The Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:1-3)
Prophets and Teachers in Antioch
The chapter begins in Antioch, where several prophets and teachers, including Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch), and Saul, are ministering to the Lord and fasting. This diverse group reflects the multi-ethnic nature of the early Christian community (Acts 13:1).
The Holy Spirit’s Direction
While they are worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit instructs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them. After further fasting and prayer, they lay hands on them and send them off. This act of commissioning marks the formal beginning of Paul’s (formerly Saul) mission to the Gentiles, a pivotal moment in the expansion of the Christian mission beyond Jewish communities (Acts 13:2-3).
Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12)
Missionary Journey Begins
Sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas go to Seleucia and then sail to Cyprus. They travel through the island until they reach Paphos where they encounter a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who is an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, summons Barnabas and Saul because he wants to hear the word of God (Acts 13:4-7).
Confrontation with Elymas
Bar-Jesus (also called Elymas) opposes them, trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul rebukes Elymas, telling him that he will be blind for a time. Immediately, mist and darkness fall upon him, leading the proconsul to believe, astonished at the teaching about the Lord (Acts 13:8-12).
Paul’s Sermon at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:13-41)
Arrival and Sermon
Paul and his companions travel from Paphos to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath, they enter the synagogue, and after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders invite them to speak. Paul stands and delivers a sermon recounting the history of Israel, the story of Jesus, and the fulfillment of the scriptures through His death and resurrection (Acts 13:13-41). He emphasizes that through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed and all who believe are justified, something the Law of Moses could not do.
Jewish Rejection and Gentile Acceptance (Acts 13:42-52)
Mixed Reactions
As Paul and Barnabas speak, the Gentiles beg them to return the next Sabbath to hear more. Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism follow Paul and Barnabas, who urge them to continue in the grace of God. The following Sabbath almost the whole city gathers to hear the word of the Lord, but seeing the crowds, some Jews are filled with jealousy and begin to contradict Paul’s message, and verbally abuse him (Acts 13:42-45).
Turning to the Gentiles
Paul and Barnabas boldly declare that since the Jews reject the message and deem themselves unworthy of eternal life, they will turn to the Gentiles, as commanded by the Lord. The Gentiles rejoice and honor the word of the Lord, and many believe. The word of the Lord spreads through the whole region (Acts 13:46-49).
Persecution and Joy
However, the Jewish leaders incite devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city to persecute Paul and Barnabas and expel them from their region. Undeterred, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet against them and move on to Iconium, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit despite the opposition (Acts 13:50-52).
Theological Significance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Acts 13 emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in Paul’s preaching, highlighting His death, resurrection, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Paul’s message clearly establishes Jesus as the Savior, offering redemption and a new covenant relationship with God.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter illustrates God’s inclusive love by opening the doors of faith to the Gentiles, demonstrating that the gospel is not limited to a specific ethnic group but is available to all who believe, regardless of their background.
Contemporary Relevance
Acts 13 remains relevant today as it underscores the importance of missionary work, the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming opposition, and the necessity of perseverance in spreading the gospel. It encourages believers to respond to God’s call with boldness, to rely on scriptural truths in their ministry, and to embrace diversity within the church community.
Conclusion
Acts 13 provides a powerful narrative of the early church’s missionary activities, marked by divine guidance, bold preaching, and the transformative power of the gospel. It challenges today’s church to continue in this mission with zeal and to uphold the truth of the gospel in the face of resistance, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.