1. Chapter 13-15

2. Paul’s Great Adventure 1st Mission
We will be beginning Paul’s missionary journeys today. We will see how by being faithful, Paul was able to be sustained by the Lord throughout his Missions
From bible Dictionary -
After being introduced to the Apostles - he retired to Tarsus and remained there for about 6-7 years and he was then brought by Barnabas to Antioch and after about a year there he journeyed to Jerusalem and spent about 2 more years work in Antioch- so at the beginning of Acts 13 it has been about - 9 to 10 years since his conversion on the Road to Damascus.
And now after about 10 years as a member Paul is about to begin his First Mission.
And what an adventure, a completely unprecedented adventure Paul’s missions are going to be.
Paul’s Great Adventure
1st Mission
AD 47-49

3. Paul’s 1st Mission Companions
Acts 13:5
Acts 13:2
1st - Let’s find out who Paul’s Missionary Companions were on his First Mission:
Acts 13: Barnabas
Acts 13:5 - John - (John’s last name was Mark - and this was the Mark that wrote the Gospel of Mark)
Barnabas
John Mark

4. Missionary Assignments
Let’s travel with Paul
Divide up class into groups and pass out Missionary assignments.
Have the students read the appropriate verses to discover where Paul taught and what significant events happened at each stop.
After an appropriate time to prepare their report, have each student/group come up to the map on the board and move Paul to his next stop and give their report.
Missionary Assignments

5. 1st Mission Assignment Salamis & Paphos in Cyprus
Context: Cyprus is a large island in the eastern Mediterranean that came under Roman control in the first century B.C. Salamis was one of the island's major cities. Cyprus had a significant Jewish population in Paul's time. Jews from Cyrus, who joined the Christian community in Antioch, were instrumental in extending the gospel to non-Jews there. Paul's companion Barnabas was a Jew from Cyprus who became a Christian in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36). After a dispute with Paul, Barnabas and John Mark would later return to Cyprus while Paul went to Asia Minor (Acts 15:39).
Assignment:
1. Salamis (Acts 13:5) - Where did they teach?
2. Paphos (Acts 13:6-12) - What happened? Who did they encounter? Result?

6. 2nd Mission Assignment Perga & Antioch in Pisidia
Leaving Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch in Pisidia. Paul gave a sermon in the synagogue there, presenting Jesus in light of Israel's history. Some were favorable to the message but others resisted it and the apostles departed
Context: Antioch in Pisidia is a city in what today is west central Turkey. (It is not to be confused with Antioch in Syria, the city from which Paul set out.) The emperor Augustus made Antioch in Pisidia a Roman colony in 25 B.C. By the middle of the first century A.D., several members of the imperial household had served as magistrates here. Like many cities in Asia, Antioch in Pisidia had a Jewish synagogue. Those who gathered included Jews and others, who revered the God of Israel, but who were apparently not full converts to Judaism (Acts 13:16)
Assignment:
Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13) What happened here?
Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:14-16) What happened?
Paul teaches them about Jewish history & about Christ, the crucifixion and
resurrection, from v17-41
After Paul & Barnabas preached to them what happened? (Acts 13:42-51)

7. 3rd Mission Assignment Iconium in Asia Minor
Context: Iconium was the capital of ancient Lycaonia.
Here they were persecuted by the Jews, and being driven from the city, they fled to Lystra. They afterwards returned to Iconium, and encouraged the church which had been founded there. It is the modern Konieh, at the foot of Mount Taurus, about 120 miles inland from the Mediterranean.
Assignment:
Iconium (Acts 13:51-52 & Acts 14:1-6) Who did they preach to & what happened

8. 4th Mission Assignment Lystra & Derbe
At Lystra, Paul healed a man with crippled feet. People thought Paul and Barnabas were the gods Zeus and Hermes. They brought oxen and garlands to offer a sacrifice, but Paul prevented it. Later, people turned against Paul. They stoned him and dragged him out of the city.
Context: Sacrifices of oxen were common in Greek religious practice. Shown here is a sacrificial procession from an Asian sculpture. Zeus was the supreme god among the Greeks. Hermes was the messenger of the gods. Since Paul did the talking, the people identified Paul with Hermes and Barnabas with the more distant figure of Zeus. On Paul's second journey he returned to Lystra where he met Timothy, who became a valued associate.
Assignment:
Lystra & Derbe (Acts 14:6-20) Who did they preach to, what happened?

