Sunday, December 10, 2017

Sunday, December 10, 2017 Lesson: Acts 13:1-12; Time of Action: 47-48 A.D.; Place of Action: Antioch Syria Golden Text: Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord (Acts 13:12). I. INTRODUCTION. In this week s lesson, we will explore the way God uses us as vessels to take His life-giving message to a thirsty world. The lesson also teaches us about the power of God s Spirit to move in people, changing their hearts and bringing them to salvation in Jesus. The missionary journeys of our biblical heroes of the faith should serve to teach us not only what God has done in the lives of those who have gone before us, but also that missionary work is still a necessary part of the Christian life today. II. LESSON BACKGROUND. At the time of our lesson,

Christianity had spread beyond the borders of Palestine (Israel). However, the believers didn t have a viable plan for further missionary outreach. At some point God determined that it was time for the believers in Christ to start fulfilling Jesus Great Commission commanding His disciples to be witnesses for Him to the uttermost part of the earth (see Acts 1:8). Although the church in Jerusalem was considered the mother church, there were significant things happening in Antioch Syria which was about three hundred miles north of Jerusalem. The church in Antioch was established by believers who were scattered from Jerusalem by persecution after the death of Stephen (see Acts 11:19). This led to a rapid growth of the church in Antioch (see Acts 11:21). Once the believers in Jerusalem heard about the growth of the church in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to see firsthand what was happening there (see Acts 11:22). When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he found that God s grace was upon the new believers there, and he encouraged them to continue to cleave unto the Lord (see Acts 11:23). Then Barnabas left Antioch and headed for Tarsus to find Saul. When he found him they returned to Antioch remaining there for about a year teaching many people and the believers in Christ were first called Christians in Antioch (see Acts 11:24-26). During their stay in Antioch, a prophet named Agabus, who was directed by the Holy Ghost, came and prophesied that there would be a great famine throughout the world. Then all the believers came together to give according to what they had in order to send financial help to Judea. The collection was then sent to Jerusalem in Judea by Barnabas and Saul (see Acts 11:27-30). In chapter 12, as a result of further persecution in Jerusalem, King Herod killed James, the brother of John. When Herod saw that this pleased the

Jewish leaders, he proceeded to arrest Peter also (see Acts 12:1-4). While the church prayed for Peter, God delivered him from the prison and the believers hid him from Herod (see Acts 12:5-19). One day Herod dressed in all his royal garb sat on his throne and addressed the people which caused them to shout saying It is the voice of a god, and not a man (see Acts 12: 21-22). Immediately thereafter, an angel of the Lord killed Herod because he didn t give the glory to God (see Acts 12:23). However, the word of God grew and multiplied, and once Barnabas and Saul had completed their service by delivering the offering they were entrusted with, they returned to Antioch. This is where our lesson begins. III. AN EXPANDED MINISTRY (Acts 13:1-5) A. Gifted men at Antioch (Acts 13:1). Our first verse says Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. The church at Antioch was a vibrant church as we can see from the prominent ministers of the gospel who are named here. These ministers are identified as certain prophets and teachers indicating that they were leaders in the church. The description prophets and teachers relates to the spiritual gifts of

these men. God had furnished this church with good ministers, men who were graced with spiritual gifts and usefulness. As Ephesians 4:7-8 says, Christ, when He ascended on high, gave some (churches) prophets and teachers; these men were both. Barnabas, the leader mentioned first was a Levite and a Hellenistic (Grecian) Jew from Cyprus. His given name was Joses or Joseph, but the apostles gave him the nickname Barnabas which means son of consolation or son of encouragement (see Acts 4:36). After being active in the church at Jerusalem, he was sent to organize and encourage the Antioch believers in their spiritual infancy (see Acts 11:22-26). The second leader mentioned is Simeon that was called Niger. Since Niger is the Latin word for black, Simeon was probably African by birth. Some have speculated that he was the Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus cross (see Luke 23:36), but there is no proof of this in Scripture. The third leader mentioned was Lucius of Cyrene who was from Africa. Cyrene was a well-known city on the Mediterranean coastline of North Africa, now known as Libya. Lucius is mentioned as being with Paul when he wrote his letter to the Romans (see Romans 16:21), and his name is the Latin form of the name Luke. The fourth leader mentioned is Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch (meaning governor). This is the only place in Scripture where Manaen is mentioned. He is described as having been brought up with Herod the tetrarch. This most likely means that Manaen and Herod the tetrarch were brought up together as brothers, but were not necessarily related. The term translated brought up with can refer to a foster brother, so it is possible that

