Main Highlights
Paul and Barnabas are set apart for their missionary journey, they preach in Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch, and Paul delivers a sermon highlighting God's saving work in Israel's history and the coming of Jesus Christ.
Key Verses
"Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”"- Acts 13:1-2 "So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus."- Acts 13:4 "And when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is how his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and said, “You who are full of all deceit and all wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?"- Acts 13:6-10 "Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; and from all the things from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses, through this one everyone who believes is justified."- Acts 13:38-39 "As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people begged that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath."- Acts 13:42 "And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."- Acts 13:48
Related Scripture
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”- Matthew 28:19-20
Scholar Insight
""Acts 13 marks a significant turning point in the book of Acts as the gospel is now intentionally directed toward the Gentile world." - I. Howard Marshall, Acts (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980), p. 217"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We learn that God is a missionary God, actively sending out his servants to proclaim the gospel. We see His power demonstrated through the Holy Spirit's leading and in the confrontation with Elymas. We also learn about God's saving plan revealed through Jesus Christ.
Christological Connection
Jesus is referenced throughout Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch. Paul recounts the history of Israel, culminating in the coming of Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior. Paul proclaims that forgiveness of sins is through Jesus and that those who believe are justified.
Systematic Theology
The doctrines of missions, soteriology (salvation), and the person and work of Christ are taught. The passage emphasizes the necessity of proclaiming the gospel to the nations and the means of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Law & Grace
The passage teaches that grace and faith in Jesus Christ, are what make people righteous and not the law. "from all the things from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses, through this one everyone who believes is justified." (Acts 13:39)
Personal Application
We should respond by being obedient to God's call on our lives, whether it is to go to the nations or to support those who do. We are to be bold in proclaiming the gospel, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must also embrace the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ and live lives worthy of the gospel. "They rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord" (Acts 13:48)