Acts 13

The Church Begins Its Journey to the Four Corners of the Earth

Acts 13 (NKJV)

John McArthur, “There is much truth in the humorous adage that some people make things happen, others watch things happen, while still others are left wondering what happened. What is true of individuals is also true of churches. Some churches are dynamic, aggressively reaching out with the gospel to make an impact on the world. Some know God is moving in other churches and wonder why they aren’t experiencing that power. Still others just barely exist, languishing while the spiritual (and maybe even physical) weeds grow. They make an impact only on their members’ social lives.”[1]  [Paul and Barnabas were going to make things happen.]

I. The Mother Church

A. Its Leadership, (1)

1 Now in (the daily life of) the church that was at Antioch (the pioneer Gentile church which quickly sought to plant other churches in the pagan world) there were certain prophets (forthtellers of biblical truth) and teachers (instructors of biblical truth): Barnabas (whom we already know), Simeon who was called Niger (which means black), Lucius of Cyrene (north Africa), Manaen who had been brought up with Herod (Antipas) the tetrarch (they grew up together in the same household—apparently the foster brother of Herod’s), and Saul (who needs no further introduction).

B. The Mother Churches Ministries, (1, 2)

1. Forthtellers, (1)

2. Teachers, (1)

3. Glorifying God, (2)

4. Fasting, (2)

 2 As they ministered (the word “ministered” here pertains to a public office—meaning that these individuals were not normal lay people in the church) to the Lord (they ministered to the people, but it was by the direction and for the glory of Christ, their Lord) and fasted (which is most often connected with frequent and fervent prayer),

5. Sending others into ministry, (2)

2b the Holy Spirit said, “Now (this very moment) separate (from this work in the Antioch church) to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (I need you to give them up to your service that they may serve Me in another ministry.)

What would you do if our Master asked you to move to another place or to a different job?

6. Prayer, (3)

 3 Then (as a church family), having fasted and prayed (assumedly for Barnabas and Saul’s next ministry), and laid hands on them (identifying themselves with Barnabas and Saul as well as confirming their call to a new ministry), they sent them away (they released them, let them go).

John MacArthur has a great insight here:

Spiritual men with effective spiritual ministry will see God extend their spiritual mission. God chooses for further ministry those already actively serving Him. He is not likely to take idle Christians down from the shelf, dust them off, and entrust them with important work. Saul and Barnabas were deeply involved in ministering to the Lord when their call to further service came. God chose experienced, proven men for the vitally important mission to the Gentiles.[2]

[The soldout] missionary to India and Persia, Henry Martyn, once said, “The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions, and the nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we must become.” [3]

II. The Church Planters

A. They Head for Cypress, (4-12)

  1. Their Faithful Obedience, (4)

4 So, being (released from their church ministries and) sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia (which served as a seaport for Antioch), and from there they sailed to Cyprus (Barnabas’ hometown, which could be seen on a clear day.  They were not the first Christians to arrive.  Some who fled from Jerusalem went there, [Acts. 11:19]).

2. Their Work Ethic, (5)

 5 And when they arrived in (the harbor of) Salamis, they (got right to the Holy Spirit’s business and) preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews (“synagogues” plural, which suggests that they preached in Salamis for a while—The results of their labors are not given to us.  Barnabas would be well familiar with the synagogues there.  Saul has not been renamed and commissioned to the Gentiles yet either so we hear nothing of any Gentile endeavors).

3. Their Leadership Training, (5)

 5b They also had John (Mark, Barnabas’ cousin), as their assistant (their helper, not being mentioned by the Holy Spirit or commissioned by the church as a leader).

Do you think of your day as being the Holy Spirit’s business?

If you did, do you think it would change:

  • Your attitude
  • Your motivations
  • Your work ethic
  • Your home life
  • Your childrearing
  • Your submission to your parents
  • Your shopping lists

[Cyprus] was a trading center where merchants from Cilicia, Syria, Phoenicia, and Egypt traded olive oil, wool, wine, and grain. In the course of time, this port city attracted a large number of Jews who belonged to the merchant class and who had established several synagogues there.[4]

4. Their Progress, (6)

6 Now (during their evangelistic crusade) when they had gone (traveled) through the island (from one end to the other) to Paphos,

Paphos was the seat of the Roman government on the island and was also a hot bed for the worship of Aphrodite, (the goddess Venus), the Greek goddess of love and beauty.  Each spring there would be a big festival held in her honor called the Aphrodisiac (afra—dee—zee—ak).  Tourism soared at this time and provided a lot of money for the locals.  The priestesses would prostitute themselves as a means of representing and mutually worshiping Aphrodite with their partner.

