Barnabas and Saul Are Chosen for the Work, 13:1-3.
[1-3] As they were working for the Lord, the Spirit came, instructing that Barnabas and Saul be set apart for a special work. It is probable that this message came through one of the divinely inspired prophets, just as the message had come from Agabus (Acts 11:28). There are three distinct acts noted in sending out these first missionaries to the Gentiles: (1) They fasted.
Early Christians fasted during times of special spiritual leading. It gave them a chance to withdraw from all material thoughts and to concentrate on spiritual things. (2) They prayed. Prayer is a powerful blessing for Christians. What can be greater than to talk to Him who is both Creator and Sustainer of the whole world! (3) They laid hands on them. This was a general custom of the people. It was a sign of fellowship as if to say, “As you go, we give you our hands that we may share with you in your work.” It may be compared to tribal ceremonies designed to send forth men on special journeys.
Simeon and Lucius seem to have come from North Africa. From history, we know that the early church was very strong there. Could this Simeon be the same man who carried the cross of Christ? (Mark 15:21).
Labours in Cyprus, 13:4-12.
[4-5] On pages 794-796 trace the journeys recorded here; it will be helpful. Antioch lies inland. So the first part of their journey was to travel to the seacoast town of Selucia about 25 kilometres away. Leaving there, they travelled to Salamis, which was located at the eastern end of the island of Cyprus. Immediately they looked for the synagogue. This was the plan of many of the early preachers. They knew that many religious people could be found in the synagogues. These people already knew about God and other prophecies of the coming Messiah. They would understand the preaching of the gospel of Christ.
Acts 13:6-12
6 They went across the whole island to the town of Paphos. In Paphos, they met a Jewish man who did tricks of magic. His name was Barjesus. He said he was a prophet, but he was not. 7 Barjesus always stayed close to Sergius Paulus, the governor. Sergius Paulus was a wise man. He asked Barnabas and Saul to come to him; he wanted to hear God’s message. 8 But Elymas, the magician, opposed Saul and Barnabas. (Elymas is the name for Barjesus in the Greek language.) Elymas tried to turn the governor away from the faith. 9 However, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Saul’s other name was Paul.) Paul looked straight at Elymas 10 and said, “You son of the Devil! You are an enemy of everything which is right! You are full of evil tricks and lies. You always try to turn the Lord’s truths into lies! 11 Now the Lord will touch you and you will be blind. For a time, you won’t be able to see the light which comes from the sun.” Then everything quickly became dark for Elymas. He walked around lost, trying to find someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the governor saw this, he believed. He was amazed at the teaching of the Lord.
[6-8] They travelled across the island, preaching about Christ. Probably one reason they selected this island as the first point for their journey was that this was the home of Barnabas (Acts 4:36). This is important in our preaching today also. Christians should want to introduce the gospel to their own towns and villages. When someone returns to his own village where he is known and respected, he can help introduce fellow Christians (who may have come to teach) to the village headman or town officials and elders (older men). He can explain to the elders about the gospel. If their help can be secured, it will be easier to proclaim the gospel. As the gospel is preached, opposition will come. Satan does not like the gospel to be preached. He will raise up false prophets to oppose it. He will use sorcerers and other such people to try to confuse the people. Elymas was just such a sorcerer. He sought to confuse the governor and to turn him away from Christianity. He probably felt that his position would be threatened if the governor put his faith in God rather than in magic.
[9-11] Here we observe the change of Saul’s name to Paul. No reason was given for the change. He was called Paul from this point on. Paul severely rebuked this sorcerer and brought a curse upon him.
[12] The result of the miracle upon this sorcerer was that the governor believed. The basic purpose of miracles was to produce belief (see John 3:2; 20:30-31). The miracles also confirmed the work of the Lord (Hebrews 2:3-4).
