A Study in The Book of Acts
Part 16
We continue in our study in Acts 13.
Acts 13: 13. Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.
Let’s review a few facts about the key players mentioned here in chapter 13.
Acts 2. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.''
We start with Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas was a leader in the early church, a prophet listed in the previous verses in the Church in Antioch. He is Jewish.
Acts 4: 36-37; And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37. having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Church tradition tells us Barnabas was probably among the 70 disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10. He is listed as a Levite, and the first mention of Him is in Acts 4 when He sells His land in Cyprus and lays the money at the apostles’ feet for the church in Jerusalem. He is listed as a good man. There are several reasons he is listed as a scriptural good man.
Acts 11: 22. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
So, he is described as a good man because He is full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. One of our goals of women of God should be to be described as a good woman, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. That is my goal. I want my walk to demonstrate The Lord Jesus and all His glory. This is what Barnabas did, he demonstrated His love of Jesus, His desire to do the works that Jesus did and much more, by giving as taught in the scriptures, discipling others, as demonstrated by his mentorship and support of Paul and John Mark. It is also demonstrated in His desire to spread the gospel, preach that Jesus is the promised Messiah, and to be obedient to all that God ordained him to do. Was Barnabas perfect? No. We will be discussing this later as we get into other Chapters.
Next is Saul. Saul, later Paul, is the Jewish leader who started out persecuting the church but later after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus became one of the greatest church leaders in history. He is knowledgeable in the known scriptures of the time. He understands the prophecies of old and how Jesus fulfills them, and He understands and is avid about what God has called him to do.
Mark, know as John Mark. As we have discussed in previous lessons, he is the author of the Gospel of Mark. The young man described in the Garden on the night Jesus is arrested. He is later listed as Barnabas cousin. He is the son of Mary, one of the followers of Jesus. We can see as we go further into our study, that he is a helper to others who share the Gospel. After his return to Jerusalem we do not hear about him for two years. As we have discussed previously, The Gospel of Mark is believed to be based on Peter’s memories. So, Mark probably set under Peter when he returned to Jerusalem.
This brings us to Acts 13:13. It says in the NKJV the John departed from them.
The Living Bible translates this as : Acts 13:13 Now Paul and those with him left Paphos by ship for Turkey, landing at the port town of Perga. There John deserted them and returned to Jerusalem.
Joh deserted them, this is again mentioned in Acts 15:38, as we will see in further study. Tradition does not tell us why Mark left. Of course, there are theories abounding. He had malaria, this area being the type of environment for the development. That he was homesick and just went home. That he did not agree with the conversion of the Gentiles without circumcision. That the coming journey was too physically taxing, being mountainous, that he did not want to undergo the already demonstrated persecution. One thing is certain, he left, no reason given, and it is generally felt it was a desertion. We do know that it will be a “bone of contention” later in the relationship of Paul and Barnabas.
We see again Paul taking leadership of the group in verse 13. And we now see them continue what is known as “Paul’s first missionary journey”, heading now to another city called Antioch, located in what we knew as the province of Galatia, which is modern Turkey. Paul preached in Antioch in Pisidia, this being the first recorded instance of Paul’s sermon. We see a lot of similarity between Peter’s sermon and Stephen’s sermon. That is because you cannot change the word. It is the word and the history and prophecies that have been fulfilled. This shows us that the Word never changes, if you are sensitive and following the leading of the Holy Spirit and the Word, there should be no major differences in the gospel shared. Religious teaching, denominational beliefs, personal biases, etc. should not factor into the sharing of the word. That is really hard for some of us, as I have mentioned I was raised Southern Baptist, those roots are still there, as I study, I have to pray and see The Holy Spirit’s guidance in researching and studying. Rightly dividing the Word. We must all do this. We must study to show ourselves a workman who needeth not be ashamed. However, if we do not study ourselves, spend time in prayer, then we are parroting others and not sharing what God has revealed to be the truth. But a word of caution, it is not my personal truth, but revelation backed by revelation to others. Do not be caught up in your own interpretation of the Word exclusive of all other teaching. As we have been studying, God has set in the church different offices for the edifying of the church. This requires much study and prayer, with revelation.
So, let’s jump down to Acts 13: 48-52: 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
We see that as Paul preached that the Gentiles were glad and glorified the Word of the Lord. There is an interesting phrase here: “And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed”. What exactly does this mean? Some want to say this is what predestination is. That those who are appointed, believed. I take you to other verses:
John 3:16-18: 16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 2:41: 41. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Romans 10: 9. that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. 11. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.'' 12. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him
The thing all these scriptures have in common, besides the obvious, is that not one says, “appointed or predestined.” I Believe we are all chosen, God loved us all and sent Jesus to die for us all.
Matthew 20: 16. "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.''
It is how we receive the Word, how we respond that leads to salvation. I am saved because I am one of the “God so loved.”. I am chosen because I repented and responded. We all have this opportunity, not just a few.
What happened after Paul preached, The Gentiles believed and received eternal life. But as always, the enemy was behind the scene stirring up problems, to undo what God had done. In this instance he used “devote Jews” to cause trouble. To stir up who, devout Jewish women and prominent men, to start the persecution of Paul and Barnabas. Do you ever wonder why it mentions the prominent women first? I submit to you, that even though it was a patriarchal society, meaning men had more “authority.” Women were very influential. One translation says, influential women. Today has women so caught up in many “causes”. We see how influential we can be. Women may not have held office of important jobs in Biblical times, but they always had an influence on popular opinion. Times have not changed. Women are very influential in our society. We as Spirit filled believers need to be sure our voices are loud for the correct Biblical cause. We have one job and one job alone. That is to glorify God in all we do. To lift Jesus up in the wilderness of sin in the world today. That is our job our influence, don’t let the enemy or anyone used by the enemy to tell you differently. Our job is to glorify God in all we do. Amen?
So, we finish our study in Acts 13, noting several things. The Word was received with gladness and many were saved. The enemy begin his campaign against Paul using the Jews. Paul and Barnabas did as Jesus instructed in Luke and shook off the dust of the unbelieving attacking Jews. And most importantly, they were all filled with joy and the Holy Spirit at what was done in the area.
Let us all take this as a lesson for us as New Testament believers today.