This king of religious practice created a decidedly immoral culture.

Coin from Paphos ‎

The coin from Old-Paphos shows the Aphrodite shrine located there, with a standing stone in the middle, and two cult stands on each side. However, Paphos mentioned in Acts is not identical with Old-Paphos, which is located 15 km farther to the east.

5. Their Opposition, (6-8)

6b they found a certain sorcerer (magician—not necessarily one involved with evil spirits and spells), a false prophet (a man of lies and deceptions), a Jew (a renegade of Jewish orthodoxy) whose name was Bar-Jesus, (which means, “son of Jesus” and comes from a Semitic root which means “to be worthy” – this man was far from living up to his name) 7 who was with (a part of the court of) the proconsul (a person sent by Rome to be the governor over a Roman province endowed with a great deal of power), Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man (a man of good reason, comprehension, discernment—probably a man up on and interested in philosophy and religion). This man called (specifically) for Barnabas and Saul and sought (the idea here is with earnest) to hear the word of God (the gospel they were teaching. – Even though we haven’t been specifically told of the spiritual effect of their ministry, we can see here that at the very least, the seeds of the gospel were being sown.) 8 But (even though Sergius Paulus wanted to hear the gospel) Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated [the Greek name or title given to Bar-Jesus, by which he would be known in the Roman court]) withstood them (stirred up opposition towards this meeting), seeking to turn (lit.,, “to turn, twist, distort, pervert” and thus metaphorically meaning here to turn away, seduce, mislead) the proconsul away from the (true) faith (the saving faith of the gospel of Christ.  We are not told exactly how he tried to do this).

The devil and his cohorts viciously and tenaciously fight to keep the souls of men and women lost.  It’s their way of fighting and prevailing over God.  They don’t fight fair and they don’t give up.  They are zealous warriors of dead men’s souls.  To challenge their lost subjects is to declare all-out war and charge the gates of Hell itself.  

1 John 4:4 – You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Matthew 16:18 – I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

6. Their Spiritual Warfare, (9-11a)

 9 Then (as a result of Bar-Jesus’ troublemaking efforts) Saul, who also is called Paul (this is the first introduction of Saul’s new name), filled with (under the influence of) the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him (fixed his eyes upon him—looked him eyeball to eyeball) 10 and said, “O full of all deceit (treachery) and all fraud (wicked schemes, plots), you son (child) of the devil (and thus of the devils thinking and ways), you enemy (adversary) of all righteousness (of that which is right, just and true),

Our Lord knows all that we go through!  He knows our struggles, our weaknesses, and our failures.  And He lets us know that He is enough to get us through them all!

Mark 9:24 – Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

 will you not cease perverting (distorting, twisting) the straight (right, truthful) ways of the Lord? (verses the crooked ways of the devil and men)11 And now, indeed (behold), the hand of the Lord is upon you (the Lord exercises His power and authority over you, the devil’s son), and (as a result) you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time (for awhile).”

We see here that since Bar-Jesus tries to keep men in their spiritual blindness, God says he will be physically blind.  God was mercifully giving Bar-Jesus a view of the darkness he was promoting.

God knows that not only don’t “we… wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12), but so doesn’t He. God is offering Bar-Jesus the gospel as well as Sergius Paulus, only by a different means.

It was kind of like the rich man who died when Lazarus died, who woke up to his dark spiritual plight too late.  God was being merciful to Bar-Jesus by bringing him into only physical darkness.

7. Their Influence, (11b, 12)

11b And immediately (right then and there) a dark mist fell on him (he became blind as a bat), and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed (placed saving faith in Christ Jesus), when he saw what had been done (to Bar-Jesus), being astonished (amazed) at the teaching of the Lord (the truth, not the miracle, is always what sets us free).

