ACTS 13
(v.1-3) “Antioch,” was located in modern day Syria, 16.5 miles from the
Mediterranean Sea. Among the prophets and teachers at Antioch were
believers from various backgrounds. There were people from as far as
Cyrene, like Lucius; some scholars believe that Simeon mentioned here is
actually Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carrying the cross of Christ, to
His crucifixion, (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23). We also see among them
the affluent, “Manaen,” who was “brought up” with Herod. The “Herod”
(tetrarch – ruler or governor), mentioned here is Herod Antipas, who had
John the Baptist beheaded.
There are three spiritual principles we find here in (v.2, 3). First – God guides
those who serve. (v.2) “As they minister,” serve others, God directed them.
My advice for those who are “single,” and desire to be married, stay away
from the clubs, and stay in the “field,” engaged in the service of the Lord;
there you will meet your “Isaac,” or your Rebekah. (Genesis 24:63-65) And Isaac
went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the
camels were coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from
her camel; for she had said to the servant, "Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?"
Isolation is both “self-centered,” and “childish.” (Proverbs 18:1) A man who isolates
himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
The second observation here is; The Spirit directs the work of the church.
“Now separate to Me…” Third – Pray and fast before answering the call. As
the old saying goes, “Some were sent and some just went!” Make sure you
have God’s command upon your calling before you get out of the boat!
(v.4-7) “Seleucia” – a seaport near Antioch – “Cyprus”: is located in the
northeastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea; 60 miles off the coast of
modern day Syria. (v.5) “Salamis” – was located on the eastern part of the
Island of Cyprus. “John” mentioned here is “John Mark” (12:25). (v.6)
“Paphos” – was situated on the west side of the Island; they had gone
through the island preaching the gospel. “Bar-Jesus,” meaning: the “son of
Jesus, or Joshua”; a common name among Jews; he was one who used
magical arts to pose as a “spiritual leader” and purveyor of “truth.”
(v.7) The “proconsul” or deputy, was Rome’s appointed authority in Paphos;
this sorcerer was associated with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. (v.8-12) The
sorcerer’s actual name was “Elymus” – the interpretation of his name literally
means “sorcerer”; his very name described his deceptive “vocation.” The
“blindness” which fell upon him was indicative of his “dark” trade. As
believers our “trade” is the word of God, which is our only hope is dispelling
the dark deception of this world. And is the only means by which we can
avoid being “deceived” ourselves. (Psalm 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a
light to my path.
Note: in order to be effective we must be “filled” with the Holy Spirit, (v.9).
Imagine the necessary “courage” it would take to confront such a wellconnected and influential individual, like Elymus! But this is the power which
Christ promised to be an effective witness in our present age, (Acts 1:8).
“Grace” calls us to be “giants,” rather than religious “gnats!” (ttt) Titus 2:1113.
(v.13, 14) “Perga” – was the capital city of Pamphylia, located on the south
coast of Asia Minor; modern day Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast. (v.13)
Paul and his party went on to “Perga” – but Mark (John Mark) returned to
Jerusalem; probably because he was home sick. Whatever the reason was
Paul did not think it was reason enough to abandon the mission; an issue
which would become the cause for “contention,” between Paul and Barnabas
later on, (Acts 15).
(v.14) This “Antioch” of Pisidia, is different from the Antioch of Syria. “Pisidia”
– was a province of Asia Minor, modern day southern Turkey. (v.15)
Traditionally within the synagogues a portion of the Law was read, along with
one of the prophets. Seeing that Barnabas and Paul were Jews, the rulers of
the synagogue asked if they, being strangers had a word to share. (v.16-41)
Paul declares the message of the gospel; there are “eight” points to his
“sermon.”
1. The History. (v.16-22)
2. The Promise. (v.23-25)
3. Their Personal Connection. (v.26-28) Christ is more than just a “historical figure.”
4. The Resurrection. (v.29, 30) Without the “resurrection” the good news, (gospel) is really, “no
news!”
5. The Witness. (v.31, 32)
6. The fulfillment. (v.33-37) “Fulfillment” according to “scripture”; Psalm 2:7 (v.33) – Isaiah 55:3
(v.34b) – Psalm 16:10 (v.35b).
7. The Gift. (v.38, 39) Two-fold; forgiveness (v.38b) and justification (v.39a).
8. The Warning. (v.40, 41) Habakkuk 1:5.
(v.42-47) “Devout proselytes” – pagans (Gentiles) who had been converted to
Judaism. “They were filled with envy” – “envy,” rather than the “Spirit,” fills
the heart of the “religious.” It gives birth to “contradiction” and “blaspheme.”
The Greek word for “contradicting” – tupikos (from: tupto): to thump,
pummel, repeated blows. They were “assaulting,” verbally, every word Paul
spoke; to the extent they “blasphemed” – spoke evil of the “good works” of
God! The Greek word for “opposed” – antilego: to dispute. The three letters
at the end of that Greek word is an acrostic E.G.O. – “ego”: Edging God Out!
This is exactly what happens when its more about us, than God; as it was
with this “religious” crowd.
But rather than grow fearful, under the blistering attack of the devil; Paul
and Barnabas grew “bold!” (v.46). Boldness is an attribute of the Spirit, (2
Timothy 1:7 – power, love, and sound mind). (v.46b) God judges no one.
In “rejecting” Christ, we actually “judge” (condemn) ourselves, “unworthy!”
Paul and Barnabas are not “frustrated”, they simply “move on,” (v.47). (v.4852) “appointed” – tasso: to arrange in an orderly manner. The
“arrangement” has already been made; (John 1:12) But as many as received Him, to
them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
(v.50a) If satan cannot get to the men he will attack our wives. Adam and Eve.
All the more important that we be a covering for our wives and family.
“Iconium” – was located in central Asia Minor, modern day Turkey. (v.50b51) – They shook of the “dust” from their feet as Jesus instructed them to do
(Matt. 10:13, 14), when people refuse to hear the truth. “Let your “peace”
return to you!” That your “joy” may remain! (v.52).