Lesson 2 December 10, 2017 Faith To Discern Devotional Reading: Psalm 146 Background Scripture: Acts 13:1-12 Key Verse: The deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:12 LESSON AIMS: After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to: 1. Recall the events from the beginning of Paul s first missionary journey. 2. Identify the work of the Holy Spirit as empowering Christ s followers to accomplish His mission in a way that reflects Christ s saving work. 3. Write a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit s empowerment for bold witness in the week ahead. DAILY BIBLE READING Acts 13:1-12 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5. 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. 6. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: 7. 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.
8. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10. And 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? 11. 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. 12. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord Introduction A. Plot Twists A mark of a memorable movie is the unexpected plot twist. The story of the film seems to be heading in an expected direction until it takes an unanticipated turn that keeps moviegoers thinking about it long after. In The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Luke Skywalker battles Darth Vader, whom Skywalker believes murdered his father. But in a surprising plot twist, he learns that Darth Vader is his father! Astronaut George Taylor believes he is on an alien world in Planet of the Apes (1968). He (and the audience) is shocked to discover that he is actually on a future Earth nearly destroyed by humans and overthrown by apes. And who can forget the film Psycho (1960) in which the murderous mother turns out to be none other than Norman Bates himself! Real life has its share of the unexpected as well plot twists. We can react to those moments with surprise, with despair, or in any number of other ways. The apostle Paul was successful because his reactions to the unexpected were based on knowing God, who stands above all plot twists. B. Lesson Background In Acts 8-12 Christians began to move out from Jerusalem as persecution and other circumstances scattered them. Acts 13-21 is a bit different as it identifies three distinctive missionary journeys of the apostle Paul and his companions. By the time of the episode in today s text, Paul (known as Saul at the time) was linked with Barnabas by the need to assure the Jerusalem Christians that their former persecutor had become a faithful believer in Jesus (Acts 9:26, 27). Barnabas was already notable in the Jerusalem church for his generosity (4:36, 37). After the gospel spread to Antioch, Barnabas invited Paul to join him there as a teacher in the
church (Acts 11:19-26). Antioch, where our text begins, was a major city in Syria; we take care not to confuse it with a different Antioch of Acts 13:14. Syrian Antioch featured a multiethnic population and was one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire. As the gospel spread to the city, both Jews and Gentiles became believers. This multicultural group found itself living in fellowship. As a famine approached, they generously provided relief for their fellow believers in distant Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). Such a background prepared the church at Antioch well as the first to send missionaries to share the gospel with people in other places. I. Accept the Assignment (Acts 13:1-5) A. Direction from Leadership (vv. 1-3) 1a. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers. We are introduced to a group of leaders in the church... at Antioch. The term prophets indicates those inspired by God to speak for Him. Modern readers of the Bible often associate prediction of the future with prophets. But the biblical prophet is less a foreteller than a forthteller someone who proclaims God s truth, though sometimes that truth does deal with the future. Teachers are those who instruct others in the Christian message. The text does not clearly identify some as prophets and others as teachers. The two terms may overlap, indicating prophets who teach or teachers who prophesy (compare Ephesians 4:11). In any case, the book of Acts understands their work to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables the church to prophesy (Acts 2:17-21), to speak the message of God truly and boldly. 