B. They Head for Pisidia, (13-52)

  1. They pack up their suitcases, (13)

13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos (leaving Cyprus), they came to Perga in Pamphylia (about a 200 mile trip);

2. A team member deserts his post, (13)

 and John (Mark), departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.

Even good, godly people are going to let you down at times.

3. The rest of the team travels inland to Antioch in Pisidia, (14)

     14 But when they departed from Perga (with no mention as to whether they did any evangelistic work there), they came to Antioch in Pisidia (a demanding and dangerous journey through rough mountain terrain which was filled with bandits),

The Taurus mountains were notorious for the robber bands who infested them. Those brigands, who had plagued Alexander the Great and Augustus Caesar, were still unsubdued in Paul’s time. When Paul wrote, “I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers” (2 Cor. 11:26), he may well have had this journey in mind.[5]   

4. Their place of evangelistic endeavor, (14)

and went into the (local) synagogue (Saturday) on the Sabbath day and sat down (with the others).

5. Their evangelistic message, (15)

15 (Services in the synagogue would open with the recitation of the shema (Deut. 6:4-9.)[6]—the Jewish profession of faith, which would be followed by some prayers)  And after the reading (the Scripture selection) of the Law and the Prophets, (as it was normal for the synagogue leaders to ask prominent visitors to give a lesson from the Scriptures) the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.” (let us hear it—this is a God ordained opportunity to serve and represent Him—God does this all the time, even today)

a. God’s special people, (16, 17)

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel (you Jews), and you who fear God (you Jewish proselytes), listen: 17 The God of this people Israel

b. God’s sovereign choice, (17)

17 The God of this people Israel (sovereignly) chose our fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph), and exalted (lifted up) the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt (away from the land of promise),

c. God’s providential deliverance, (17)

 and (God didn’t forget them as) with an uplifted (omnipotent) arm He (sovereignly) brought (delivered) them out of it. (out of bondage)

d. God’s patient endurance, (18)

 18 Now for a time of about forty years He (patiently, mercifully) put up with their (sinful and whining) ways in the wilderness.

Think about this!  God never stopped caring for His people, even they cared very little about Him.  It’s a wonderful thing that God’s love is agape love, a love of choice, by decision.  God can continue to love us, even when we are rebellious? Because of the complete sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

e. God’s gracious donation, (19)

19 And when He (God not the Israeli nation) had destroyed seven nations[7] in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment (God decided who got what, according to His good pleasure).

God allots our boundaries as well.  For example:

  • Spiritual gifts
  • Parents
  • Native country
  • Gender
  • Intelligence
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • Personality
  • Etc.
  • f. God’s good government, (20-22)

20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years (from the time Jacob came to Egypt), until Samuel the prophet (and the last judge). 21 And afterward (after God cared for him this way through the centuries) they (rewarded Him by) ask[ing] for a king (to rule over them rather than God); so God gave them (what they wanted via) Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him (God places and removes people to office—as well as sets the limits to their service), He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, [to be] a man after My own heart, (what kind of man is that? It’s the man) who will do all My will.’

But David was involved in adultery, conspiracy, murder and pride!  So what is required to be a man or woman after God’s own heart?!  Saul was involved in some of these same practices as David.  What separates these two men?

John MacArthur has some excellent insight into this. “A man after God’s heart.., is not a perfect man. He is a man who sees his sin for what it is and repents of it. That David did (Pss. 32, 38, 51); divine chastening had a perfecting work. David may justly be termed a man after God’s heart because (unlike Saul)[8] [David was further transformed into godliness, whereas Saul, fell deeper and deeper into ungodliness.]

Swindoll wrote in his book Christian Life, “I am more convinced than ever that life’s major pursuit is not knowing self, but knowing God. As a matter of fact, unless God is the major pursuit of our lives all other pursuits are dead-end streets, including trying to know ourselves. They won’t work. They won’t satisfy. They won’t result in fulfillment. They won’t do for us what we think they’re going to do.

You never really begin the process of coming to know yourself until you begin the process of coming to know God.”

One time a little known elderly retired pastor and a distinguished actor were together at the same social gathering.   The actor was asked to give a rendition of the 23rd Psalm.  He quoted it in such a way that it brought loud applause from everyone in the room.