Manaen may have been adopted by the royal family. It also could be that the term translated brought up with may simply refer to a companion who was educated with Herod at the royal court. In any case, Manaen had noble social status. But what is really notable is that he turned out very differently from Herod. The Herod mentioned here was Herod Antipas who had ruled as governor in Galilee and Perea during Jesus life and ministry (see Luke 13:31-33). He gave the order to behead John the Baptist (see Matthew 14:6-11; Mark 6:21-27) and hoped to see Jesus work a miracle for him at His trial (Luke 23:6-8). The last spiritual leader mentioned at the church in Antioch was Saul, the former Pharisee and persecutor of believers (see Philippians 3:4-6). He may have been listed last because he was the newest member of this spiritual group, but this is only speculation. The fact that he was a believer at all was incredible; yet here he was, listed along with other prophets and teachers. B. Called and sent men at Antioch (Acts 13:2-3). 1. (vs. 2). This verse says As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work where unto I have called them. The phrase As they ministered to the Lord means that these men were serving the Lord as they worshiped with other believers and displayed their spiritual gifts. Diligent, faithful teachers do truly minister unto the Lord. Those who instruct Christians are serving Christ as

they honour Him and carry on the interest of His kingdom. As leaders minister to the church in praying and preaching (both which are included here), they minister unto the Lord, for they are the church s servants for Christ s sake. As these men performed their service among the believers, they also fasted. This means that they put aside eating food for a certain length of time. At such times, special attention was given to prayer (see Daniel 9:3; Luke 2:37; I Corinthians 7:5). Note: The fasting here was not a response to a divine requirement, for the church was never commanded to fast. It was voluntary, and was done because of the believer s seriousness of purpose in seeking to know God s mind. Religious fasting is of use in our ministering to the Lord, as a sign of our humility (see Psalms 35:13). Although it was not practiced much by the disciples of Christ, while the bridegroom was with them (see Mark 2:16-20), as it was by John s disciples and the Pharisees; yet, after the bridegroom was taken away, they continued to fast, as people who had learned to deny themselves and endure hardness. During this time of prayer, fasting, and Christian service, the Holy Ghost spoke to the church leaders of Antioch saying Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. We are not told how the Holy Spirit spoke. Perhaps He spoke aloud so that all could hear, or perhaps He spoke to the hearts of the leaders. In any case, the message from God s Spirit was clear: Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. It appears that the Holy Ghost revealed to one or more of the prophets a work to which He had already called them. God had already

called them for special work, now it was time for the church to send them forth. Here, God does not specify the work He had called Barnabas and Saul to, but He is referring to a former call which they themselves knew the meaning whether others did or not. Note: Saul was particularly told by the Lord that he must bear Christ s name to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15), and that he must be sent to the Gentiles (see Acts 22:21. However, the matter was settled at Jerusalem before this when Peter, James, and John declared that they were witnesses to the circumcision, meaning the Jews, and so Saul and Barnabas should go to the heathen or Gentiles (see Galatians 2:7-9). Undoubtedly Barnabas knew he had been called for this service as well as Saul. Even though the harvest of souls appeared plenteous, Barnabas and Saul would not thrust themselves into this ministry, until they received their orders from the Lord of the harvest. During active ministry God reveals some of the gifts He has given to people in the church. Sometimes they receive a special call, as in this case, but often their gifts will naturally point to ministries or service in which that person will be most effective. God does call certain believers to special service, but it s not because they are necessarily more spiritual than other believers. However, in the sovereign will of God, they are selected to come out of the local church and have a wider ministry. Barnabas and Saul were already busy in a teaching ministry, but now the Lord revealed to them and their fellow believers that He wanted them to go in a different direction with their ministries.