Acts 13:13-25
13 Paul and those who were with him sailed away from Paphos. They came to Perga, a town in Pamphylia. But John Mark left them; he went back home to Jerusalem. 14 They continued their trip from Perga and went to Antioch, a city in Pisidia. In Antioch, on the Sabbath day, they went into the Jewish synagogue and sat down. 15 The law of Moses and the writings of the prophets were read. Then the leaders of the synagogue sent a message to Paul and Barnabas: “Brothers, if you have something to say which will help the people here, please speak.” 16 Paul stood up. He raised his hand and said, “Men of Israel, and you other people who also worship the true God, please listen to me! 17 The God of our people, Israel, chose our ancestors. God made His people great during the time that they lived in Egypt as strangers. God brought them out of that country with great power. 18 For 40 years in the desert, God was patient with them. 19 He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, giving their land to His people. 20 All of this happened in about 450 years.” “After this, God gave judges to our people, until the time of Samuel, the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king. God gave them Saul, the son of Kish. Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. He was king for 40 years. 22 After God removed Saul, He made David their king. God vouched for David: ‘David, the son of Jesse, is the man I like. He will do all the things I want him to do.’ ” 1 Samuel 13:14 23 “God has brought one of David’s descendants to Israel to be their Savior; he is Jesus. God had promised to do this. 24 Before Jesus came, John preached to all the people of Israel. John told the people to change their hearts and to be immersed. 25 As John was finishing his work, he always used to say, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not the Messiah. He is coming later. I’m not worthy to untie his shoes!’ “
The Journey From Paphos to Antioch, 13:13-15.
[13] At this point in the journey, John Mark left and returned to Jerusalem. We are not told why he left. Whatever the reason was, it destroyed Paul’s confidence in him. At a later time, Paul refused to allow John to accompany them on a journey (Acts 15:37-39). However, much later Paul requested that Mark come to him, which suggests that confidence had been restored (2 Timothy 4:11).
[14-15] Paul’s company travelled through the dangerous mountainous country from the coast to Antioch of Pisidia. According to their custom, they sought out the synagogue to begin teaching,
Paul’s Sermon, 13:16-41.
[16-22] Here we have Paul’s sermon in outline form. First, he reviewed the history of God’s dealings with Israel from the Exodus until the time of David, The Jews never tired of hearing about their history (see Psalm 78).
[23] After laying the foundation, Paul introduced the central theme of all his teaching (note 1 Corinthians 2:2). According to prophecy, Christ would be from the family of David (Psalm 89:19-37).
[24-25] John the Baptist had come to prepare the way for the Christ (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:1f.). John preached that the people must turn from their sins (repent). He also immersed them in water for the forgiveness of their sins. Some of the people thought that John was the Messiah. But John denied it. He said that One greater than he would come. That One was Christ.
Acts 13:26-37
26 “My brothers, sons in the family of Abraham, and you non-Jews who also worship the true God, listen! The news about this salvation has been sent to us. 27 The Jews living in Jerusalem and the Jewish leaders did not realize it. The words that the prophets wrote about the Messiah were read to the Jews every Sabbath day, but they didn’t understand. The Jewish leaders condemned the Messiah. When they did this, they made the words of the prophets come true! 28 They couldn’t find any real reason why he should die, yet they asked Pilate to kill him. 29 These Jews did all the things that the Scriptures said about him. Then they took him down from the cross of wood and put him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him up from death! 31 After this, for many days, Jesus was seen by the people who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to the people. 32-33 We are telling you the Good News: God made a promise to our fathers. We are their descendants and God has made this promise come true for us. God did this by raising Jesus from death. We also read about this in Psalm 2: ‘You are My Son. Today I have become your Father.’ Psalm 2:7 34 God raised Jesus from death. Jesus will never go back to the grave and decay. So God said: ‘I will give you the sure and holy promises which I made to David.’ Isaiah 55:3 35 But in another place God says: ‘You will not let the body of Your holy one decay in the grave.’ Psalm 16:10 36 But David did God’s will during his own generation. Then he died. David was buried with his fathers and his body did decay! 37 However, the one whom God raised from death did not decay!”
[26] The message of Christ was a message of salvation (Luke 19:9-10). There could be no salvation under the law, for all had sinned (Romans 3:19-23; Galatians 3:11). People today who are not followers of Christ are just like those Jews. Any religion without Christ is weak. It cannot offer salvation. Therefore, today we must teach as Paul taught.
[27-31] Paul described what the Jews did to Christ. Two things were wrong. First, the people did not recognize Christ. Second, they did not understand the prophecies about Him. Because of their ignorance, they killed Jesus.