Then someone who knew that a pastor was present invited the old preacher to present that same Psalm and when he finished there was a hushed silence in the room and there were more than a few who had tears in their eyes.

Then to his credit, the actor seeing the distinction between the two responses humbly said, “I know that Psalm well, but that man knows the Shepherd even better.”

We need to know God better than we know the Scriptures ourselves or anybody else.  We need to be men and women after God’s own heart.

g. God’s promised Messiah, (23)

 23 From this man’s (David’s) seed (family line), according to the promise (of God), God raised up (God raised up in answer to this promise) for Israel a Savior—Jesus— (I’m sure some heads snapped at this point, eyes squinted and muscles tensed)

This promise goes way back to Genesis 3:15 – I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed (the Messiah); He (the Messiah) shall bruise your (the devils) head (a mortal blow), and you (the devil) shall bruise His (the Messiah’s) heel (a temporary injury).”

Isaiah 11:1, 10 (NLT) – Out of the stump of David’s family (tree) will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root… 10 In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.

h. God’s promised forerunner, (24, 25)

 24 after John (the Baptist) had first preached, before His (Jesus’) coming, the baptism of repentance (which was the act of ceremonial washing symbolizing true repentance back to purity, holiness) to all the people of Israel (meaning the way is prepared for all to purify themselves, but everyone individually must choose it).

God tells us through the prophet Malachi 3:1 – “Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me (meaning Jesus).          And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple (and he didn’t like what he fouind did he?!), even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts.

 25 And as John was finishing his course (his ministry of preparing the way for Jesus), he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He (I am not the Messiah). But behold, there comes One after me (One so far above and beyond me that), the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

6. Their point to the message, (26-37)

a. The Word of God has been presented, (26)

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham (i.e., my fellow Jews), and those among you who fear God (Gentile proselytes), to you (all) the word of this salvation (through John the Baptist) has been sent (has been proclaimed and offered).

In Romans 1:16 Paul tells us – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

b. The Person of God has been rejected, (27-37)

1). The Savior was condemned, (27)

 27 (Paul knowing their probable objections to his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah says) For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers (the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests), because they did not know Him (Jesus), nor even the voices (messages) of the Prophets (they wouldn’t listen to Jesus as they wouldn’t listen to the prophets who wrote of Him) which are read every Sabbath, (and yet) have fulfilled them (their prophesy) in condemning Him (Jesus to the cross).

Isaiah 53:3 – He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

2). The Savior was executed, (28, 29)

 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him (knowing He was innocent of the charges), they (the religious authorities still) asked Pilate that He should be put to death.

Psalm 69:4 – Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; they are mighty who would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully; though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it.

John 15:25 – But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

Benjamin Franklin, said concerning pride and jealousy, “It is the eyes of other people that ruin us. If all but myself were blind, I should want neither a fine house nor fine furniture.”

The Pharisees hated Jesus not because He claimed to be God, but because He had what they wanted.  They wanted the people to see them the way they saw Jesus.

29 Now when they (the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests) had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him (Jesus), they took Him down from the tree (the cross) and laid Him (dead) in a tomb.

How prevalent and obvious were these prophecies that the religious leaders ignored yet fulfilled?!

  • Psalm 109:25 – I also have become a reproach to them; when they look at me, they shake their heads.
  • Matthew 27:39 – And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads
  • Psalm 22:17 – I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.
  • Luke 23:35 – And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
  • Psalm 22:18 – They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.
  • John 19:23–24 – Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece.  They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.
  • Psalm 69:21 – They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
  • Matthew 27:34 – they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink.
  • Psalm 22:1 – My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?  Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning?
  • Matthew 27:46 – And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
  • Psalm 31:5 – Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
  • Luke 23:46 – And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.
  • Psalm 34:20 – He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.
  • John 19:33 – But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.
  • Zechariah 12:10 – “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
  • John 19:34 – But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.
  • Isaiah 53:9 – And they made His grave with the wicked— but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.
  • Matthew 27:59–60 – When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.