2. (vs. 3). This verse goes on to say And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Sending men to take the gospel to the Gentiles in a formal way was a unique and crucial task. It is true that the gospel message had already gone to some Gentiles (see Acts 10:24-48). But now a local body of believers was about to set aside two men in a special way who would carry the gospel primarily to the Gentiles. So, before the church in Antioch embarked on this new missionary venture, the people first fasted and prayed. Aware of both the opportunities and the dangers their brethren would face, the church leaders petitioned the Lord s provision and protection for Barnabas and Saul. Then they laid their hands on them. In no way did they do this to impart any special gifts or office to Barnabas and Saul. The laying on of hands was like an endorsement. It identified Barnabas and Saul with the Antioch church and symbolized its blessing. It also was an acknowledgement that the church was committing themselves to continued support of them. After the leaders laid their hands on them, the church sent them away. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church chose its missionaries, endorsed them, and sent them out. Not every member of the church could go, but these two men could, and they became the church s representatives. This was the beginning of what we call Paul s first missionary journey. Even though earlier trips had been made by others to preach the gospel (see Acts 8:5; 10:23-48), this was the first instance of missionaries being commissioned and sent out under the authority of a local church. The church is made up of three groups of people when it comes to missions. There are those who go, those who let go, and those who help go. Which group are you in?

Note: It is essential that missionaries have a strong home base when they go abroad. They need to be accountable to a group of believers as well as to the Lord. They also need continued material and prayer support to sustain them in physical need and spiritual danger. Finally, they need a group (whether one church or several) to whom they can return and tell about what God has accomplished. Both missionary and church are strengthened in their desire to serve. C. Preaching men sent out from Antioch (Acts 13:4-5). 1. (vs. 4). This verse continues to say So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. After receiving the endorsement from the church at Antioch, Barnabas and Saul, who were sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia. As they began their journey, the first city they came to was Seleucia, a seaport city which was about fifteen miles southwest of Antioch. From Seleucia, the messengers boarded a ship and sailed to Cyprus going southwest across the Mediterranean Sea and landing on the eastern coast of the island of Cyprus. This was an important island located on several shipping lanes connecting Syria, Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and Greece. The island of Cyprus was a logical starting point for this missionary tour. It was relatively close to Antioch, and was also Barnabas

homeland. No doubt, he was familiar with the area and the culture. Of course the entire trip was under the direction of the Holy Ghost. 2. (vs. 5). This verse says And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. Once on the island of Cyprus, Barnabas and Saul went to Salamis a city on the eastern side of the island that thrived on trade. We are told that when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. There appears to have been a sizable Jewish population there because synagogues is plural meaning there was more than one synagogue in which to preach. There was probably some Jewish Christian believers there since Cyprus had been evangelized earlier by those who were scattered by persecution (see Acts 11:19). The fact that they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews reveals that at Salamis Barnabas and Saul started a practice they would continue wherever they traveled: they went to the synagogues first and preached to the Jewish worshipers gathered there. Synagogues were ready-made mission stations where they could find audiences with at least a basic knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures. There, Barnabas and Saul could reach not only Jews, but also an increasing number of Gentiles who were tired of paganism and were searching for truth. We are also told for the first time that the two missionaries had also John to their minister. This is a reference to John Mark, who originally lived in Jerusalem and was the nephew of Barnabas (see Acts 12:12; Colossians

4:10). The word minister here means that John was their helper. When Barnabas and Saul had delivered the famine relief fund in Jerusalem (see Acts 11:27-30), they brought John back with them to Antioch (see Acts 12:25). Now he accompanied them as a helper, probably expecting that with experience he could eventually take a more active leadership role in ministry. He would eventually disappoint them by leaving the missionary work (see Acts 13:13), but he would later become very valuable to Paul in ministry (see II Timothy 4:11). John Mark is also widely credited with being the author of the Gospel of Mark. IV. AN INTENSE CONFLICT (Acts 13:6-12 ) A. An opportunity to witness (Acts 13:6-7) 1. (vs. 6). This verse says And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. When Barnabas, Saul and now John Mark left Salamis, they continued through the island until they came to Paphos. This city was about ninety miles west and on the other end of the island. Paphos was noted for its worship of Venus, the goddess of sexual love, so the people were in dire need of the gospel. In Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. A sorcerer was someone who practiced

witchcraft and magic. This sorcerer that the missionary team met was also a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. The name Barjesus means son of Jesus or son of Joshua. 2. (vs. 7). This verse goes on to say Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. The fact that Barjesus was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus means that he was closely associated with the Roman proconsul or governor of the island of Cyprus. His name was Sergius Paulus and he is described as a prudent ma, meaning he was an intelligent and sensible man with keen insight and discernment. As a Roman, Sergius Paulus was also a Gentile. He called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. This Roman governor of Cyprus heard about the presence of Barnabas and Saul, so he called them desiring to hear what they had to say about the Lord. Wise people are those who are inquisitive after the mind and will of God. Although Sergius Paulus was a great man, and a man in authority, if the missionaries had a message from God, he wanted to know what it was. If their message appeared to be from God, he was ready to receive it. B. Opposition faced by the missionaries (Acts 13:8-9).

