Welcome to Acts  13

Acts 13 marks a monumental shift in the narrative of The Great Commission, initiating the systematic outward expansion of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem and Judea into the broader Roman world. The chapter begins in Antioch, which has become a vibrant hub for the burgeoning Christian movement, where prophets and teachers, including Barnabas and Saul, are ministering. It is here that The Holy Spirit's Role becomes particularly prominent, as He directly commissions Barnabas and Saul for missionary service, setting them apart for the work to which He has called them (Acts 13:2). This divine appointment, sealed with prayer and the laying on of hands by the church leaders, underscores the Spirit's active guidance in fulfilling Jesus' command to reach the "remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Empowered by the Spirit, Barnabas and Saul (who, from this point forward, is predominantly referred to as Paul) embark on their first missionary journey. Their initial stop is Cyprus, where they encounter Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, who desires to hear Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel. They are met with immediate Christianity Accepted and Opposed in the person of Bar-Jesus (Elymas), a Jewish sorcerer who attempts to thwart the proconsul's conversion. Paul, filled with The Holy Spirit's Role, rebukes Elymas, causing him to be temporarily blinded. This miraculous display of divine power leads Sergius Paulus to believe, astonished by the Lord's teaching.

The journey continues to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivers a profound and comprehensive sermon in the synagogue. His address masterfully traces God's redemptive history from Israel's calling, through the Davidic lineage, to the coming of John the Baptist, culminating in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Paul skillfully weaves in Prophecy Fulfillment, demonstrating that Jesus is the promised Savior and inviting his listeners to receive forgiveness of sins through Him. The sermon's initial reception is overwhelmingly positive, with many Jews and "God-fearing proselytes" desiring more. However, the next Sabbath brings intense Christianity Accepted and Opposed from envious Jewish leaders who contradict and revile Paul's message. This opposition leads Paul and Barnabas to boldly declare their pivot to the Gentiles, affirming that Jesus is the light to the Gentiles, a direct fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. As a result, many Gentiles rejoice and believe, and the word of the Lord continues to spread throughout the region. Despite being driven out of Pisidian Antioch by the hostile Jewish leaders, Paul and Barnabas depart filled with joy and The Holy Spirit's Role, illustrating the unstoppable momentum of The Great Commission and setting the stage for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT through Paul's extensive missionary efforts.