Acts 13 Paul’s Acts 13 Paul’s First Missionary First Missionary

JourneyJourneyGreg MorscherGreg Morscher

Xenos Christian FellowshipXenos Christian Fellowship

October 2October 2ndnd, 2005, 2005

Context: Acts 11:18Context: Acts 11:18

And when they heard this, they And when they heard this, they quieted down, and glorified God, quieted down, and glorified God, saying, "Well then, God has granted saying, "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life." that leads to life."

Context: Acts 11:19-26Context: Acts 11:19-26Vs. 19-20: Difficult to get people to Vs. 19-20: Difficult to get people to

break out of cultural bias… break out of cultural bias… except except for Antiochfor AntiochSo then those who were scattered because of So then those who were scattered because of

the persecution that occurred in connection the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus.

Context: Acts 11:19-26Context: Acts 11:19-26Vs. 19-20: Difficult to get people to break out Vs. 19-20: Difficult to get people to break out

of cultural bias, except for Antiochof cultural bias, except for AntiochVs. 21-24a: Barnabas sent to help outVs. 21-24a: Barnabas sent to help out

And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

Context: Acts 11:19-26Context: Acts 11:19-26Vs. 19-20: Difficult to get people to break Vs. 19-20: Difficult to get people to break

out of cultural bias, except for Antiochout of cultural bias, except for Antioch

Vs. 21-24a: Barnabas sent to help outVs. 21-24a: Barnabas sent to help out

Vs. 24b-26: Barnabas needed help = Vs. 24b-26: Barnabas needed help = PaulPaulAnd he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when

he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Sobering Lesson: If we are not willing to follow God, God will find someone, some group, who is!

Acts 13:1-3 Crossing Acts 13:1-3 Crossing CulturesCultures

Among the prophets and teachers of the Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called "the black man"), Lucius Simeon (called "the black man"), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. [2] One day as these men were worshiping [2] One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them." [3] So after more work I have for them." [3] So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.on them and sent them on their way.

The First Church-Sending The First Church-Sending MissionMission

A bunch of them were led by Holy SpiritA bunch of them were led by Holy Spirit The church laid hands on Paul and The church laid hands on Paul and

BarnabasBarnabas GOERS AND SENDERSGOERS AND SENDERS

But, isn’t it arrogant to But, isn’t it arrogant to do that?do that? Cultural Imperialists: Cultural Imperialists:

Imposing your beliefs on othersImposing your beliefs on others Arrogant to think you know better than othersArrogant to think you know better than others Assumption: all beliefs are contrived from peopleAssumption: all beliefs are contrived from people

Bible’s ClaimBible’s Claim God gives revelation from above, not contrived God gives revelation from above, not contrived

from peoplefrom people Provides objective evidence to back it upProvides objective evidence to back it up

Historical, supernatural events (death and resurrection Historical, supernatural events (death and resurrection of Christ, Paul’s conversion, etc…)of Christ, Paul’s conversion, etc…)

Fulfilled Prophecy (e.g., Acts 8)Fulfilled Prophecy (e.g., Acts 8) Depth of understanding of the world we live in Depth of understanding of the world we live in

(upcoming teachings)(upcoming teachings)The fact is, there hasn’t been a more benevolent movement than the modern

missions movement

Acts 13:4-6b First Stop = Acts 13:4-6b First Stop = CyprusCyprus

[4] Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Saul and [4] Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Saul and Barnabas went down to the seaport of Barnabas went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. [5] There, in the town of of Cyprus. [5] There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of synagogues and preached the word of God. (John Mark went with them as God. (John Mark went with them as their assistant.) [6] Afterward they their assistant.) [6] Afterward they preached from town to town across the preached from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached entire island until finally they reached Paphos, Paphos,

They met Sergius Paulus They met Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:6b-7)(Acts 13:6b-7)

where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. [7] false prophet named Bar-Jesus. [7] He had attached himself to the He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, a man of governor, Sergius Paulus, a man of considerable insight and considerable insight and understanding. The governor invited understanding. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. wanted to hear the word of God.

On to Pisidian AntiochOn to Pisidian Antioch

[13] Now Paul and those with him left [13] Now Paul and those with him left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. [14] But returned to Jerusalem. [14] But Barnabas and Paul traveled inland to Barnabas and Paul traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.Antioch of Pisidia.

Paul’s first recorded Paul’s first recorded teaching (Acts 13:14-16)teaching (Acts 13:14-16)

On the Sabbath they went to the On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!" encouragement for us, come and give it!" So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. "People of them, and started speaking. "People of Israel," he said, "and you devout Gentiles Israel," he said, "and you devout Gentiles who fear the God of Israel, listen to me. who fear the God of Israel, listen to me.