1b. 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 first and last names on the five-person list are already familiar in the story; they are about to become the focus of the narrative. In between are three names that demonstrate the diversity of the multicultural Antioch church. Simeon is an Aramaic name, likely indicating birth and upbringing as a Jew in the Jewish homeland. He is called Niger, a Latin (that is, Roman) word meaning black. While the modern notion of race did not exist in the biblical world, peoples from Africa south of the Sahara commonly migrate to the Mediterranean region and are well known in the world of the Bible. Simeon may be such a person. Lucius is a Greek name, and he is said to come from Cyrene (compare Luke 23:26; Acts 2:10), a region of North Africa to the west of Egypt (approximately where modern Libya is). So two of the leaders of the church in Antioch are likely from Africa (compare Acts 11:20). Manaen is described as having been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, also known in
nonbiblical sources as Herod Antipas. A tetrarch is someone who rules a fourth part of an area, and this particular Herod rules Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39 (Luke 3:1). He was the son of so-called Herod the Great (reigned 37-4 BC; see Matthew 2:1-19). Herod the tetrarch is known for beheading John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12). Having been a childhood companion of Herod Antipas, Manaen clearly comes from the upper echelon of wealth and power. His presence shows that the gospel is penetrating all segments of the population. 2. 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. The scene is that of church leaders joined in focused worship with fasting. Fasting is associated with seeking God s will in some texts (examples: 2 Chronicles 20:3; Luke 4:1, 2) and with mourning in others (examples: Esther 4:3; Matthew 9:15). Either or both reasons for fasting may hold true here. A mournful fasting is appropriate given the church leaders realization of the lost state of Jews and Gentiles who do not know of the salvation that is now available from God through fulfilled promises in Jesus. If this is a fasting to focus on discerning God s will, those gathered may be startled in receiving direct communication from the Holy Ghost. The content of that communication is a summons for two of their number to be shared with the world at large. The others are to ratify and support God s summons. The purpose is clear: to push forward God s program of witness to Christ to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Exactly how God reveals His message to the teachers and prophets is not explained. But how the leaders respond is emphasized: they obey fully. Continuing their prayer and fasting, they place hands on Barnabas and Saul in a way that shows that they pray for God s blessing and power to be with them (compare Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2). With that, the two missionaries depart, not knowing what lies ahead. B. Following a Plan (vv. 4, 5) 4. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. Underlining the Holy Spirit s calling, the text now describes the movements of Barnabas and Saul. Seleucia is the harbor city on the Mediterranean coastline that serves Antioch, which lies a dozen or so miles inland. From Seleucia the missionaries sail southwest about 130 miles to a harbor on Cyprus, a large, well-populated island. Barnabas is on his home territory here (Acts 4:36), a fact that may provide the reason for traveling there first. Affinity Evangelism Motorcyclists, quilters, volleyball players all have been known to use their recreational