3). The Savior was resurrected, (30-37)

a). The cause of His resurrection, (30)

 30 But (even though the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests and Pilate condemned Jesus to death on the cross) God (the Father) raised Him (God the Son) from the dead (as having died innocent of any sin, death could not hold Him).

Romans 1:3–4 – concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

b). The evidence of His resurrection, (31)

31 He was seen for many days (40) by those (many people) who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses  to the people (who are still alive today).

1 Corinthians 15:5–8 – and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.  After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.  Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

c). The significance of His resurrection, (32-37)

 32 And we declare to you (today, right now the) glad tidings— that promise (the OT prophecy concerning Jesus) which was made to the fathers. 33 God (by His sovereign will and omnipotent hand) has fulfilled this for us their (our forefathers) children, in that He (God the Father) has raised up Jesus (from the dead). As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are (not have become) My Son, today I have begotten You (as a man Child, not a Son).’

34 And that He (God) raised Him (God the Son) from the dead (from the grave), no more to return to corruption (death couldn’t hold Christ, nor can it call Him back), He (God who cannot lie) has spoken thus: (promised) ‘I will give you (at no cost) the sure (certain) mercies of David (the covenantal promises made to David of a Messiah King who will sit on his throne forever).’

35 Therefore He also says (without a problem or contradiction) in another Psalm: ‘You (God) will not allow Your Holy One (Christ) to see corruption (to decay in the grave).’

36 (This Holy One can’t be David himself) “For (the reason being) David, after he had served his own generation (in his own day) by the will of God, fell asleep (died), was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption (his body returned to the dust from which was formed); 37 but He (Jesus, on the other hand) whom God raised up saw no corruption (decay).

c. The salvation of God has been provided, (38, 39)

1). There is one means of salvation, (38, 39a) “through this Man,” Christ

38 Therefore (in light of the uniqueness of this Holy One) let it be known to you, brethren, (listen carefully now, this is my conclusion) that through this Man (Christ, whom God promised and the Jews crucified—the promised Messiah, King, risen Savior) is preached to you (all of you,) the forgiveness (pardon) of sins (collectively); 39 and by Him (by Christ’s work not ours—“neither is there salvation in any other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:12)

2). Salvation is available to all, Jews and Gentiles alike (39b) “everyone”

 39 and by Him everyone (Jews and Gentiles alike)

3). Man has a role in salvation, (39c) “everyone who believes”

everyone who believes (who places saving faith in Christ and His redemptive work)

4). Salvation brings eternal purification, (39d) “is justified from all things”

everyone who believes is justified (declared righteous) from all things (past, present, and future sin) from which you could not be justified (declared righteous) by (keeping) the law of Moses.

Romans 3:20–22 – Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

Ill.—family being chased in their wagon by a prairie fire/dad set fire ahead of them/wind blew it ahead, they moved into the burnt area/fire cannot consume where fire has already consumed!

If you’ve been saved, your judgment is in the past, if not, your judgment is yet future!

Life in Christ is an endless hope…life outside of Christ is a hopeless end!

d. The warning of God has been declared, (40, 41)

 40 Beware  therefore, (“beware” means to have the ability to see, or to gain the ability to see—so then if you see, don’t turn your eyes from this gospel, and if you don’t see it yet, stay with it until you do) lest what has been spoken in the prophets (namely judgment) come upon you:

The Psalmist says in Psalm 2:12 – Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

William H. Willimon: If we or the world could be saved through human kindness or clear thinking, Jesus either would have formed a sensitivity group and urged us to share our feelings or would have founded a school and asked us to have discussions. But knowing the ways of God, the way of the world, and the persistence of human sin, he took up the cross, called disciples, gathered the church, and bade us follow him down a different path of freedom.[9]

41  (Habakkuk 1:5) ‘Behold (look), you despisers (those of you who may condemn this message), marvel (at its claims) and perish (lit. “disappear out of sight” – Habakkuk and Paul are warning them of the result if they do reject the gospel—the word is used of those who disappear in an earthquake or tornado—they were here one moment and gone the next, and in the context will never be seen again)!  For I (God) work a work in your days, (I will do something fantastic, unimaginable in your lifetime) a work which (some of) you will by no means believe, (even) though one were to declare it to you.’ ” (as Paul here is)