[32-39] Paul said he was bringing good news. Although the Jews in Jerusalem had done evil in killing Christ, God had raised Him up. Through Christ comes the forgiveness of sins (verse 38). Belief in Christ will bring freedom from sin. There was no way that sin could actually be forgiven under the law (Hebrews 10:1-4). Christ brought salvation (Acts 4:12).
Acts 13:38-52
38-39 “Brothers, you must understand what we are telling you: You can have forgiveness of your sins through this man. The law of Moses could not make you right with God, but everyone who believes the Good News is made right. 40 The prophets said something would take place. Be careful! Don’t let this happen to you: 41 ‘Look, you people who doubt! Wonder and die! During your time, I will do something which you won’t believe. You wouldn’t believe it, even if someone were to explain it to you!'” Habakkuk 1:5 42 While Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people were begging them to come back on the next Sabbath day and tell them more about these things. 43 After the meeting, many converts to the Jewish faith (who worshiped the true God) and many of the Jews followed Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas were persuading them to continue living in the gracious love of God. 44 On the next Sabbath day, almost all the people in the city came together to hear the message of the Lord. 45 The Jewish leaders saw the crowds there. So, they became very jealous. They said some terrible things and argued against the words which Paul said. 46 But Paul and Barnabas were very bold. They said, “It was necessary that we speak God’s message to you Jews first, but you won’t listen. You are deciding that you are unworthy of having eternal life! Therefore, we will now go to the people of other nations! 47 This is what the Lord God commanded us to do: ‘I have made you a light for other nations, so that you may show the way of salvation to people all over the world.’ ” Isaiah 49:6 48 When the non-Jewish people heard Paul say this, they were happy. They gave honor to the Lord’s message, and many of the people believed the message. These were the people appointed to have eternal life. 49 And so, the message of the Lord was spreading through the whole country. 50 But the Jewish leaders stirred up some of the important religious women and the leaders of the city to oppose Paul and Barnabas. They were angry. These people persecuted them and threw them out of town. 51 So, Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet. Then they went to the town of Iconium. 52 The followers of Jesus in Antioch were happy and full of the Holy Spirit.
[40] Paul warned them. If they did not believe his words, they would be condemned. In being condemned, they were part of the fulfilled prophecy. The message of the gospel carries either the promise of salvation or the threat of condemnation (Mark 16:16).
Immediate Effects of the Sermon, 13:42-43.
[42-43] Paul’s message convinced a number of people. Honest people will always be ready to consider the evidence and will base their decision on the evidence, not on some emotional feeling.
Later Effects on the Second Sabbath, 13:44-49.
[44-45] There was much interest in the new teaching about Christ. But such interest sparked jealousy among the Jews. These men saw their leadership positions in the synagogues being threatened. They were more interested in their places of honour than in the truth. Therefore, they brought persecution.
[46-47] Because of the unreasonable behaviour of these Jews, Paul turned away from them. He was following a principle set down by the Lord (Matthew 10:14). If people refuse to hear, they are self-condemned. There are many people in the world who are anxious to hear. We must go to them. Because of the rejection of the Jews, these preachers of the Word turned to other groups.
[48-49] The Gentiles rejoiced at Paul’s message. By this time, many Gentiles had recognized the weakness of their pagan religions. Some were beginning to worship Jehovah (like Cornelius in chapter ten). But the Jews would not accept the Gentiles as equals. They were prejudiced against them. The Gentiles heard now that they could become children of God. This was cause for rejoicing. It was not just the Jews who were able to have eternal life.
Because of Persecution, They Depart, 13:50-52.
[50-52] The Jewish persecutors secured the aid of certain women. These women were probably wives of politicians in Antioch. Their minds were more on material things than on spiritual matters. To “shake the dust” off was a sign meaning that they would have nothing more to do with those people. In spite of these troubles, the disciples were filled with joy. The Holy Spirit was with them, and they felt blessed.
