Bon Voyage Viewing Acts Chapter 13 Prepared by: Soon Siak. May 2010

Going P l a c e s Name any country or city. The person on the right must then name another country or city that begins with the last letter of the one just mentioned. The next player should so the same, and so on. Paul is also beginning his extensive travels to many places. Taking the Gospel to other places becomes a lifelong mission for him…

Consecration of Paul & Barnabas for Missionary Work What is the most exciting trip or vacation you’ve ever been on? In this chapter the two begin a two-man mission trip. What motivated them to go (v1-3)? They had been working together for a while in Antioch (11:25,26). But this trip was in response to a call of the Holy Spirit. Note praying and fasting play an important part in our Christian walk with the Lord.

Beginning of the 1 st Missionary Journey One of the first stops for Saul and Barnabas was the island of Cyprus, where good news awaited. A local official sent for them because he wanted to hear the Word of God. But what threatened to keep them from teaching Paulus (v4-8)? Paulus had another advisor- a sorcerer and false prophet. If Paulus believed Saul and Barnabas, then the sorcerer would lose the position of authority he had established. Note the account! Place? Paphos.

Elymas Struck with Blindness by St. Paul. Many miracles are attributed to St. Paul, including striking blind Elymas, a magician, who diverted people from the Christian faith.

Beginning of the 1 st Missionary Journey Can you think of ways that Christianity seems threatening to some people, even today? Yielding to the will of God; tough teachings like the existence of hell; loss of control or adherents, etc How did Saul deal with this particular threat (v9- 11)? With the power of God, he inflicted the sorcerer with temporary blindness. What was the result (v12)? The miracle convinced Sergius Paulus of the power of God, and consequently, the truth of the Gospel. He became a believer as a result.

The Apostles Leave Cyprus Why do you suppose Saul’s name changed to Paul (v9)? Pg 60 1.Adopted from the proconsul’s, his first convert of distinction 2.Saulos (Greek) a shameful meaning wanton (cruel, immoral, lewd) 3.Paulus – little, reflecting Apostle’s humility 4.He who mingled much with Gentiles already had the two names previous to the occasion. Paul-Roman name; Saul- Hebrew name. Reflects his new emphasis to take the Gospel to Gentile regions.

The Apostles Leave Cyprus Paul and Barnabas had picked up Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, along the way (v5). But at this point, for an unexplained reason, John Mark leaves them. This parting will later cause conflict between Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41). Have you ever made a commitment to do something, but changed your mind after you got into it? Being young, we often try out a lot of things but we have to stick on to our Christian commitment even though if it seems a little burdensome from time to time.

Paul’s Speech at Antioch In the next town Paul again presented the Gospel very clearly (v13-41). What is some of the “good news” that Paul included in his talk? God has sent a message of salvation through Jesus. This message is for both Jews and Gentiles. God fulfilled His promise by sending His Son and raising Him from the dead. Through Him, we can receive forgiveness of sins. Note: Review an analysis of Paul’s Speech – pg 49Q4 & pg A Can be exam material!

Paul’s Speech at Antioch Interesting to see Paul’s adaptation of his speech: 1. To the Jews and mixed congregation of educated men at Antioch in Pisidia, he addressed himself in a careful argument based on the Old Testament. 2. To the mountaineers of Lystra, as a primitive people, he describes God as the food-giver, an appeal which even the simplest minded could understand 3. To the Athenians on Mars Hill, he bases his argument on their magnificent temples and altars, and illustrates his speech by allusions to history and literature, appealing to their soul and consciences. (SPM2003, B8c)

Expulsion of the Apostles from Antioch Note the place. What made Paul spoke those words (v46-47)? How did the Gentiles and Jews reacted to these words? Those contradictory, reviling & accusing words by the jealous Jews made him. The Gentiles were glad and glorified the word of God. Many believed but many Jews were unhappy and incited influential devout women and men and stirred up a persecution against them and drove them out of their district. (SPM1997, A2C)

Expulsion of the Apostles from Antioch In what ways were the people’s reactions to Paul’s message similar to the ways people respond to the Good News today (v42-52)? Some believed, some had their curiosity aroused and wanted to hear more, some were openly hostile. What can we learn from how Paul and Barnabas responded to those who didn’t want to believe? When we share Jesus, not everyone will accept the message. When this happens, we shouldn’t take it personally; rather, we should seek out others who might be more open.

Paul, Barnabas and Mark begin the first in a series of missionary journeys across the Greek speaking world. The importance of these missions, especially those of Paul, cannot be overstated. So powerful did the Holy Spirit make their work, that in less than 3 centuries, the entire Roman empire -- the whole civilized world -- had converted to their message.

The WORLD Outside Your Door Answers to previous page are all true and Ds. What are some of the needs identified here? Food; clean water; to hear the Gospel; Bible translation; illiteracy; poverty; more people in cities->more pollution... What can we do about it to make in difference in a world with so many needs?

Are you ready? Prepare for test May 23 th Luke 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 Acts 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10