Acts Chapter 13: Paul and Barnabas’ First Missionary Journey Begins


Summary
Acts 13 marks the start of Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey, commissioned by the Holy Spirit, as they spread the gospel to Jews and Gentiles. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Commissioning in Antioch (13:1–3): In the diverse Antioch church, prophets and teachers, including Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul (Paul), worship and fast. The Holy Spirit directs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for mission work. After fasting and prayer, the church lays hands on them and sends them off.
  • Ministry in Cyprus (13:4–12): Paul and Barnabas, with John Mark, sail to Cyprus, preaching in Salamis’ synagogues. In Paphos, they encounter Bar-Jesus (Elymas), a Jewish sorcerer advising the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Elymas opposes them, but Paul, filled with the Spirit, blinds him, affirming the gospel’s truth. Sergius Paulus believes, amazed at God’s teaching.
  • Ministry in Pisidian Antioch (13:13–41): John Mark leaves in Perga, and Paul and Barnabas reach Pisidian Antioch. In the synagogue, Paul preaches a sermon tracing Israel’s history from Egypt to David, proclaiming Jesus as the promised Savior, crucified and resurrected, fulfilling Scripture. He offers forgiveness through faith in Jesus, surpassing the Law’s justification.
  • Mixed Responses and Gentile Outreach (13:42–52): Many Jews and proselytes follow Paul, but jealous Jewish leaders oppose him the next Sabbath, contradicting his message. Paul and Barnabas declare they will turn to the Gentiles, citing Isaiah 49:6. Gentiles rejoice, and many believe, but opposition forces Paul and Barnabas to leave for Iconium, shaking dust from their feet. The disciples remain joyful and Spirit-filled.
Cross-References
  • Commissioning:
    • Acts 6:6: Laying on hands for service.
    • Acts 1:8: Mission to the ends of the earth.
    • Romans 10:15: Preachers sent by God.
  • Cyprus Ministry:
    • Acts 8:9–13: Simon the sorcerer’s opposition.
    • Deuteronomy 18:10–12: Condemnation of sorcery.
    • Acts 19:11–12: Miracles affirming the gospel.
  • Paul’s Sermon:
    • Psalm 2:7: “You are my Son.”
    • Isaiah 55:3: David’s holy promises.
    • Habakkuk 1:5: Unbelievable work of God.
    • Romans 3:24–25: Justification by faith.
  • Gentile Outreach:
    • Isaiah 49:6: Light to the Gentiles.
    • Acts 15:14–17: Gentiles in God’s plan.
    • Romans 11:11: Gentiles provoke Jewish faith.
  • Opposition:
    • Matthew 10:14: Shaking dust from feet.
    • Acts 14:2: Jewish opposition in Iconium.
    • 2 Timothy 3:12: Persecution for faith.
  • General Theme:
    • Luke 24:46–47: Christ’s death and resurrection preached.
    • Ephesians 3:8: Gospel to Gentiles.
Theological Meaning
Acts 13 is rich with theological themes that underscore the gospel’s expansion:
  • Spirit’s Guidance: The Holy Spirit’s call (13:2) and empowerment (13:9) direct the mission, showing divine initiative in spreading the gospel (John 16:13; Acts 1:8).
  • Gospel’s Fulfillment: Paul’s sermon (13:16–41) ties Jesus’ death and resurrection to Scripture, proving He fulfills God’s promises (Luke 24:44; Romans 1:2–4).
  • Salvation by Faith: Paul emphasizes forgiveness through faith in Jesus, not the Law (13:38–39), clarifying the gospel’s core (Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8).
  • Universal Mission: The turn to Gentiles (13:46–47) fulfills God’s plan for all nations, as foretold in Isaiah, expanding the church’s reach (Acts 10:34–35; Romans 15:9–12).
  • Opposition and Perseverance: Jewish rejection (13:45) and expulsion (13:50) highlight resistance to the gospel, yet Paul persists, modeling endurance (Philippians 1:29; Acts 14:22).
  • God’s Power: The blinding of Elymas (13:11) and conversions (13:12, 48) demonstrate God’s authority over evil and His ability to draw hearts (John 12:32; Acts 19:20).
  • Church’s Role: Antioch’s commissioning (13:3) and joyful disciples (13:52) show the church as a sending and sustaining community (Matthew 28:19; Romans 15:26).
Questions and Answers
  1. Who were the leaders in the Antioch church (13:1)?
    • Barnabas, Simeon (possibly Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (a court member of Herod), and Saul were prophets and teachers, reflecting the church’s diversity (13:1; Acts 11:20).
  2. How did the Holy Spirit commission Paul and Barnabas (13:2)?
    • During worship and fasting, the Spirit spoke, likely through a prophet, directing the church to set apart Paul and Barnabas for mission (13:2; Acts 8:29). The church obeyed with prayer (13:3).
  3. Why did Paul confront Elymas in Paphos (13:8–11)?
    • Elymas, a sorcerer, opposed the gospel, seeking to turn Sergius Paulus from faith (13:8). Paul, Spirit-filled, rebuked his deception and blinded him, affirming God’s truth (13:9–11; Acts 8:20–23).
  4. What was the significance of Sergius Paulus’ conversion (13:12)?
    • As a Roman proconsul, his belief (13:12) showed the gospel’s reach to elites, impacting Cyprus’ influence (Acts 13:7; Romans 1:16). It validated Paul’s ministry (Acts 14:3).
  5. Why did John Mark leave Paul and Barnabas (13:13)?
    • The text doesn’t specify, but Mark returned to Jerusalem from Perga, possibly due to hardship or disagreement (13:13; Acts 15:38). Later, he proved faithful (Colossians 4:10).
  6. What was the main point of Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch (13:16–41)?
    • Paul traced Israel’s history to Jesus, the resurrected Savior, offering forgiveness through faith, fulfilling Scripture, and surpassing the Law’s justification (13:38–39; Romans 3:21–26).
  7. Why did the Jews oppose Paul’s preaching (13:45)?
    • Jealous of the crowds drawn by Paul’s message, Jewish leaders contradicted him, rejecting Gentile inclusion (13:45; Acts 17:5). Their zeal clashed with the gospel (Romans 10:2–3).
  8. Why did Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles (13:46–47)?
    • Jewish rejection prompted Paul to fulfill Isaiah 49:6, proclaiming light to Gentiles (13:46–47; Acts 18:6). It aligned with God’s plan, sparking Gentile faith (13:48; Acts 15:14).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: The journey (circa AD 46–48) began in Antioch, a mission hub (13:1; Acts 11:26). Cyprus (13:4) was Barnabas’ home (Acts 4:36), with Jewish communities (13:5). Sergius Paulus (13:7) is attested in inscriptions as proconsul (circa AD 46). Pisidian Antioch (13:14) was a Roman colony in Galatia. Synagogues (13:5, 14) were entry points for Jews and proselytes. Shaking dust (13:51) followed Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 10:14).
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why fasting was used (13:2–3). It accompanied prayer for divine guidance (Luke 5:35). Elymas’ sorcery (13:8) was common in Greco-Roman culture (Acts 19:19). Paul’s name shift from Saul (13:9) reflects his Roman identity for Gentile mission (Acts 22:21). Gentile joy (13:48) contrasted Jewish exclusivity (Acts 22:22). Women of influence (13:50) held social power in Roman cities.
  • Application: Acts 13 calls believers to obey the Spirit’s call, preach Christ boldly, and embrace God’s global mission. It encourages perseverance amid rejection, trusting God’s power to save (1 Corinthians 9:16).
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