interests to introduce Christ to others who enjoy the same activities. Affinity evangelism is the current term for this practice. In affinity evangelism, Christians take the gospel with them to celebrations, events, and activities that unbelievers will attend as well. Such occasions may be designed by Christians, with evangelistic intent built in. Or such circumstances may merely be part of the fabric of the local culture. The gospel receives a better hearing when communicated to those known to have something in common with the messenger. Since Barnabas was a native of Cyprus, he knew the people and their culture. He and Saul were Jews, so they took the gospel message to Jewish synagogues (see next verse below). Both cultural and spiritual affinity contributed to the success of their evangelistic efforts. The same approach, if done with integrity, still works. C. R. B. 5. 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. Salamis is the easternmost harbor city on Cyprus, closest to the point from which the two have sailed. To begin their preaching ministry in the synagogues of the Jews will become Paul s standard practice in the years ahead. Synagogues are the perfect places for preaching the gospel. Faithful Jews gather there on the Sabbath for worship. Those gathered already believe in the God of Israel, and they are waiting for God s promises to be fulfilled. The person named John who accompanies the two is John Mark (see Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37). Like many Jews of the day, the man has both a Jewish name and a Greco-Roman name. His Jewish name John (meaning the Lord is gracious ) is from the Hebrew; the Roman name Mark (meaning a large hammer ) is from Latin. He is a cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). II. Recognize Roadblocks (Acts 13:6-8) A. Spiritual Counterfeit (v. 6) 6. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. Paphos is located on the western end of Cyprus. The straight-line distance between Salamis and Paphos is about 88 miles. But curving, hilly roads make the travel distance more like 115 miles. After a preaching journey of unknown duration, the team encounters a figure common to the Greco-Roman world: a sorcerer (compare Acts 8:9). Sorcerers present themselves as having the ability to manipulate unseen beings and forces of the spirit world. Reciting long incantations, using potions, performing strange tasks such are their
stock-in-trade. Sorcery is witchcraft, forbidden to the people of Israel (Leviticus 19:31; Malachi 3:5; etc.). Like John Mark just mentioned, this man goes by two names. We see his Jewish name here: Barjesus. From Aramaic, it means son of Jesus. This does not refer to Jesus of Nazareth, of course, as the name Jesus (derived from the name Joshua) is common. The man s Greek name is given in verse 8, below. Jesus warnings regarding false prophets apply (Matthew 7:15-20). B. Powerful Detractor (vv. 7, 8) 7. 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. Barjesus is an attendant of the court of a Roman official. The provinces of the Roman Empire are governed by local rulers who have pledged loyalty to Rome or by those appointed by the emperor or senate. As a senate-appointed governor, Sergius Paulus is politically the most powerful man on Cyprus. The missionaries apparently are having such an impact on Cyprus that they come to this official s attention. So he seeks to hear the word of God from them firsthand. 8. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. The gospel represents a threat to the sorcerer, whose Greek name we now see as Elymas. If Sergius Paulus is to be persuaded by the message brought by the missionaries, Elymas will have to lose influence and position. The power behind the gospel leaves no need for any competitors. So Elymas resists the message that Barnabas and Saul bring, perhaps by interrupting and challenging them as they speak with the governor. As is so often the case in the New Testament narratives, resistance to the gospel arises from attempts to hold on to power (examples: John 11:48; Acts 19:23-27). III. Counter Conclusively (Acts 13:9-12) A. Defining Differences (vv. 9, 10) 9. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. This is the point in Acts where Saul begins to be known by his Greek name, which is Paul. Along with this change in designation comes a switch in the order of names: henceforth Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:30; 12:25; 13:1, 2, 7) becomes Paul and Barnabas (in Greek, Acts 13:43, 46, 50; 15:2 [twice], 22, 35, 36; exceptions: 14:12, 14; 15:12, 25). This likely indicates a change in leadership as Paul becomes viewed as the chief speaker (14:12). And in the verse at hand, it is Paul who confronts the antagonist. Filled with the Holy Ghost is an
