Acts 13:2 As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’
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“A Young Man Named Paul Preaches at Antioch”
Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul (13:1-3): In Antioch, while the church leaders are worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit calls for Barnabas and Saul to be set apart for a special mission. They are prayed over, have hands laid on them, and are sent out.
Mission to Cyprus (13:4-12): Sent by the Holy Spirit, they travel to Cyprus, preaching in synagogues. In Paphos, they encounter a false prophet, Bar-Jesus (Elymas), whom Paul confronts, resulting in his blinding. This amazes the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who believes.
Journey to Pisidian Antioch (13:13-15): After John Mark leaves them at Perga, Paul and Barnabas continue to Pisidian Antioch, where they are invited to speak in the synagogue.
Paul’s Sermon (13:16-41): Paul delivers a message tracing Israel’s history, proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, and emphasizing forgiveness through His resurrection. He urges the audience to accept this salvation.
Mixed Response and Shift to Gentiles (13:42-52): The sermon initially draws interest, but Jewish leaders grow jealous, rejecting the message. Paul and Barnabas declare they will turn to the Gentiles, who rejoice. Opposition forces them out of the region, yet they leave with joy.
Acts 13 highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in launching the church’s mission beyond Jerusalem, as Barnabas and Saul (Paul) are divinely commissioned to spread the gospel, facing both acceptance and opposition, ultimately shifting focus to the Gentiles when met with Jewish rejection. This marks a significant step in the expansion of Christianity.