9. Final Mission Assignment: Headed Home
Context: Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire. It was built near the Mediterranean coast in what today is southeastern Turkey. The main street was paved with marble and flanked by colonnades. Antioch's population was made up of many peoples, including Greeks and Jews. Peter may have baptized gentiles at Caesarea (Acts 10:47-48), but the first sustained efforts to bring non-Jews into the Christian community took place at Antioch. It was there that the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians."
Assignment:
Headed home through Lystra to Iconium to Antioch. (Acts 14:21-23)
What happened along the way home?
Continuing on home from Antioch to Pisidia, to Pamphylia & back to Antioch in Syria - What did they do when they arrived back home? (Acts 14:27-28)
Back to Antioch in Syria

10. Return & Report at Conference
Acts 15
When Paul & Barnabas return home to Syria, a Conference of the members is held.
Read 15:1-2 - What’s the disagreement? What do they decide to do?
as part of the covenant made with Abraham, God commanded that all males who entered into the covenant with Him be circumcised. “Circumcision was performed by cutting off the ‘flesh of the foreskin’ of male infants and adults alike” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Circumcision,” scriptures.lds.org). Circumcision was instituted as a token or reminder of the covenant the people made with God.
Invite a student to read Acts 15:2–3 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what happened after Paul and Barnabas heard these men claim that the Gentile converts needed to be circumcised.
• What did the Church members in Antioch determine should be done?
Invite a student to read Acts 15:4–6 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what happened when Paul and the others arrived in Jerusalem.
• • After Paul and Barnabas related their experiences of sharing the gospel with the Gentiles, what did some of the converted Pharisees believe Gentile converts needed to do to be saved?
• • According to verse 6, what did the Apostles and elders gather to do?
Read 15:6 - the apostles and elders come together to consider the matter
Church leaders convened a council at Jerusalem to consider whether or not Gentile converts to the Church should be required to obey the Law of Moses. So they had, in essence, their first General Conference.
Remember, many Gentiles had been baptized after hearing Paul and Barnabas preach. Some Jewish members of the Church in Jerusalem became concerned because the new male converts had not been circumcised.
Have them look at v7 to see who speaks up first - Peter
You may want to explain that Peter presided at the conference, and it appears that James had a prominent role there as well. James was the half brother of Jesus Christ and the first bishop of the Church in Jerusalem. Summarize Acts 15:16–18 by explaining that James quoted Amos 9:11–12 to show that Peter’s declaration agreed with the words of prophets, as recorded in the scriptures.
The dispute over circumcision and the Law of Moses was not just a dispute over doctrine but a clash of cultures and traditions as well. The Gentiles Paul had converted came from many different countries and their traditions were very different from those of the Jews.
How did the multitude receive Peter’s counsel? v12
Then Paul & Barnabas report on their mission & the apostles then assign Paul & Barnabas to take the decision regarding new members and share it throughout all the area.

11. Watch
The Jerusalem Conference 3:31 min

12. We can know the will of the Lord through studying the scriptures
Doctrinal Truth
We can know the will of the Lord through studying the scriptures.
We can know the will of the Lord through studying the scriptures

13. “How does the Savior reveal His will and doctrine to prophets, seers, and revelators?
He may act by messenger or in His own person. He may speak by His own voice or by the voice of the Holy Spirit—a communication of Spirit to spirit that may be expressed in words or in feelings that convey understanding beyond words (see 1 Nephi 17:45; D&C 9:8).
He may direct Himself to His servants individually or acting in council (see 3 Nephi 27:1–8)”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how the Savior reveals His will to His prophets:
“How does the Savior reveal His will and doctrine to prophets, seers, and revelators? He may act by messenger or in His own person. He may speak by His own voice or by the voice of the Holy Spirit—a communication of Spirit to spirit that may be expressed in words or in feelings that convey understanding beyond words (see 1 Nephi 17:45; D&C 9:8). He may direct Himself to His servants individually or acting in council (see 3 Nephi 27:1–8)” (“The Doctrine of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2012, 87).
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
“The Doctrine of Christ”, Ensign, May 2012

14. Watch
We need living prophets 2:44 min

15. Doctrinal Truth
By counseling together and seeking revelation from God, Church leaders receive inspiration about difficult problems.)
By counseling together and seeking revelation from God, leader receive inspiration about difficult problems

16. “No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice.
Acts 15:6–11. Peter declared the mind of the Lord after the Apostles counseled together
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught about the decisions of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice.
“This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed. Again I quote from the revelation:
“‘The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
“‘Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord’ (D&C 107:30–31).
“I add by way of personal testimony that during the twenty years I served as a member of the Council of the Twelve and during the nearly thirteen years that I have served in the First Presidency, there has never been a major action taken where this procedure was not observed. I have seen differences of opinion presented in these deliberations. Out of this very process of men speaking their minds has come a sifting and winnowing of ideas and concepts. But I have never observed serious discord or personal enmity among my Brethren. I have, rather, observed a beautiful and remarkable thing—the coming together, under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit and under the power of revelation, of divergent views until there is total harmony and full agreement. Only then is implementation made. That, I testify, represents the spirit of revelation manifested again and again in directing this the Lord’s work” (“God Is at the Helm,” Ensign, May 1994, 54, 59).

