In today’s study our titles are; Verses 1-3 Paul’s first missionary journey. Verses 4-13 Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus. Verses 14-43 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia. Verses 44-52 Opposition of the Jews. In Acts 13 we find Saul and Barnabas are sent on their ministries, they also take some of the disciples with them. Luke, writer of the book of Acts, being one of them. Acts 13 and verse 1 reads.
Acts 13:1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Manaen, means; Comfort, was raised up by Herod and yet was a Christian. Remember how God dealt with Herod in the last chapter, he struck him down for not giving the Lord the glory and called himself a god.
Acts 13:2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
This will create a double witness for the Lord, sending out two ministries.
Acts 13:3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Making both Barnabas and Saul Apostles (Sent Ones).
Acts 13:4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Don’t overlook they are sent by the Holy Spirit on this mission.
Acts 13:5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
This would be Mark John. Notice that they went boldly into the synagogues, as they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:
[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
This is definitely something I want you to catch. What we have here is Satan at work. He will send people also to pervert the church in any way he can. Bar means; son of, Jesus means; Yah’s savior. This man is a false prophet, Jesus told us in Mark 13 and verse 21 reads.
Mark 13:21] And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
[22] For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Don’t overlook; If it were possible, it’s not possible. For God will never leave us or forsake us. Back to Acts 13 and verse 8 reads.
Acts 13:8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Elymas is G1681 and means; a wizard or a wise man. It is an Arabic word. This is Satan trying to turn away the apostles from the Word, or at the least to bring confusion. This Elymas is trying to bring the deputy that was with him from the Word of God.
Acts 13:9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
First time Saul is called Paul. Paul means small. Now he looks directly into his eyes, boldly. Pay attention, this is an example for God’s Elect in these end times.
Acts 13:10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
He talks boldly with this Kenite. We too will be delivered up in these end times. Let’s go to 1Corinthians 10 and verse 11 reads.
1Cor.10:11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 11 reads.
Acts 13:11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Notice it is the Holy Spirit that blinds this man. This season will be about three months. Let’s go to Hebrews 10 and verse 31 reads.
Heb.10:31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 12 reads.
Acts 13:12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
The deputy believed and was astonished by the Word of the LORD.
Acts 13:13] Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Mark John went back to Jerusalem. Everything is for a reason and the LORD is always in charge as we will see in a minute.
Acts 13:14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
[15] And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
Notice they were invited up to speak. They were known for their education of the Word of God. Paul was a Pharisee and had studied at the feet of Gamaliel.
Acts 13:16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
Paul was first sent to the brothers of Israel, then to the Gentiles. Finally, he would be sent to the kings. His threefold ministry is just getting started.
Acts 13:17] The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
Remember Stephen was stoned for this very teaching, and they laid their coats at the feet of Saul. Notice they always begin with the coming out of captivity to Egypt. This should bring to mind Jesus our Passover Lamb. Let’s go to Exodus 6 and verse 4 reads.
Exo.6:4] And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.
[5] And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
[6] Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
[7] And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 18 reads.
Acts 13:18] And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
For unbelief they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Let’s go to Exodus 16 and verse 35 reads.
Exo.16:35] And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 19 reads.
Acts 13:19] And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
Let’s go to Deuteronomy 7 and verse 1 reads.
Deu.7:1] When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, 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 thou;
[2] And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
This is why it is called the holy lands. Because when they were to kill without mercy, they were sent immediately back to the Father. Ecc.12:7. The Father knows all hearts, and all are his children.
Deu.7:3] Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
[4] For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
Don’t take their daughters to your sons, or your daughters to their sons. Kind after kind. They believed in other gods and would corrupt your children also. Back to Acts 13 and verse 20 reads.
Acts 13:20] And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
This brings them from Joshua through the book of Judges and into 1Samuel.
Acts 13:21] And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
The prophet Samuel tried to show Israel that God alone was King, but the people demanded a man king. Samuel spoke of this with God, and God comforted Samuel in 1Samuel 8 and verse 5 reads.
1Sam.8:5] And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
[6] But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
[7] And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
God tells Samuel, they didn’t reject you Samuel, they have rejected me.
1Sam.8:8] According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.
Even Samuel, who was the best intercessor of all, was rejected by the people of Israel because of their unbelief. Back to Acts 13 and verse 22 reads.
Acts 13:22] And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
This is the only man that God called after his own heart. All the kings after would be judged after him. Whether or not they were righteous as him. Let’s go to Psalms 89 and verse 18 reads.