In a parable of a jealous eagle who said to a salesman, “I wish you would bring down that eagle.” The sportsman replied that he would if he only had some feathers to put into the arrow. So the eagle pulled one out of his wing. The arrow was shot, but didn’t quite reach the rival eagle; it was flying too high. The envious eagle pulled out more feathers, and kept pulling them out until he lost so many that he couldn’t fly, and then the sportsman turned around and killed him. My friend, if you are jealous, the only man you can hurt is yourself. —Moody’s Anecdotes, pp. 44-45.

e. The work of God has been determined, (42-52)

  1. The seekers wanted to hear more of the gospel of Christ, (42)

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue (as everyone was leaving the service), the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath (these were those who had ears to hear and eyes to see the fantastic news of the gospel and wanted to hear more next week).

2) The convicted professed saving faith in Christ, (43)

43 Now when the congregation had broken up, (another group of individuals) many (implying that some just went their way after the service—but many) of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas (they wanted to hear more now), who, speaking to them (in concluding their time together Paul and Barnabas), persuaded them to continue in the grace of God (inferring that at least some of them professed saving faith in Christ and encouraging them to continue to hold true to their profession in Christ and continue as well learning of God’s grace in all matters of their new found faith).

3) The unbelieving contradicted, blasphemed and opposed Christ and the gospel, (44, 45)

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. (What a testimony as to the fact that when one hears and believes the truth he or she wants the whole world to know!  This is certainly the result of Paul and Barnabas’ further teaching throughout the week as well. – The synagogue is not mentioned this time.  Because of the need for room, it may have been an open air meeting.)  45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy (jealously, fiery anger); and (this envy stirred them to action by) contradicting (refuting the gospel, this fantastic work of God, Paul and Barnabas were teaching) and blaspheming (speaking evil, irreverently of God the Father and His Son’s work concerning salvation), they opposed the things spoken by Paul. (This is nothing else than Hab. 1:5 all over again.)

Habakkuk 1:5 – “Look among the nations and watch—Be utterly astounded!  For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.

There’s a little Jonah syndrome going on here, as Jonah got red hot when he saw so many of the Ninevites turning to God as well.

Frederick Buechner:  Envy is that consuming desire to have everybody else as unsuccessful as you are.[10]

For example: Two shopkeepers were bitter rivals. Their stores were directly across the street from each other, and they would spend each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he would smile in triumph at his rival. One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. Would you be rich? You can be very rich, but he will be twice as wealthy. Do you wish to live a long and healthy life? You can, but his life will be longer and healthier. What is your desire?” The man frowned, thought for a moment, and then said, “Here is my request: Strike me blind in one eye!”

Thomas Lindberg, “One sign of jealousy is when it’s easier to show sympathy and “weep with those who weep” than it is to exhibit joy and “rejoice with those who rejoice.”  Does that reflect your practice?

For many years Sir Walter Scott was the leading literary figure in the British Empire. No one could write as well as he. Then the works of Lord Byron began to appear, and their greatness was immediately evident. Soon an anonymous critic praised his poems in a London Paper. He declared that in the presence of these brilliant works of poetic genius, Scott could no longer be considered the leading poet of England. It was later discovered that the unnamed reviewer had been none other than Sir Walter Scott himself!

4) The messengers of Christ are redirected, (46, 47)

46 Then Paul and Barnabas (both) grew bold (spoke without constraint—they didn’t hold anything back) and said, “It was necessary (it was God’s will and thus our duty) that the word of God should be spoken to you (the Jews) first; but since you reject it (“reject” here means to “thrust away,” –the Jews thrust away the fantastic news and offer of your one and only Messiah, Savior), and judge yourselves unworthy (lit., “do not judge yourselves worthy”) of everlasting life (you have disqualified yourselves from receiving it—the consequence and guilt is your own), behold (listen up), we turn to (concentrate our ministry emphasis on) the Gentiles (which is now the will of God and thus our duty). 47 For so (at this point) the Lord (Jesus) has commanded us: (as He said to Isaiah in 49:6) ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles (God had no intention of excluding the Gentiles from Himself and salvation), that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (And since the Jewish nation would not fulfill the promise and take the gospel light to the Gentiles, individual Jews like Paul and Barnabas would.)

