Acts 13

Acts 13 marks a pivotal chapter in the Acts of the Apostles, featuring the commencement of Paul's missionary journeys. This chapter begins with Paul and Barnabas being set apart by the Holy Spirit for the work to which they have been called, highlighting the transition from Peter's to Paul's ministry, which focuses on the Gentile mission. The narrative provides insights into early Christian worship, the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding missionary activities, and the challenges and successes of spreading the Gospel across diverse cultures and regions.

Acts 13:1-5 (NKJV)
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

The church in Antioch serves as a significant hub for early Christian activity, including teaching and prophecy. The mention of diverse leaders like Simeon and Lucius highlights the multi-ethnic character of the church. The Holy Spirit's direct communication plays a crucial role in setting apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for their missionary work. Their first destination is Cyprus, where they actively engage in preaching in Jewish synagogues, signifying their initial approach of reaching out to the Jewish diaspora. John Mark's inclusion as an assistant reflects the communal and supportive nature of their mission.

Acts 13:6 (NKJV)
Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus,

In Paphos, Paul and Barnabas encounter Bar-Jesus, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, which illustrates the spiritual opposition they face. This encounter emphasizes the conflict between the spreading Christian faith and existing religious practices that oppose or distort the truth.

Acts 13:7 (NKJV)
who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.

Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, displays intellectual curiosity and openness, indicating that the message of Christianity was reaching and appealing to high-ranking officials within Roman society. His desire to hear the word of God suggests a significant opportunity for the gospel to influence the upper echelons of power.

Acts 13:8 (NKJV)
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

Elymas, another name for Bar-Jesus, actively tries to obstruct the missionaries' efforts, reflecting a common theme of spiritual and ideological resistance that Paul and Barnabas encounter. This opposition highlights the challenges of missionary work, especially when influential figures are involved.

Acts 13:9-12 (NKJV)
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Elymas with a divine rebuke and pronounces a temporary judgment of blindness upon him. This miraculous sign not only punishes Elymas but also serves as a powerful demonstration of God's authority and the truth of Paul's message. The proconsul's conversion upon witnessing this event underscores the impact of divine intervention in confirming the gospel's authenticity and power. This moment also marks a pivotal point where Saul begins to be commonly known as Paul, signaling his primary role in the Gentile mission.

Acts 13:13 (NKJV)
Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.

After witnessing significant spiritual events in Cyprus, Paul and his team travel to Perga in Pamphylia. This verse also notes the departure of John Mark, who returns to Jerusalem. His departure could be due to the hardships of the mission, disagreements, or personal reasons, which later becomes a point of contention between Paul and Barnabas.

Acts 13:14-15 (NKJV)
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say on.”

Paul and Barnabas continue their mission to Antioch in Pisidia, maintaining their strategy of engaging Jewish audiences in synagogues. The reading from the Law and Prophets during the Sabbath service provides them an opportunity to speak. Invited to address the congregation, they are poised to present the gospel in a context that respects Jewish traditions and scriptures.

Acts 13:16-17 (NKJV)
Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.”

Paul begins his address by establishing common ground with his audience, referencing the shared history of the Israelites. His approach is inclusive, addressing both the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles present. He recounts the foundational story of the Exodus, emphasizing God's active role in Israel's history as a way to connect this narrative with the message of Jesus Christ he is about to deliver.

Acts 13:18-20 (NKJV)
“Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment. After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.”

Paul continues recounting the history of Israel, focusing on the wilderness journey and the conquest of Canaan. He highlights God’s patience and providential guidance throughout Israel's history, leading up to the period of the judges. This recounting serves to remind the audience of God's longstanding faithfulness and sovereign actions on behalf of His people.

Acts 13:21-22 (NKJV)
“And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’”

Transitioning from the judges to the monarchy, Paul narrates the shift to kingship in Israel, focusing on Saul and David. The mention of David is strategic, as his covenantal promises are central to Messianic expectations among the Jews. Paul emphasizes that God’s choice of David as a man after His own heart prefigures the coming of Jesus, whom he implies is David’s greater descendant.

Acts 13:23 (NKJV)
“From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—”

Here, Paul explicitly connects the historical narrative to Jesus, identifying Him as the promised Savior arising from David's lineage. This declaration is pivotal, linking the messianic prophecies with their fulfillment in Jesus, thus anchoring the gospel message in the scriptures familiar to his Jewish audience.

Acts 13:24 (NKJV)
"Before His coming, John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel."

Paul underscores the preparatory role of John the Baptist before Jesus' public ministry, emphasizing the baptism of repentance as a significant step for the people of Israel. This ties into the broader narrative of readiness for the Messiah, reinforcing John's role as the prophesied forerunner who would herald the coming of Christ.

Acts 13:25 (NKJV)
"And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’"

Paul continues to highlight John the Baptist's humility and his clear testimony about not being the Messiah himself. John’s declaration about one greater than him coming sets the stage for Jesus’ entrance, emphasizing His superiority and divine mission, which John acknowledged and revered.

Acts 13:26 (NKJV)
"Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent."

Addressing both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, Paul emphasizes that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is specifically intended for them. His approach makes clear that this salvation is a fulfillment of the promises made to their ancestors, bridging historical covenants with present fulfillment.

Acts 13:27 (NKJV)
"For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him."

Paul critiques the leaders in Jerusalem for their role in Jesus' crucifixion, citing their ignorance of the prophetic scriptures and their inability to recognize their Messiah. This condemnation of Jesus ironically fulfilled the very prophecies they read weekly, highlighting a tragic irony in their rejection of Him.

Acts 13:28-29 (NKJV)
"And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb."

Paul details the injustice of Jesus' death, noting that even though He was found innocent, He was still executed. This summary of the Passion underscores the fulfillment of prophecies regarding His suffering and death, emphasizing that even in apparent defeat, God's redemptive plan was being accomplished.

Acts 13:30 (NKJV)
"But God raised Him from the dead."

This succinct and powerful statement marks the climax of Paul's argument. The resurrection is presented as God’s definitive vindication of Jesus, countering the injustice of His death and confirming His identity and mission as the Messiah.

Acts 13:31 (NKJV)
"He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people."

Paul asserts the reality of the resurrection by noting that Jesus was seen alive by many witnesses over several days. These witnesses, familiar companions of Jesus from Galilee, now serve as credible sources of this astonishing truth, underscoring the empirical basis for faith in the resurrection.

Acts 13:32-33 (NKJV)
"And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’"

Paul connects the resurrection of Jesus to the promises given to the patriarchs, framing it as the fulfillment of God’s ancient commitments. By quoting Psalm 2, he aligns Jesus' resurrection with divine sonship, asserting that Jesus is the definitive revelation of God's plan and purpose for humanity.

Acts 13:34 (NKJV)
"And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’"

Paul elaborates on the resurrection, emphasizing its permanence—Jesus will not succumb to decay again, highlighting His divine nature and eternal kingship. He connects this to the covenant with David, interpreting the "sure mercies" promised to David as ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who is both David's descendant and his Lord.

Acts 13:35 (NKJV)
"Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’"

Continuing his argument, Paul cites another Psalm to underscore that the Messiah would not experience decay, supporting his claim about Jesus' resurrection. This reference strengthens his assertion that Jesus is the promised Messiah, whose body did not undergo corruption after death.

Acts 13:36 (NKJV)
"For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;"

Paul distinguishes Jesus from David, pointing out that David, despite his significant role and godly life, died and decayed. This contrast highlights that while David was a great king, he was not the Messiah who would overcome death permanently.

Acts 13:37 (NKJV)
"But He whom God raised up saw no corruption."

This succinct verse reinforces the unique aspect of Jesus' resurrection. Unlike David, Jesus did not see corruption, signifying His victory over death and His divine mission fulfilled.

Acts 13:38-39 (NKJV)
"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses."

Paul declares the central message of the gospel: forgiveness of sins and justification before God are available through Jesus Christ. This is a transformative declaration, especially to a Jewish audience, as it asserts that faith in Jesus accomplishes what the Mosaic Law could not—full and final justification.

Acts 13:40-41 (NKJV)
"Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.’"

Paul concludes with a warning, quoting the prophets about the danger of disbelief and the astonishing nature of God's works through Christ. This admonition is both an invitation and a caution, urging his listeners to embrace the gospel and avoid the judgment faced by those who reject it.

Acts 13:42 (NKJV)
"So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath."

After Paul's powerful sermon, the Gentiles in the audience express a keen interest in hearing more about the gospel. Their enthusiasm indicates the message's broad appeal beyond the Jewish community and sets the stage for the gospel's spread among the Gentiles.

Acts 13:43 (NKJV)
"Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God."

Paul and Barnabas have a significant impact; many Jews and God-fearing proselytes are persuaded by their message. They encourage these new followers to persist in the grace of God, emphasizing the importance of ongoing faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus.

Acts 13:44 (NKJV)
"On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God."

The response to the gospel is overwhelming, with almost the entire city assembling to hear Paul and Barnabas. This massive gathering underscores the profound interest and the pivotal role of the gospel message in igniting spiritual curiosity and desire among the people of Antioch in Pisidia.

Acts 13:45 (NKJV)
"But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul."

The large turnout of Gentiles and others provokes jealousy among some Jews, who begin to actively oppose Paul's teachings. Their resistance, marked by contradiction and blasphemy, highlights the deep-seated challenges and conflicts that the early missionaries faced from established religious groups.

Acts 13:46 (NKJV)
"Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.’"

In response to opposition, Paul and Barnabas assert their commitment to their divine mandate. They emphasize that while the Jews were the first recipients of the gospel, the rejection by some does not deter their mission. Instead, it catalyzes the shift towards a broader Gentile mission, reflecting a significant theological and practical pivot in early Christian evangelism.

Acts 13:47 (NKJV)
"For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’"

Paul cites a prophetic mandate from Isaiah, framing their mission to the Gentiles as a fulfillment of God's plan for global salvation. This verse underlines the inclusive nature of the gospel and the role of Jewish believers as bearers of God's light to the entire world, not limited to their own ethnic or religious group.

Acts 13:48 (NKJV)
"Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."

The Gentile response is overwhelmingly positive; they rejoice and honor God's word. The reference to those appointed to eternal life believing suggests a divine orchestration in their faith response, aligning with the theme of predestination found in other parts of the New Testament.

Acts 13:49 (NKJV)
"And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region."

The successful missionary efforts of Paul and Barnabas lead to the rapid dissemination of the gospel across the region, indicating the beginning of a significant expansion of the Christian faith beyond its initial Jewish context.

Acts 13:50 (NKJV)
"But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region."

The opposition to Paul and Barnabas intensifies as some Jews persuade influential members of the community, including devout women and city leaders, to persecute them. This demonstrates the challenges the apostles faced, showing that their message not only reached all societal levels but also provoked strong reactions that led to their expulsion.

Acts 13:51 (NKJV)
"But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and came to Iconium."

Following the Jewish custom of shaking off the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and moving on, Paul and Barnabas demonstrate their determination to leave behind those who rejected their message and continue their mission elsewhere. This act signifies a clear break and a symbolic cleansing from the rejection they faced.

Acts 13:52 (NKJV)
"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

Despite the persecution and challenges, the disciples (new believers and followers in the region) are described as being filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes that the external opposition did not dampen the spiritual vitality and growth among the believers, highlighting the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit in the midst of adversity.