1. (vs. 8). This verse says But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Here, Barjesus is now called Elymas the sorcerer. The statement for so is his name by interpretation means that Elymas is the Greek translation for Barjesus, and it means magician. The words withstood them means that Elymas the sorcerer opposed Barnabas and Saul. Undoubtedly, he urged the governor to pay no attention to what Paul and Barnabas had to say. By opposing the missionaries Elymas was seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. In other words, he was trying to keep Sergius Paulus, from trusting the Lord. Elymas the sorcerer probably debated with Barnabas and Saul in an attempt to keep the deputy from becoming more interested in their message. No doubt Elymas realized that these men could threaten his position with the deputy and if he turned to the Christ that Barnabas and Saul preached, he would no longer need a sorcerer. 2. (vs. 9). This verse says Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. From this point on in the Book of Acts Saul is called Paul which is his Roman name. Saul was his Hebrew name, and he was from the tribe of Benjamin. Paul was his Roman name and he was a Roman citizen (see Acts 16:37 22:25). At this point, being opposed by Elymas the sorcerer, Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. Although the Holy Spirit dwells in all believers, there are

times when the Holy Spirit uniquely empowers believers for a special task. In other words, with a special filling of the Holy Spirit and being led by Him Saul faced Elymas down, showing a holy boldness, in opposition to the sorcerer s wicked impudence. Note: Until now, Saul had ministered to Jews, but going forward he would be preaching to Gentiles who for the most part spoke Greek. Using his Greek name Paul would make it easier to be received by Gentiles. However, Paul would continue to reach out to Jews as he traveled, usually going to them first when he arrived in a city. But from this point on, Luke is emphasizing Paul s ministry to the Gentiles. C. A confrontation with the sorcerer (Acts 13:10-11). 1. (vs. 10). This verse says And (Saul) said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? Filled with the Spirit and demonstrating righteous anger, Saul discerned that Elymas the sorcerer was full of all subtilty meaning he was full of cunning or craftiness. He was an expert in all the arts of deceiving men and imposing false teaching upon them. He was also full of all mischief or malice. Although Elymas was called Bar-jesus meaning son of Jesus, Saul declared that he was really a child of the devil. As such, he bore the devil s image, and served his lusts and

interests (see John 8:44). If he is a child of the devil, that also makes him an enemy to all righteousness meaning everything that is right and good. Those who are enemies to the doctrine of Christ despise all righteousness. Then Saul asked Elymas a question: wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? In other words, will you never stop distorting God s right ways? This happens today when so-called preachers water down the truth of Scripture, and teach that God is soft on sin and will allow people into heaven through any and all means. This is certainly perverting or distorting the right ways of the Lord. 2. (vs. 11). In this verse Saul says And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. After his scathing description of Elymas, Saul also told him that the hand of the Lord is upon thee. In other words, the Lord s judgment was coming down on this sorcerer. The judgment would be that he shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. God s judgment on Elymas would be blindness for an undisclosed period of time. As soon as Saul pronounced God s judgment on the sorcerer, there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. God didn t waste any time bringing blindness to Elymas. It was done immediately as darkness covered his eyes making it necessary for him to wander around in darkness trying to find someone to lead him by the hand. Now,

where is all his skill in sorcery, which he had valued so much in himself? Now he can neither find his way nor find a friend that will be so kind as to lead him! D. The conversion (Acts 13:12). Our final verse says Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Sergius Paulus was present when Saul confronted Elymas the sorcerer. So when the deputy saw what God had done to Elymas, making him blind, he believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. In other words, Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor, was so amazed by the doctrine or teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ that he believed the message of salvation presented by Barnabas and Saul. V. Conclusion. The church at Antioch displayed faith by authorizing Barnabas and Saul, who was later called Paul, to embark on their missionary journey. The two men sent forth demonstrated faith when they stepped out from the relative safety of the church to confidently approach the unknown dangers of the task before them. With the distractions of sorcery removed by the power of God, Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor in Paphos placed his faith in Jesus Christ as a result of the teaching of the missionaries.

***The Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press***