Sent by God — The Start of Paul’s First Mission Trip (Acts 13:1–12)
The book of Acts tells the exciting story of how the message of Jesus spread around the world. In Acts 13, we see the beginning of something big: the first mission trip led by Paul and Barnabas. They were chosen by God to go and share the good news with people in other places—and it all started with prayer, fasting, and obedience.
Let’s take a closer look at how this mission began and what happened on the journey.
A Church That Listened to God
The story begins in the city of Antioch, where there was a strong group of believers. Among them were teachers and prophets—people who helped others understand God’s Word. Some of these leaders were:
- Barnabas
- Simeon (called Niger)
- Lucius of Cyrene
- Manaen (who grew up with King Herod)
- Saul (later called Paul)
While these leaders were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them, saying:
“Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to do.”
(Acts 13:2)
So the church prayed again, laid hands on them (a sign of blessing and support), and sent them out to do God’s work.
On Mission in Cyprus
Barnabas and Saul set out, taking a helper named John Mark with them. Their first stop was the island of Cyprus. They traveled across the island, stopping in cities to teach about Jesus in the Jewish synagogues.
When they reached the city of Paphos, they met two important people:
- Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor, who was an intelligent man and wanted to hear the Word of God.
- Elymas the sorcerer (also called Bar-Jesus), who was close to the governor but tried to stop him from believing.
Elymas was using his influence to turn Sergius Paulus away from the truth.
Paul Speaks with Power
Saul (now called Paul for the first time in this chapter) saw what Elymas was doing and responded boldly. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul said:
“You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! Will you never stop twisting the truth?”
Then Paul told Elymas that he would be struck blind for a time—and immediately, Elymas couldn’t see. He groped around, looking for someone to lead him by the hand.
This miracle got the governor’s attention. When he saw what happened, he believed in the Lord, amazed by what he had heard and seen.
What We Can Learn from This Story
- God calls people to share His message – Paul and Barnabas were chosen and sent out through prayer and obedience.
- The Holy Spirit leads the mission – This wasn’t just their idea. It was God’s plan from the beginning.
- Not everyone will support the truth – Elymas tried to block the message, but God’s power is greater than any opposition.
- God uses boldness and miracles to open hearts – The governor saw God’s power in action and decided to believe.
Final Thought:
This part of Acts shows us how the church is meant to go and grow. God doesn’t want the good news to stay in one place—He wants it to reach everyone. And just like He called Paul and Barnabas, He still calls people today to share His love and truth around the world.
When we pray, listen, and obey, God can do amazing things—more than we can imagine.
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.