expression the author uses to indicate that a bold act of speech is pending (Luke 1:41, 67; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31). With eyes focused on the sorcerer, Paul is set to deliver to Elymas a stark message from God. 10a. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness. Paul addresses the man with terms that accuse him of dishonesty and deception. The sorcerer s claims are a shallow fraud. Any power that he exercises other than mere sleight of hand involves the power of the devil, the deceitful adversary of God and humanity. To be an enemy of all righteousness is to oppose God s plan to make the world right, a plan coming to its fulfillment in Jesus. The sorcerer twists with his charades the straight, true paths that God has created. 10b. Wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? This expression is especially ironic. The word translated ways appears earlier in Acts to refer spiritually to the way of Christ (Acts 9:2; compare John 14:6) as well as to the physical roadway to Damascus, where Jesus appeared to Paul (Acts 9:17b). As a persecutor of Christians, Paul himself had been one who perverted the right ways of the Lord. Having seen the risen Lord Jesus and come to faith in Him, Paul now accuses another of making the same terrible mistake. B. Providing Evidence (vv. 11, 12) 11. 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 the Lord Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus, Paul was blind until a follower of Jesus came to lay hands on him in prayer and to baptize him (Acts 9:8-18). The physical blindness was an apt expression of Paul s spiritual condition as a persecutor of Christians. Now Paul pronounces the same sign on Elymas. The mist and a darkness that surround the man may be either a way of describing the sorcerer s own experience of blindness or an indication that the man s blindness is accompanied by a miraculous sign that is visible to others. Having to be led by the hand also happened to Paul (Acts 9:8), an ironic repeat of the time out imposed on each for misleading others in opposing the gospel. Paul makes clear that this act is the Lord s, whose hand is upon Elymas in judgment. But this judgment is not final: the blindness is temporary (for a season). God s purpose in this event is to demonstrate to Elymas and those around him how wrongheaded is his opposition to the gospel. As it was for Paul on the road to Damascus, the act of judgment has repentance and faith as its goal, even if the outcome is different in each case. 12. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Whether Elymas changes in his opposition to the gospel, the book of Acts does not say. We simply know that each time in Acts where messengers of the gospel encounter those who engage in witchcraft, the gospel prevails. Whatever the case with Elymas, the Roman governor Sergius Paulus does indeed come to faith. As the text describes it, his faith follows his witnessing the power of Christ over the sorcerer. But it is not simply the miracle that impresses him: Paul s teaching about Jesus fills him with astonishment that drives him to faith. The greatest work of God is not vanquishing the magician opponent, but raising Jesus from the dead. Conclusion A. God s Surprises How has your life been different from what you expected a year ago? 10 years ago? How has your life been different from what you expected when you came to faith in Jesus? When we ask ourselves such questions, we may feel disappointment that we did not follow through in pursuing goals and dreams. Some of us may feel disappointment with God, that He did not deliver in the way we had hoped. But if we ask the question differently, perhaps our feelings will change. How has God worked in your