Acts 13:17-22 God’s Work Acts 13:17-22 God’s Work Through Israel Through Israel Savior Savior

[17] "The God of this nation of Israel [17] "The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them chose our ancestors and made them prosper in Egypt. Then he powerfully prosper in Egypt. Then he powerfully led them out of their slavery. [18] He led them out of their slavery. [18] He put up with them through forty years of put up with them through forty years of wandering around in the wilderness. wandering around in the wilderness. [19] Then he destroyed seven nations in [19] Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance. [20] All this took about an inheritance. [20] All this took about 450 years. After that, judges ruled until 450 years. After that, judges ruled until the time of Samuel the prophet. the time of Samuel the prophet.

Acts 13:17-23 God’s Work Acts 13:17-23 God’s Work Through Israel Through Israel Savior Savior

[21] Then the people begged for a king, [21] Then the people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. [22] But God reigned for forty years. [22] But God removed him from the kingship and removed him from the kingship and replaced him with David, a man about replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, 'David son of Jesse is a whom God said, 'David son of Jesse is a man after my own heart, for he will do man after my own heart, for he will do everything I want him to.' [23] "And it is everything I want him to.' [23] "And it is one of King David's descendants, Jesus, one of King David's descendants, Jesus, who is God's promised Savior of Israel! who is God's promised Savior of Israel!

Acts 13:24-25 John the Acts 13:24-25 John the Baptist’s TestimonyBaptist’s Testimony

[24] But before he came, John the [24] But before he came, John the Baptist preached the need for Baptist preached the need for everyone in Israel to turn from sin everyone in Israel to turn from sin and turn to God and be baptized. and turn to God and be baptized. [25] As John was finishing his [25] As John was finishing his ministry he asked, 'Do you think I ministry he asked, 'Do you think I am the Messiah? No! But he is am the Messiah? No! But he is coming soon—and I am not even coming soon—and I am not even worthy to be his slave.' worthy to be his slave.'

Acts 13:26-28 Jesus, the Acts 13:26-28 Jesus, the Savior, killed as prophesiedSavior, killed as prophesied[26] "Brothers—you sons of Abraham, and [26] "Brothers—you sons of Abraham, and

also all of you devout Gentiles who fear the also all of you devout Gentiles who fear the God of Israel—this salvation is for us! [27] God of Israel—this salvation is for us! [27] The people in Jerusalem and their leaders The people in Jerusalem and their leaders fulfilled prophecy by condemning Jesus to fulfilled prophecy by condemning Jesus to death. They didn't recognize him or realize death. They didn't recognize him or realize that he is the one the prophets had written that he is the one the prophets had written about, though they hear the prophets' about, though they hear the prophets' words read every Sabbath. [28] They words read every Sabbath. [28] They found no just cause to execute him, but found no just cause to execute him, but they asked Pilate to have him killed they asked Pilate to have him killed anyway. anyway.

Acts 13:29-31 Jesus, raised Acts 13:29-31 Jesus, raised from the dead and verified from the dead and verified

by many witnesses by many witnesses [29] "When they had fulfilled all the [29] "When they had fulfilled all the

prophecies concerning his death, they prophecies concerning his death, they took him down from the cross and took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. [30] But God placed him in a tomb. [30] But God raised him from the dead! [31] And raised him from the dead! [31] And he appeared over a period of many he appeared over a period of many days to those who had gone with him days to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem—these are from Galilee to Jerusalem—these are his witnesses to the people of Israel. his witnesses to the people of Israel.

Acts 13:32-33 We have Acts 13:32-33 We have brought this message to brought this message to

you you [32] "And now Barnabas and I are [32] "And now Barnabas and I are

here to bring you this Good News. here to bring you this Good News. God's promise to our ancestors has God's promise to our ancestors has come true in our own time, [33] in come true in our own time, [33] in that God raised Jesus… that God raised Jesus…

Acts 13:38-39 The Punch Acts 13:38-39 The Punch LineLine

[38] "Brothers, listen! In this man [38] "Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. [39] Everyone who believes in sins. [39] Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God—something declared right with God—something the Jewish law could never do. the Jewish law could never do. 1. Forgiveness God’s Grace2. Believe by Faith

3. Law couldn’t do not by Works

Ephes. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; [9] not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Acts 13:43-44Acts 13:43-44

[43] Many Jews and godly converts to [43] Many Jews and godly converts to Judaism who worshiped at the Judaism who worshiped at the synagogue followed Paul and synagogue followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged Barnabas, and the two men urged them, "By God's grace, remain them, "By God's grace, remain faithful.“faithful.“ [44] The following week [44] The following week almost the entire city turned out to almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the hear them preach the word of the Lord. Lord.

Acts 13:45, 48-50 Acts 13:45, 48-50 Polarizing EffectPolarizing Effect

[45] But when the Jewish leaders saw the [45] But when the Jewish leaders saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said. Paul and argued against whatever he said.

[48] When the Gentiles heard this, they were [48] When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were appointed to message; and all who were appointed to eternal life became believers. [49] So the eternal life became believers. [49] So the Lord's message spread throughout that region. Lord's message spread throughout that region. [50] Then the Jewish leaders stirred up both [50] Then the Jewish leaders stirred up both the influential religious women and the leaders the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town. and Barnabas and ran them out of town.

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.