Link will be added in
Interested to know more about the Book of Acts?
Then Try these commentaries
Or this Bible Study
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