life to accomplish His purpose in the last year, or 10 years, or since you came to faith in Jesus? While He may not have done with us what He did with Paul, through the Holy Spirit God is shaping us and using us to reclaim rebellious humanity. As He does so, He usually surprises us. How can we respond to such surprises? Like the leaders in the Antioch church, we need to share God s perspective on our broken world, ready to be His instruments by the Spirit s power in the next surprising situation. We need to accept each situation that lies before us as filled with potential for service in Christ s name. We need to trust the power of God s Holy Spirit to work in us when we know we are inadequate for the task. We need to act by a faith that sees God at work in even the most surprising circumstances. B. Prayer Heavenly Father, may we trust in the Spirit s guidance rather than our own planning as we serve as Your instruments in the various moments of life. Teach us to follow Your Son as we live in uncertainty. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. C. Thought to Remember Success depends not on knowing what comes next, but rather in knowing the author of our story.
Additional Notes Acts 13:1-12 Paul and Barnabas are chosen for ministry to the Gentiles Notes For Verse 1 a [prophets] See note, Acts 11:27. [prophets] Prophets were those who spoke for God (Heb. 1:1; Acts 3:21). They were primarily preachers of righteousness (Acts 15:32; 1Cor. 14:3), but sometimes foretold the future (Acts 11:28; 21:10; Lk. 24:44). Prophecy was one of the gifts of the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11,28) and those who had and exercised this gift were prophets (Eph. 4:11; Acts 11:27; 13:1). Directions for the exercise of this gift are found in 1Cor. 14. The office was next in importance to apostles (Eph. 4:11; 1Cor. 12:28). b [teachers] Greek: didaskalos (GSN-<G1320>), translated master 47 times in the Gospels, 40 times of Christ. Translated "doctor" in Lk. 2:46 and "teacher" in Jn. 3:2. Only here in Acts. Always "teacher" in the epistles, except in Jas. 3:1. c [Niger] Niger means "black" and refers either to his hair or extra dark complexion. d [Lucius of Cyrene] Nothing more is known of this man from Cyrene in North Africa. e [Manaen] This man was brought up with Herod Antipas who murdered John the Baptist. The Greek for "brought up" means "nursed together." Manaen was the son of a woman who nursed him jointly with Herod. Jewish writers mention him as a prophet saying that while still a child he predicted the kingship of Herod. When Herod became king he sent for him and held him in high esteem at his court. f [tetrarch] See note, Mt. 14:1. [tetrarch] Greek: tetrarches (GSN-<G5076>), from tetartos (GSN-<G5067>), fourth, and arche (GSN-<G746>), principality or ruler. A ruler over a fourth part of a country, but it came to be used of any governor. Notes For Verse 2 a [they] The five prophets and teachers of Acts 13:1. b [ministered] Greek: leitourgeo (GSN-<G3008>), to serve at one's own expense; to render public service; to perform a work; to minister. The same word is used of the daily ministration of the priests in Mosaic worship (Heb. 10:11). Leitourgia is used of the service of priests in prayer and sacrifice (Lk. 1:23; Heb. 8:6; 9:21) and of the relief of the poor (2Cor. 9:12; Php. 2:30). The same idea is used of angels executing God's will to saints (Heb. 1:14). A Leitourgos was a public minister or servant; in religion, one busy with holy things (Heb. 8:2; Rom. 15:16; Heb. 1:7; Php. 2:25). Thus, ministering to the Lord means that one is performing services for others in the Lord's stead (2Cor. 5:20; Php. 2:17). Relief of the needy is called lending to the Lord (Prov. 19:17). Here, the prophets and teachers were fasting and ministering in Christ's stead to the people in teaching, praying, healing the sick, saving souls, relieving the poor. c [fasted] On Mondays and Thursdays pious Jews fasted and attended worship, but how often or how long Christians fasted is not known. On Sabbaths, Jews also attended worship but did not fast. d [Holy Ghost said] How the Holy Ghost said is not stated. Eight Ways God Speaks to Men 1. By prophecy (Acts 3:21; 2Pet. 1:21; Acts 11:27-28; 21:10; Heb. 1:1) 2. Tongues and interpretation (1Cor. 12:4-11; 14:1-40) 3. Still small voice (1Ki. 19:12) 4. Audible voice (Mt. 1:17; 17:5; Jn. 12:28; Acts 9:7; Dt. 5)