Psa.89:18] For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
[19] Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
[20] I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
[21] With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
[22] The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
[23] And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
[24] But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
You can find in Luke 3:31 that Jesus would come through Nathan the son of David. Back to Acts 13 and verse 23 reads.
Acts 13:23] Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
Of the seed of David, this is known as The Key of David. The knowledge of the Serpent’s seed and the woman’s seed. Who are the Kenites and who are children of the Living God. Prophesied in Isaiah 11 and verse 1 reads.
Isa.11:1] And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
[2] And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Back to Acts 13 and verse 24 reads.
Acts 13:24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
[25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
[26] Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
The stock of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which became Israel. These are the generations that Jesus Christ would come through. Salvation would come through this stock.
Acts 13:27] For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
They crucified our Lord just like it was prophesied. Psalms 22, Isaiah 53 as well as many others.
Acts 13:28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
Paul just gave the testimony of Stephen, from Moses to the crucifixion. This condemns the Kenites from Jerusalem, those that called themselves Jews but do lie and are of the synagogue of Satan. Rev.2:9 and Rev.3:9. Let’s go to Psalms 22 and verse 16 reads.
Psa.22:16] For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Now let’s go to Zechariah 12 and verse 10 reads.
Zec.12:10] And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Everything prophesied will come to pass exactly as it is written. Back to Acts 13 and verse 30 reads.
Acts 13:30] But God raised him from the dead:
Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. Let’s go to Hebrews 2 and verse 14 reads.
Heb.2:14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Back to Acts 13 and verse 31 reads.
Acts 13:31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
He was with them for forty days. Paul can also testify about this because he saw him on the road to Damascus.
Acts 13:32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Let’s go to Psalms 2 and verse 1 reads.
Psa.2:1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
[3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
[4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
[5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
[6] Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
This is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psa.2:7] I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Here was where Paul quoted.
Psa.2:8] Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
[9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Judas had bought the potter’s field for all who are broken, the Lord Jesus can heal.
Psa.2:10] Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
[11] Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
[12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 34 reads.
Acts 13:34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Let’s go to Isaiah 55 and verse 3 reads.
Isa.55:3] Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 35 reads.
Acts 13:35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
That would be Psalms 16 and verse 9 reads.
Psa.16:9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
[10] For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
[11] Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Always good to go back to read what else we might get out of it. God’s pure pleasure, that is the Salvation of Jesus. Notice the Savior will not see corruption, he would be raised from the dead. Back to Acts 13 and verse 36 reads.
Acts 13:36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
David’s body saw corruption in the grave.
Acts 13:37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Jesus was transfigured and his body never saw corruption.
Acts 13:38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
That by repentance all is forgiven.
Acts 13:39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Belief justifies and unbelief condemns. Let’s go to Isaiah 53 and verse 11 reads.
Isa.53:11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 40 reads.
Acts 13:40] Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
[41] Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
This would be Habakkuk 1 and verse 5 reads.
Hab.1:5] Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
We must remember that these prophets prophesied many years before and that the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophesy. Rev.19:10. Back to Acts 13 and verse 42 reads.
Acts 13:42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
Notice the Jews cleared the synagogue, but the Gentiles asked for further teaching.
Acts 13:43] Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
[44] And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
When you teach the Word of God the church will increase. For the people are starving to hear the Truth.
Acts 13:45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
The Jews became envious. These Jews are the Kenites, those who crucified our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s go to Jude and verse 10 reads.
Jude 10] But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Back to Acts 13 and verse 46 reads.
Acts 13:46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
For this reason, it was given to you first, but you did not receive it, so now we go and preach to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Another opportunity for the knowledge of the Lord. Isaiah 49 and verse 5 reads.
Isa.49:5] And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
[6] And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
[7] Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
[8] Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
That was awesome! Back to Acts 13 and verse 48 reads.
Acts 13:48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
The people of Judea and the Gentiles received the Word of God, but the Kenites would not. Don’t confuse these Jews with our brother Judah, these are Kenites.
Acts 13:49] And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
[50] But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
The Kenites expelled them, but those of Jacob and the Gentiles received them, so then they moved on. Sent, but not to stay, for the Lord had a ministry for them to deliver the word to many others.
Acts 13:51] But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
[52] And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Shake off the dust when you or the Lord are not received. Just move on and plant the seed where you are received. Do not cast your seeds before swine. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible