Lesson Twenty-Four: First Journey Begins

Supplementary Materials

Overview: Paul's Three Missionary Journeys Part 3 of Acts covers Paul's evangelistic tours. Here's an overview:

The Church at Antioch: A Sending Church (13:1-3)

The Antioch church had prophets and teachers — gifted leaders who could guide and instruct: Name What We Know Barnabas "Son of encouragement"; Levite from Cyprus; sold land for the church (4:36-37); vouched for Saul (9:27); brought Saul to Antioch (11:25-26) Simeon called Niger "Niger" means "black" — likely of African descent. Some speculate he may be Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21), but this is uncertain. Lucius of Cyrene From Cyrene in North Africa. Men of Cyprus and Cyrene first preached to Greeks at Antioch (11:20). Manaen "Brought up with Herod the tetrarch" — childhood companion of Herod Antipas (who killed John the Baptist). What a contrast in their lives! Saul Pharisee from Tarsus; trained under Gamaliel; former persecutor; converted on Damascus road (ch. 9); brought to Antioch by Barnabas.

Note the diversity: This leadership team included men from Cyprus, Africa, and Tarsus; a man raised in Herod's court and a former Pharisee; possibly men of different races. The church at Antioch reflected the universal nature of the gospel.

The Sending: Holy Spirit-Directed Mission (13:2-4) "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." Key observations:

• "Ministered to the Lord, and fasted" — They were worshiping and seeking God's direction
• "The Holy Ghost said" — Divine direction, likely through one of the prophets
• "Separate me" — Set apart for God's service; a divine call
• "The work whereunto I have called them" — God had already called them; now the church commissioned them
• "Fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them" (13:3) — The church's endorsement and blessing
• "Sent forth by the Holy Ghost" (13:4) — The real sender was God; the church was His instrument

Pattern: Missionaries are called by God and sent by the church. The Holy Spirit initiates; the church confirms and supports.

The First Journey Route (13:4-14)

John Mark: Their Minister (13:5, 13) What We Know Scripture Son of Mary in Jerusalem Acts 12:12 — The church met at his mother's house Cousin of Barnabas Colossians 4:10 — "Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas" "Minister" (assistant) Acts 13:5 — Served Barnabas and Saul on the journey Departed at Perga Acts 13:13 — "John departing from them returned to Jerusalem" Caused later conflict Acts 15:37-39 — Paul refused to take him; Barnabas and Paul separated Later restored 2 Tim. 4:11 — Paul later said, "he is profitable to me for the ministry" Wrote a Gospel The Gospel of Mark — tradition says based on Peter's testimony

Lesson: Mark's early failure did not define his life. He grew, matured, and became "profitable" for ministry. God gives second chances!

Elymas the Sorcerer (13:6-12) At Paphos, they encountered opposition:

The Confrontation

• Elymas "withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith" (13:8) — He tried to prevent Sergius Paulus from believing
• Paul ("filled with the Holy Ghost") rebuked him (13:9-10) — "Full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness"
• Elymas was struck blind (13:11) — "Not seeing the sun for a season" — temporary blindness as judgment
• Sergius Paulus believed (13:12) — "Astonished at the doctrine of the Lord" — the teaching, not just the miracle

Two Sorcerers Compared: Simon and Elymas Aspect Simon (Acts 8) Elymas (Acts 13) Location Samaria Cyprus (Paphos) Background Samaritan sorcerer Jewish false prophet Response to gospel Believed and was baptized Opposed and resisted Sin revealed Tried to buy spiritual power Tried to prevent conversion Rebuke "Thy heart is not right" (8:21) "Child of the devil" (13:10) Opportunity given "Repent... pray God" (8:22) Struck blind "for a season" (13:11) Response Asked for prayers (8:24) Sought someone to lead him (13:11)

Saul Becomes Paul (13:9) "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul)..." — From this point on, Luke calls him "Paul."

• "Saul" — His Hebrew name, after King Saul of the tribe of Benjamin
• "Paul" — His Roman name (Paulus), meaning "small" or "little"
• As a Roman citizen, he likely had both names from birth
• Luke uses "Paul" as he moves into Gentile territory — appropriate for ministry to the Roman world
• Also note: from 13:13 on, it's "Paul and his company" — Paul takes the lead

Antioch of Pisidia (13:14-16) After John Mark departed at Perga, Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia:

• Not the same as Antioch of Syria — This city was in the region of Pisidia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey)
• A Roman colony — An important administrative center on major trade routes
• They went to the synagogue on the Sabbath — Their consistent pattern: start with Jews who knew the Scriptures
• After the reading of the Law and Prophets — The synagogue service included Scripture reading; visitors were often invited to speak
• "If ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on" (13:15) — An open invitation for Paul to preach

Paul's sermon (13:16-41) is the first recorded sermon by Paul in Acts. We will study it in detail in the next two lessons.

Key Cross-References

Lessons from Acts 13:1-16 1. The church should send missionaries — Antioch commissioned and supported Barnabas and Saul. 2. The Holy Spirit directs the work — God calls; the church confirms and sends. 3. Early failure doesn't disqualify from future service — John Mark later became profitable. 4. Opposition will come — Elymas tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 5. Truth conquers error — Sergius Paulus believed despite Elymas's opposition. 6. Start where people know Scripture — Paul went to synagogues where the OT was read.