We too need to guard against envy and exercise humility because Romans 11:11, 12, 17-21 says– I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.  Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!… 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.  You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”  Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.  For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.

5) Former seekers are now believers in Christ, (48)

48 Now when the Gentiles heard this (that this fantastic news was for them too), they were glad (rejoiced) and glorified (broke out in a worshipful, joyous praise in response to) the word of the Lord (what was something to be rejected and thrust in the garbage to the Jews, was something to be embraced and praised by the Gentiles). And as many as had been appointed (by God) to eternal life (as we are all spiritually dead in our sin, [Eph. 2:1]) believed (as no one would believe unless God willed it, being dead and all—Salvation isn’t resuscitation, it’s resurrection).

Ephesians 2:1 – And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

Romans 8:29–30 – For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The former “seekers” are now eternal “gospel believers!”

6) The gospel of Christ enters a tug-of-war, (49, 50)

49 And the (fantastic) word of the Lord (the gospel) was being spread (in all directions) throughout all the region (throughout all Antioch in Pisidia). 50 But (even in spite of God’s obvious, presence, favor and blessing) the Jews stirred up (incited) the devout (religious) and prominent (influential) women and the chief men (leaders) of the city (who may not have even been religious), raised up (stirred up) persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them (kicked them out) from their region.

They may be allowed to kick God’s servants out of a region, but they can never kick the word of God out of a heart where it has taken root.  The damage done to orthodox Judaism had already been done.  It was beyond repair and recovery.

7) The message of Christ is expanded into Iconium, (51, 52)

 51 But they (Paul and Barnabas, in protest) shook off the dust from their feet against them,

Paul and Barnabas were following the teachings of Jesus from Luke 10:10–12 – But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’  But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.

[Culturally] The Jews of Paul’s day were scrupulous not to bring Gentile dust back into Israel. By their act, Paul and Barnabas were saying in effect that they considered the Jews at Antioch no better than pagans. There could be no stronger condemnation. Those Jews were left in their obstinate unbelief.[11]

Paul later said to the Jews in Corinth in Acts 18:6 – But when they (the Jews) opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

51b and (after they left Antioch in Pisidia, they) came to Iconium (about 80 miles away).

 52 And the disciples (those who accepted Christ as their Savior, in spite of the turmoil created by the Jews) were filled with joy (with rejoicing and gladness) and with (were filled with, under the influence of) the Holy Spirit. (this filling is the Imperfect passive, meaning that they kept on being filled [this is “not” referring to the Holy Spirit’s endwelling].)

…[The missionary team] left behind them two completely different groups: the rejecting, prejudiced, hate-filled Jews; and the joyous, Spirit-filled believers.[12]

Some Snares that Can Lead One into the Jealousy Trap

  1. The Jews became filled with jealously when anyone came up with a better plan or reason and means of change than their status quo, even if it was God Himself.  (They had no room for Christ nor His gospel!)  It’s hard to get out of a rut sometimes.
  2. The Jews became filled with jealousy when Paul and Barnabas announced God’s favor towards those they considered unfavorable, beneath them and their blessings and honors, like the Gentiles, (v. 47). No room for superiority!
  3. The Jews became filled with jealously when they became more obsessed with what they stood against than what they stood for. (Like the Gentiles elevated status and salvation by grace, without the involvement or blessing of Judaism)  What a sad day it is when we become more obsessed with what we stand against than what we stand for.
  4. The Jews became filled with jealously whenever their flaws were exposed. ( as like the historical and chronological rendition that Paul preached and which couldn’t be refuted)  Criticism has many forms: some good and constructive and some bad and destructive.
  5. The jealously of the Jews became contagious and spread even to respectable and powerful people. “the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city raised up from their region, (v. 50).  We need to be mindful of the attitudes that we are propagating.

[1] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.

[2] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.

[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Ac 13:1). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

[4] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (460). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

[5] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.

[6] Deuteronomy 6:4–5 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

[7] Deuteronomy 7:1 – “When the Lord your God brings you into the land which you go to possess, and has cast out many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than you,

[8] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.

[9] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (228). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[10] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (229). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[11] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.

[12] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.