The Gospel Expands: Paul's First Missionary Journey

In Acts 13, we witness a significant transition in the early church as the focus shifts from Peter's ministry to Paul's mission to the Gentiles. This pivotal chapter marks the beginning of the gospel's intentional expansion beyond Jewish communities.

The Church at Antioch: A Diverse Leadership

The church at Antioch featured a remarkably diverse leadership team:

• Barnabas
• Simeon (called Niger, meaning "black" or "dark")
• Lucius of Cyrene
• Manaen (a lifelong friend of Herod)
• Saul (later called Paul)

This diversity reflected the church's growing multicultural nature, with a combination of Jewish believers, proselytes (Gentiles who had converted to Judaism), and Gentile Christians.

The Holy Spirit's Call to Mission

While the leaders were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke: "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." The text doesn't specify whether this was an audible voice or a message delivered through one of the prophets present. What matters is that the church recognized God's direction, and after further fasting and prayer, they commissioned Paul and Barnabas through the laying on of hands.

Confrontation with a False Prophet

Their journey took them to Cyprus, where they encountered a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus (also called Elymas the magician). This man was attempting to turn the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus away from faith.

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted him directly: "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy. Will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?" Paul then declared that Elymas would be temporarily blinded, and immediately "mist and darkness" fell upon him.

This powerful demonstration, combined with Paul's teaching, led the proconsul to believe. This incident illustrates how God's power often convinces people more effectively than discussion alone, though the text specifically mentions that Sergius Paulus was "astonished at the teaching of the Lord" as well.

Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia

After traveling to Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas attended the synagogue on the Sabbath. Following the reading from the Law and Prophets, the synagogue leaders invited them to share any "word of encouragement."

Paul seized this opportunity to deliver a sermon that:

• Recounted Jewish history
• Connected it to Jesus as the promised Messiah
• Proclaimed Jesus' death and resurrection
• Offered forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ

A Puzzling Reference to Psalm 2

In his sermon, Paul quotes Psalm 2:7: "You are my Son, today I have begotten you," connecting it to Jesus' resurrection. This has puzzled many readers since the connection isn't immediately obvious.

How does this psalm speak of resurrection? Wasn't Jesus already God's Son before the resurrection? What does "begetting" have to do with resurrection?

This passage has unfortunately led some to heretical views, such as adoptionism (the belief that Jesus only became God's Son at the resurrection). However, when we examine Paul's other writings, particularly Romans 1:3-4, we see his understanding more clearly:

"Concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead."

The resurrection didn't make Jesus God's Son; it powerfully declared and confirmed what was already true. The Greek word translated as "raised" can also mean "to raise up" in the sense of bringing someone onto the stage of history or establishing them in a position of authority.

Addressing Soul Sleep and Secondary Burial

In Acts 13:36, Paul mentions that David "fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption." Some have misinterpreted this to support the concept of "soul sleep" (the idea that the dead are unconscious until resurrection).

However, this language of "sleeping" or being "gathered to one's fathers" was simply a common euphemism for death in biblical times. It doesn't imply unconsciousness after death.

The reference to "corruption" relates to ancient Jewish burial practices. Initially, bodies would be placed in tombs or caves. After the flesh decomposed, the bones would be collected and placed in small boxes called ossuaries. This practice of secondary burial explains why David's body "saw corruption" while Jesus' did not (because He was resurrected before decomposition).

Turning to the Gentiles

When many Jews rejected Paul's message, he and Barnabas boldly declared: "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles."

The Gentiles responded with joy, and the text tells us "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." This phrase strongly affirms God's sovereignty in salvation. The word "appointed" indicates divine selection—those who believed were those whom God had appointed to eternal life.

Life Application

This passage offers several important lessons for our lives today:

• Embrace diversity in the church: The leadership at Antioch represented various cultural backgrounds, reminding us that God's kingdom includes people from all nations and backgrounds.

• Listen for the Holy Spirit's direction: The church at Antioch was sensitive to the Spirit's guidance during their worship and fasting. How might God be speaking to you during your times of worship and prayer?

• Share the gospel with boldness: Paul confronted opposition directly and proclaimed the truth without compromise. While we should always speak with love, we shouldn't water down the message of Christ.

• Trust God's sovereignty in evangelism: The text reminds us that "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." This frees us from the pressure of results when sharing our faith. Our responsibility is to faithfully share the good news; the results are in God's hands.

Ask yourself:

• Am I sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in my life?
• Do I share my faith with both boldness and love?
• Am I willing to go where God sends me, even if it means leaving my comfort zone?
• Do I trust God's sovereignty when people reject the gospel message?

Remember, our task is to faithfully proclaim what Jesus has done in our lives. We can leave the results to God, knowing He is at work drawing people to Himself according to His perfect plan.