17. “This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed
“This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed. Again I quote from the revelation:
“‘The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
Acts 15:6–11. Peter declared the mind of the Lord after the Apostles counseled together
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught about the decisions of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice.
“This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed. Again I quote from the revelation:
“‘The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
“‘Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord’ (D&C 107:30–31).
“I add by way of personal testimony that during the twenty years I served as a member of the Council of the Twelve and during the nearly thirteen years that I have served in the First Presidency, there has never been a major action taken where this procedure was not observed. I have seen differences of opinion presented in these deliberations. Out of this very process of men speaking their minds has come a sifting and winnowing of ideas and concepts. But I have never observed serious discord or personal enmity among my Brethren. I have, rather, observed a beautiful and remarkable thing—the coming together, under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit and under the power of revelation, of divergent views until there is total harmony and full agreement. Only then is implementation made. That, I testify, represents the spirit of revelation manifested again and again in directing this the Lord’s work” (“God Is at the Helm,” Ensign, May 1994, 54, 59).

18. “‘Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord’ (D&C 107:30–31).
“I add by way of personal testimony that during the twenty years I served as a member of the Council of the Twelve and during the nearly thirteen years that I have served in the First Presidency, there has never been a major action taken where this procedure was not observed.
Acts 15:6–11. Peter declared the mind of the Lord after the Apostles counseled together
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught about the decisions of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice.
“This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed. Again I quote from the revelation:
“‘The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
“‘Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord’ (D&C 107:30–31).
“I add by way of personal testimony that during the twenty years I served as a member of the Council of the Twelve and during the nearly thirteen years that I have served in the First Presidency, there has never been a major action taken where this procedure was not observed. I have seen differences of opinion presented in these deliberations. Out of this very process of men speaking their minds has come a sifting and winnowing of ideas and concepts. But I have never observed serious discord or personal enmity among my Brethren. I have, rather, observed a beautiful and remarkable thing—the coming together, under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit and under the power of revelation, of divergent views until there is total harmony and full agreement. Only then is implementation made. That, I testify, represents the spirit of revelation manifested again and again in directing this the Lord’s work” (“God Is at the Helm,” Ensign, May 1994, 54, 59).

19. Acts 15:6–11. Peter declared the mind of the Lord after the Apostles counseled together
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught about the decisions of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice.
“This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed. Again I quote from the revelation:
“‘The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
“‘Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord’ (D&C 107:30–31).
“I add by way of personal testimony that during the twenty years I served as a member of the Council of the Twelve and during the nearly thirteen years that I have served in the First Presidency, there has never been a major action taken where this procedure was not observed. I have seen differences of opinion presented in these deliberations. Out of this very process of men speaking their minds has come a sifting and winnowing of ideas and concepts. But I have never observed serious discord or personal enmity among my Brethren. I have, rather, observed a beautiful and remarkable thing—the coming together, under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit and under the power of revelation, of divergent views until there is total harmony and full agreement. Only then is implementation made. That, I testify, represents the spirit of revelation manifested again and again in directing this the Lord’s work” (“God Is at the Helm,” Ensign, May 1994, 54, 59).
I have seen differences of opinion presented in these deliberations. Out of this very process of men speaking their minds has come a sifting and winnowing of ideas and concepts. But I have never observed serious discord or personal enmity among my Brethren.

20. Acts 15:6–11. Peter declared the mind of the Lord after the Apostles counseled together
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught about the decisions of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice.
“This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed. Again I quote from the revelation:
“‘The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
“‘Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord’ (D&C 107:30–31).
“I add by way of personal testimony that during the twenty years I served as a member of the Council of the Twelve and during the nearly thirteen years that I have served in the First Presidency, there has never been a major action taken where this procedure was not observed. I have seen differences of opinion presented in these deliberations. Out of this very process of men speaking their minds has come a sifting and winnowing of ideas and concepts. But I have never observed serious discord or personal enmity among my Brethren. I have, rather, observed a beautiful and remarkable thing—the coming together, under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit and under the power of revelation, of divergent views until there is total harmony and full agreement. Only then is implementation made. That, I testify, represents the spirit of revelation manifested again and again in directing this the Lord’s work” (“God Is at the Helm,” Ensign, May 1994, 54, 59).
I have, rather, observed a beautiful and remarkable thing— the coming together, under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit and under the power of revelation, of divergent views until there is total harmony and full agreement. Only then is implementation made. That, I testify, represents the spirit of revelation manifested again and again in directing this the Lord’s work”

21. How can we know what to do?
How can we know what to do? President Hunter said: “I suggest that you place the highest priority on your membership in the Church of Jesus Christ. Measure whatever anyone else asks you to do, whether it be from your family, loved ones, your cultural heritage, or traditions you have inherited—measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Where you find a variance from those teachings, set that matter aside and do not pursue it. It will not bring you happiness.” (Prepare Yourself, 1-2.)
“I suggest that you place the highest priority on your membership in the Church of Jesus Christ. Measure whatever anyone else asks you to do, whether it be from your family, loved ones, your cultural heritage, or traditions you have inherited—measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Where you find a variance from those teachings, set that matter aside and do not pursue it. It will not bring you happiness.”
Pres. Howard W. Hunter

22. Paul’s 2nd Mission
Chapter 15-18