5. By angels (Acts 8:26; 12:8; 27:23) 6. By visions (Ps. 89:19; Acts 9:10; 10:3; 11:5; 16:9; 18:9) 7. By dreams (Gen. 20:6; Mt. 1:20; 2:12-22; Acts 2:17; Dan. 2:19,28,45) 8. By impression upon man's spirit (Acts 17:16; 18:5; 19:21; 2Cor. 2:13; Eph. 4:30; 1Th. 5:19; Rom. 8:16). This could be called intuition, impression, inner consciousness, inspiration. It can come in various forms and ways. The fact the Holy Spirit acts, chooses, wills, speaks, commissions, sends, and exercises personal powers proves that He is a person with a personal spirit body, a soul, and a spirit. e [Separate] Greek: aphorizo (GSN-<G873>), to mark off from others by boundaries (Mt. 13:49; 25:32; Lk. 6:22; Acts 19:9; Gal. 2:12); to set apart for a specific purpose or work (Acts 13:2; Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1:15); and to live separated from sin (2Cor. 6:17). Notes For Verse 3 a [they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away] The church brethren (Acts 13:1) did four things: 1. They fasted. 2. They prayed. 3. They laid hands upon them. 4. They sent them away. Notes For Verse 4 a [sent forth by the Holy Ghost] The Holy Ghost called, and now sent them. b [departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus] Paul's first missionary journey: 1. Left Antioch, Syria (Acts 13:1-3) 2. Seleucia, seaport of Syria (Acts 13:4) 3. Salamis, Island of Cyprus (Acts 13:4) 4. Paphos, Island of Cyprus (Acts 13:6-12) 5. Perga, Pamphylia, Asia Minor (Acts 13:13) 6. Antioch, Pisidia (Acts 13:14-50) 7. Iconium, capital of Lycaonia (Acts 13:51 -- Acts 14:5) 8. Lystra, Lycaonia (Acts 14:6-19) 9. Derbe, Lycaonia (Acts 14:20) 10. Back to Lystra, Lycaonia (Acts 14:21) 11. Back to Iconium, Pisidia (Acts 14:21) 12. Back to Antioch, Pisidia (Acts 14:21-23) 13. Perga, Pamphylia (Acts 14:24-25) 14. Attalia, Pamphylia (Acts 14:25) 15. Back home, Antioch, Syria (Acts 14:26-28) Notes For Verse 5 a [preached the word of God] Works on the first missionary journey: 1. Preached the Word of God (Acts 13:5,7,44) 2. Caused blindness (Acts 13:8-12)
3. Converted governor of Cyprus (Acts 13:12) 4. First turning to Gentiles (Acts 13:46) 5. Many converts (Acts 13:12-49; 14:1) 6. Converts Spirit filled (Acts 13:52) 7. Many miracles (Acts 13:11; 14:3-20) 8. Rejected worship (Acts 14:11-18) 9. Paul resurrected (Acts 14:19-20) 10. Preached the gospel (Acts 14:7,21) 11. Taught many (Acts 14:21-22) 12. Published the Word of God (Acts 13:49) 13. Established churches and ordained elders for them (Acts 14:23) 14. Made a missionary report (Acts 14:27) Thirty Major Doctrines Preached 1. The Word of God, the gospel, and the faith are the same (Acts 13:5-8; 14:7). 2. Children of Satan and enemies of God are unsaved (Acts 13:10; 1Jn. 3:10). 3. Christianity, a religion of miracles (Acts 13:11; 14:3-10; 15:12; 19:11; Mk. 16:15-20; Jn. 14:12; Heb. 2:3-4) 4. Christianity judges rebels (Acts 13:11; 5:1-11; 1Cor. 4:19-20; 5:5). 5. People must revere God (Acts 13:16; Lk. 12:5). 6. Israel, a chosen people (Acts 13:17) 7. The history of Israel is true (Acts 13:17-22) 8. Jesus Christ, David's seed (Acts 13:22-23) 9. Jesus Christ, the promised Savior (Acts 13:23-41; Mt. 1:18-25; 8:17; Lk. 2) 10. Messiah announced (Acts 13:24-25) 11. Salvation is only for believers (Acts 13:26,38-39; Jn. 3:15-20; Rom. 10:9-17). 12. Four main points to gospel salvation: (1) Death of Christ (Acts 13:28-29) (2) Burial of Christ (Acts 13:29) (3) Physical resurrection of Christ. (4) Physical manifestations of Christ (Acts 13:31; Jn. 21:14, note). See 1Cor. 15:1-8 for the same 4 points 13. Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecy (Acts 13:32-41; Lk. 24:44; Jn. 5:39; Mt. 5:17). 14. Faith in the physical resurrection of Christ is essential to salvation of the soul (Acts 13:32-39; 1Cor. 15:12-23). 15. Christ, God's Son (Acts 13:33-37; Lk. 1:35; Heb. 1:5-7; Mt. 1:18-25) 16. Christ's body saw no corruption, but was resurrected (Acts 13:34-37; Lk. 24:39). 