Acts 14:1-13
14 1 Then Paul and Barnabas went to the town of Iconium. They entered the Jewish synagogue. (This is what they did in every town.) They spoke to the people there in such a way that many Jews and non-Jews believed what they said. 2 However, some of the Jews did not believe. These Jews stirred up the non-Jewish people and made them persecute the brothers. 3 The Lord helped Paul and Barnabas to be bold, and they stayed in Iconium a long time. Paul and Barnabas preached about how God forgives sins. The Lord proved what they said was true; He helped them do miracles and wonders. 4 But, some of the people in the town agreed with the Jews. Other people in the town believed Paul and Barnabas. So, the town was divided. 5 Some non-Jewish people, some Jews, and their Jewish leaders tried to hurt Paul and Barnabas. These people wanted to stone them to death. 6 When Paul and Barnabas learned about this, they left that town. They went to Lystra and Derbe, towns in Lycaonia, and to the surrounding area. 7 They told the Good News there, too. 8 In Lystra there was a man whose feet were paralyzed. He had been born crippled; he had never walked. This man was sitting there and 9 listening to Paul speak. Paul looked straight at him. Paul saw that the man believed that God could heal him. 10 So, Paul shouted, “Stand up on your feet!” The man jumped up and began walking around. 11 When the crowd saw what Paul did, they shouted in their own Lycaonian language. They said, “The gods have become like men! They have come down to us!” 12 The people began to call Barnabas “Zeus.” They called Paul “Hermes,” because he was the main speaker. 13 The temple of Zeus was near the town. The priest of this temple brought some bulls and flowers to the town gates. The priest and the crowds wanted to give an offering, to worship Paul and Barnabas.
Events in Iconium, 14:1-7.
[1-7] After leaving Antioch, they travelled southeast to the city of Iconium some 150 kilometres away. They followed the same procedure there as in Antioch, visiting the synagogue and preaching there. The same results occurred. Some accepted the gospel, whereas others rejected it. It was just as Jesus had said in His parable of the sower (Matthew 13).
Persecution arose, but they remained there preaching the gospel. As on other occasions, their word was confirmed by great signs (Hebrews 2:2-4; Galatians 3:5).
Persecution grew more serious until it was necessary for them to depart to avoid being killed. They went some 70 kilometres further, to the city of Lystra and then to other cities in that area.
Events in Lystra, 14:8-20.
[8] There is no mention of a synagogue here. Paul was probably speaking in an open marketplace. One of his hearers was crippled, and this man became the focus of attention.
[9-12] We are not told what Paul said. It must have been something about the miraculous powers of Jesus or the Holy Spirit. The crippled man seemed to understand Paul’s message. Paul decided to use him as an example of the power of God. This healing had a great impact on the pagan audience. The people of Lycaonia, the district where Paul was preaching, believed in many gods. Seeing such an event, they were convinced that Paul and Barnabas were gods. Two of the chief gods of the Greeks were Zeus and Hermes. The people concluded that these gods had come to visit them in the forms of Paul and Barnabas.
Acts 14:14-20
14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, understood what the people were doing, they ripped their own clothes. Then they ran in among the crowd and shouted to them, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We are not gods! We have the same feelings you have! We came to tell you the Good News. We are telling you to turn away from these worthless things. Turn to the true living God. He is the One who made the land, the sea, the sky, and everything which is in them. 16 In the past, God let all the nations do what they wanted. 17 But God did things to prove that He is real: He does good things for you. He gives you rain from the sky and good harvests at the right times. He gives you plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” 18 Paul and Barnabas told the crowds these things. The people still wanted to offer sacrifices to worship them, but Paul and Barnabas stopped them. 19 Then some Jews came from Antioch in Pisidia and Iconium. They persuaded the people to oppose Paul. And so, the people stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town. The people thought that they had killed him. 20 The followers of Jesus gathered around Paul and he got up and went back into town. The next day he and Barnabas left and went to the town of Derbe.
[13-18] Paul had not expected such a pagan outburst. He had to make efforts to stop this sacrifice. He wanted them to turn away from idol worship, for there was no profit in that. He wished them to know about the true God. They could even see evidence of God in the rain and fruitful seasons. But such a pagan audience could not be convinced so quickly.
The term “apostles” can be used in a specific way referring to the specific men Jesus chose to be His apostles. The term “apostles” can also be used in a general way to refer to those sent on a mission. We often use the term “missionary” to refer to those sent on a mission today. In verse 14, the author uses the term “apostles”, referring to both Paul and Barnabas, in the general sense.
