*Acts 13:1-12
Barnabas and Saul are chosen by the Holy Spirit for missionary work, travel to Cyprus, and encounter a sorcerer who is struck blind for opposing them.
- Setting in Antioch:
- The church in Antioch has several prophets and teachers, including Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
- Holy Spirit’s Guidance:
- While worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit instructs the community to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them.
- After more fasting and prayer, they lay hands on Barnabas and Saul and send them off.
- Missionary Journey Begins:
- Sent on their mission by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul go to Seleucia and then sail to Cyprus.
- Upon arriving in Salamis, they proclaim the word of God in the Jewish synagogues, with John Mark as their assistant.
- Encounter with Bar-Jesus:
- In Paphos, they encounter a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus (also known as Elymas).
- Bar-Jesus is an attendant to Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of Cyprus, who is described as an intelligent man.
- The proconsul sends for Barnabas and Saul because he wants to hear the word of God.
- Opposition from Bar-Jesus:
- Elymas the sorcerer opposes Barnabas and Saul, trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
- Paul’s Confrontation and Miracle:
- Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Elymas.
- Paul denounces Elymas for being a child of the devil and an enemy of righteousness, predicting that Elymas will be blind for a time.
- Immediately, mist and darkness fall upon Elymas, and he seeks someone to lead him by the hand.
- Conversion of Sergius Paulus:
- Witnessing what happened, the proconsul believes, astonished by the teaching about the Lord.
Acts 13:1-12 teaches us to be open to God’s calling and to trust His power. The church in Antioch prayed and fasted before sending Barnabas and Saul on their mission, showing us the importance of seeking God’s guidance. When they faced opposition, God gave them the strength to stand firm. This reminds us to listen for God’s direction in our lives, be willing to go where He leads, and trust Him to help us overcome challenges. We can apply this by praying for guidance, being bold in sharing our faith, and relying on God’s strength in difficult situations.
Acts 13:1-12 (WEB)
13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their attendant. 6 When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, full of all deceit and all cunning, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!”Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.