17. In Christ alone is there forgiveness (Acts 13:38; Mt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:20). 18. Justification for all by faith in Christ (Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:21-31; 5:1) 19. The law of Moses cannot justify anyone (Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:21-31; Gal. 3:19-29; 4:21-31; Col. 2:14-17; Heb. 7:10). 20. Israel's rebellion predicted (Acts 13:40-41; Mt. 21:33-46; Rom. 9:11) 21. One must continue in grace and faith to be saved (Acts 13:43; 14:22; Gal. 1:6; 5:4; Heb. 3:6,12-14; 6:4-9; 10:26-29) 22. Eternal life conditional (Acts 13:46-48; Mk. 10:29-30; note, Jn. 6:27) 23. The gospel is for both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 13:46-47; Rom. 1:16; 1Cor. 12:13) 24. Christians should be full of joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:9,52; Jn. 7:39)
25. Healing by faith (Acts 14:3,8-10; 1Pet. 2:24; Jas. 5:14-16; Jn. 10:10) 26. Conversion necessary (Acts 14:15; Mt. 18:3; Jn. 3:1-8; Acts 3:19) 27. God is Creator of all (Acts 14:15). 28. Material blessings confirm God's love (Acts 14:17; Mt. 7:7-11; 3Jn. 1:2). 29. Christians must suffer tribulation (Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:1-11; 2Tim. 3:12). 30. One must enter the kingdom of God to be saved (Acts 14:22; Jn. 3:1-5) b [synagogues of the Jews] The apostles used Jewish synagogues when possible (Acts 13:5,14,16,42; 14:1; 17:1,10,17; 18:4,19; 19:8). c [John] John Mark (Acts 12:25). Notes For Verse 6 a [Paphos] Capitol of Cyprus. A temple of Venus was here and she was worshiped with all her rites as "Queen of Paphos." b [sorcerer] One who used magical arts (note, Lk. 12:29). [doubtful] Greek: meteorizo (GSN-<G3349>), to raise in mid-air, suspend, fluctuate, be anxious, or be carried about as meteors moved about with the currents, tossed up and down between hope and fear. The rebuke concerns the heathen who superstitiously seek guidance by meteors, planets, signs of the zodiac and all the magic and witchcraft and traffic with demons in the name of astrology, etc., which are condemned by Scripture. Twelve Forbidden Practices 1. Enchantments -- practice of magical arts (Ex. 7:11,22; 8:7,18; Lev. 19:26; Dt. 18:10; 2Chr. 33:6; 2Ki. 17:17; 21:6; Isa. 47:9,12; Jer. 27:9; Dan. 1:20) 2. Witchcraft -- practice of dealing with evil spirits (Ex. 22:18; Dt. 18:10; 1Sam. 15:23; 2Chr. 33:6; 2Ki. 9:22; Mic. 5:12; Nah. 3:4; Gal. 5:19-21) 3. Sorcery -- same as witchcraft (Ex. 7:11; Isa. 47:9,12; 57:3; Jer. 27:9; Dan. 2:2; Mal. 3:5; Acts 8:9-11; 13:6-8; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15) 4. Soothsaying -- same as witchcraft (Isa. 2:6; Dan. 2:27; 4:7; 5:7,11; Mic. 5:12) 5. Divination -- the art of mystic insight or fortunetelling (Num. 22:7; 23:23; Dt. 18:10-14; 2Ki. 17:17; 1Sam. 6:2; Jer. 14:14; 27:9; 29:8; Ezek. 12:24; 13:6-7,23; 21:22-29; 22:28; Mic. 3:7; Zech. 10:2; Acts 16:16) 6. Wizardry -- same as witchcraft. A wizard is a male and a witch is a female who practices witchcraft. Both were to be destroyed in Israel (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 19:31; 20:6,27; Dt. 18:11; 1Sam. 28:3,9; 2Ki. 21:6; 23:24; 2Chr. 33:6; Isa. 19:3) 7. Necromancy -- divination by means of pretended communication with the dead (Dt. 18:11; Isa. 8:19; 1Sam. 28; 1Chr. 10:13) 8. Magic -- any pretended supernatural art or practice (Gen. 41:8,24; Ex. 7:11,22; 8:7,18-19; 9:11; Dan. 1:20; 2:2,10,27; 4:7,9; 5:11; Acts 19:19) 9. Charm -- to put a spell upon (same as enchantment, Dt. 18:11; Isa. 19:3) 10. Prognostication -- to foretell by indications, omens, signs, etc. (Isa. 47:13) 11. Observing times -- same as prognostication (Lev. 19:26; Dt. 18:10; 2Ki. 21:6; 2Chr. 33:6) 12. Astrology and star gazing -- divination by stars (Isa. 47:13; Jer. 10:2; Dan. 1:20; 2:2,10; 4:7; 5:7-15) All the above practices were and still are carried on in connection with demons, called familiar spirits. All who forsook God and sought help from these demons were to be destroyed (Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Dt. 18:11; 1Sam. 28; 2Ki. 21:6; 23:24; 1Chr. 10:13; 2Chr. 33:6; Isa. 8:19; 19:3; 29:4. See 1Tim. 4:1-8; 2Th. 2:8-12; Mt. 24:24; Rev. 13; 16:13-16; 19:20).