[19-20] The Jews who had stirred up persecution in Antioch and Iconium came also to Lystra. It did not take the people long to turn against them. Just like the Jews in Jerusalem who welcomed Christ as a king and then turned to kill him a week later, so these people who wanted to offer sacrifice now turned to murder. In recounting his persecutions, Paul mentioned stoning (2 Corinthians 11:25). Whether Paul was actually dead or only nearly dead is not clear. Whichever was the case, it seems that a miracle was involved in his recovery. He rose up and boldly went back into the city. The next day he left for Derbe.
The Return to Antioch of Syria, 14:21-28.
21 Paul and Barnabas told the Good News in the town of Derbe, too. Many people became followers of Jesus. Paul and Barnabas went back to the towns of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia. 22 In those cities they made the followers of Jesus stronger. They helped them to stay in the faith. They said, “We must suffer many things on our way into God’s kingdom.” 23 They appointed elders for each congregation. The believers fasted and prayed for these men. These men had put their trust in the Lord Jesus. So, Paul and Barnabas put them in the Lord’s care. 24 Paul and Barnabas went through the country of Pisidia. Then they came to the country of Pamphylia. 25 They preached the story of Jesus in the town of Perga and then they went down to the town of Attalia. 26 And from there Paul and Barnabas sailed away to Antioch in Syria. This is the city where they had begun this work. The believers here had sent them out with God’s gracious love. Now their trip was over. 27 When Paul and Barnabas arrived, they gathered the congregation together. Paul and Barnabas told them all about the things which God had done with them. They said, “God opened a door so that non-Jewish people could believe too!” 28 They stayed there a long time with the followers of Jesus.
[21-22] They enjoyed success when preaching in Derbe. There is no mention of persecution there. After a period of time, it seemed wise to visit the disciples whom they had left in the cities where they had preached. Though it was dangerous to visit those cities, Paul was ready to face any danger for the sake of Christ. Here we find an important principle for our work today. As congregations are planted from one village to another, we ought to make a plan to re-visit those new Christians from time to time until they are firmly established in the faith. If we do not, they may be snatched back into sin or taken into the clutches of false teachers as a lion snatches up a small lamb.
[23] An important part of strengthening a new congregation is to help it to become organized. With this in mind, elders were appointed in each church. Note that elders were appointed in every church. This was the New Testament plan. Each congregation ought to be guided by several qualified men. Following this biblical plan will assure wise guidance and a growing church (see 1 Timothy 3:1-10).
[24-26] They re-traced their journey, visiting cities that they had previously visited. Their return trip finally found them back in Antioch of Syria from which they had been sent out (Acts 13:1).
[27-28] A report was made to the whole church. This church had sent them out and had supported them in every way in this first missionary work among the non-Jewish tribes. Probably there was much rejoicing, knowing how the gospel had been preached in many cities.
Acts 15:1-11
15 1 Then some men came down to Antioch in Syria from Judea. They began teaching to non-Jewish brothers: “You cannot be saved if you are not circumcised. Moses told us to do it.” 2 Paul and Barnabas were very much opposed to this teaching. They argued with these men about it. So, the group decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and some other men to Jerusalem. These men were going there to talk more about this issue with the apostles and elders. 3 The congregation helped the men with what they needed for the trip. These men went through the provinces of Phoenicia and Samaria. In these countries, they told all about how non-Jewish people had turned to the true God. This made all the brothers very happy. 4 Paul, Barnabas, and the others arrived in Jerusalem. The apostles, the elders, and the whole congregation welcomed them. Paul, Barnabas, and the others told about all the things which God had done with them. 5 Some of the believers in Jerusalem had belonged to the Pharisee sect. They stood up and claimed, “The non-Jewish believers must be circumcised. We must command them to obey the law of Moses!” 6 Then the apostles and the elders gathered to study this problem. 7 There was a long debate. Then Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, I know you remember what happened in the early days. At that time God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to non-Jewish people and they believed it. 8 God knows the hearts of all men and He accepted these non-Jewish people. He showed this to us by giving them the Holy Spirit, too. 9 God did the same thing for them that He did for us. When they made a commitment, God made their hearts pure. 10 So now, why are you testing God? You are putting a heavy load around the necks of the non-Jewish followers. Neither we nor our ancestors were strong enough to carry it! 11 No, we believe that both we and these people will be saved by the gracious love of the Lord Jesus!”