[doubtful] Greek: meteorizo (GSN-<G3349>), to raise in mid-air, suspend, fluctuate, be anxious, or be carried about as meteors moved about with the currents, tossed up and down between hope and fear. The rebuke concerns the heathen who superstitiously seek guidance by meteors, planets, signs of the zodiac and all the magic and witchcraft and traffic with demons in the name of astrology, etc., which are condemned by Scripture. Twelve Forbidden Practices 1. Enchantments -- practice of magical arts (Ex. 7:11,22; 8:7,18; Lev. 19:26; Dt. 18:10; 2Chr. 33:6; 2Ki. 17:17; 21:6; Isa. 47:9,12; Jer. 27:9; Dan. 1:20) 2. Witchcraft -- practice of dealing with evil spirits (Ex. 22:18; Dt. 18:10; 1Sam. 15:23; 2Chr. 33:6; 2Ki. 9:22; Mic. 5:12; Nah. 3:4; Gal. 5:19-21) 3. Sorcery -- same as witchcraft (Ex. 7:11; Isa. 47:9,12; 57:3; Jer. 27:9; Dan. 2:2; Mal. 3:5; Acts 8:9-11; 13:6-8; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15) 4. Soothsaying -- same as witchcraft (Isa. 2:6; Dan. 2:27; 4:7; 5:7,11; Mic. 5:12) 5. Divination -- the art of mystic insight or fortunetelling (Num. 22:7; 23:23; Dt. 18:10-14; 2Ki. 17:17; 1Sam. 6:2; Jer. 14:14; 27:9; 29:8; Ezek. 12:24; 13:6-7,23; 21:22-29; 22:28; Mic. 3:7; Zech. 10:2; Acts 16:16) 6. Wizardry -- same as witchcraft. A wizard is a male and a witch is a female who practices witchcraft. Both were to be destroyed in Israel (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 19:31; 20:6,27; Dt. 18:11; 1Sam. 28:3,9; 2Ki. 21:6; 23:24; 2Chr. 33:6; Isa. 19:3) 7. Necromancy -- divination by means of pretended communication with the dead (Dt. 18:11; Isa. 8:19; 1Sam. 28; 1Chr. 10:13) 8. Magic -- any pretended supernatural art or practice (Gen. 41:8,24; Ex. 7:11,22; 8:7,18-19; 9:11; Dan. 1:20; 2:2,10,27; 4:7,9; 5:11; Acts 19:19) 9. Charm -- to put a spell upon (same as enchantment, Dt. 18:11; Isa. 19:3) 10. Prognostication -- to foretell by indications, omens, signs, etc. (Isa. 47:13) 11. Observing times -- same as prognostication (Lev. 19:26; Dt. 18:10; 2Ki. 21:6; 2Chr. 33:6) 12. Astrology and star gazing -- divination by stars (Isa. 47:13; Jer. 10:2; Dan. 1:20; 2:2,10; 4:7; 5:7-15) All the above practices were and still are carried on in connection with demons, called familiar spirits. All who forsook God and sought help from these demons were to be destroyed (Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Dt. 18:11; 1Sam. 28; 2Ki. 21:6; 23:24; 1Chr. 10:13; 2Chr. 33:6; Isa. 8:19; 19:3; 29:4. See 1Tim. 4:1-8; 2Th. 2:8-12; Mt. 24:24; Rev. 13; 16:13-16; 19:20). c [false prophet] See note, Mt. 7:15. [Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves] Keep away from false prophets or teachers. d [Barjesus] Son of one named Jesus or Joshua who claimed a divine call; a fortune-teller. Notes For Verse 7 a [deputy] Greek: anthupatos (GSN-<G446>), proconsul (Acts 13:7-12; 19:38). Luke's record here has been confirmed by recent discoveries of coins and of a slab mentioning Paulus. Notes For Verse 8 a [Elymas] Means "the knowing one" or wise man. Notes For Verse 9 a [Paul] A Roman name meaning little or dwarfish (see 2Cor. 10:10). Saul means "asked for."
Notes For Verse 10 a [all subtilty and all mischief] Pretending to have supernatural power without possessing any, and using only cunning and sleight of hand as a substitute to deceive. b [wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?] Question 44. Next, Acts 13:25. Notes For Verse 11 a [And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season] The 8th New Testament prophecy in Acts (Acts 13:11, fulfilled). Next, Acts 17:31. Notes For Verse 12 a [believed] This was proof that the doctrine of the Lord was true and that the power of God was backing His ministers. b [astonished] Greek: ekplesso (GSN-<G1605>), struck with astonishment (Mt. 7:28; 22:33; Lk. 4:32).