Acts 13

Acts 13:1

In Act_1:8, Jesus told His disciples they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. That’s what He saidand that’s exactly what happened. First, the early believers were accused of filling all Jerusalem with their doctrine (Act_5:28). Then, persecution scattered the church throughout Judaea (Act_8:1). Later, revival broke out in Samaria after Philip preached Christ unto them (Act_8:8). And here in Acts 13, we see the final phase of Jesus’ commission coming to pass, as Paul is about to launch out on his first missionary journey to the uttermost parts of the earth. I say this not only to give you a basic feeling for the Book of Acts, but for a very practical reason as well. You see, throughout Scripture, the commands of the Lord are not heavy exhortationsthey’re glorious expectations. Therefore, instead of reading Act_1:8 like this: “You shall be witnesses unto Me, so get out there and pass out tracts. Be My witnesses. That is My command"it should be read like this: “You shall be witnesses unto Me. It will happen!” So often people say the commands of Jesus are heavy. But Jesus said His burden is easy and His load light (Mat_11:28). So, when the Lord says, “You shall be holy for I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev_19:2), He’s not saying, “You’d better be holy like Me,” but"You will be holy like Me. The holiness inherent in Me will be enjoyed by you. You watch. You’ll see!” It’s like me saying to Benjamin, “Son, you shall have a big nose, for I, your father, have a big nose. It will happen!” As we learn the Scriptures, my prayer is that we catch the inflection of the Father’s voice so we can more clearly hear His heart. “There were certain prophets and teachers.” Notice the distinction: Prophets are those who, under the inspiration of the Spirit, guide the church as they speak the heart of God through edification, exhortation, and comfort. Teachers are those who ground the church as they point out the ways and mind of God revealed through the Word. There are those in certain denominations who say that prophets and teachers are one and the same in the New Testament. Not so. Here in Acts 13, there’s a clear-cut distinction. Remember Barnabas, the “son of consolation”? He was the one who took Paul under his wing before anyone else in Jerusalem believed Paul was born again. Later on, we’ll see Barnabas take John Mark under his wing and walk with him through a season of failure. Simon was from present-day Nigeria. This is probably Simon the Cyrene, the one who carried the Cross to Golgotha after Jesus sank beneath its weight (Luk_23:26). How did Lucius get saved? I suggest Simon the Cross-bearer went back to Cyrene, talked to his buddy Lucius, and together they started walking with the Lord, eventually becoming significant figures in ministry. Manaen was a foster-brother of Herod Antipasthe Herod who cut off John the Baptist’s head. Talk about the grace and sovereignty of God! Manaen grew up in Herod’s vile, polluted familyyet the Lord rescued him and saved him for ministry. We’ll see Saul’s name change later in this chapter. The word “Saul” means “requested one"even as King Saul was requested by the people (1Sa_8:6). What does “Paul” mean? “Little.” You see, something happened in Paul’s life when he was converted to Christ. No longer did he identify himself as Saul, the “equested one,” the “an in demand.” No, he said, “Call me little.” In the early part of his ministry, Paul said, “I am the least of the apostles” (see 1Co_15:9). In the middle of his ministry, he said, “I am less than the least of all saints” (see Eph_3:8). At the end of his life, he said, “I am the chief of sinners” (see 1Ti_1:15). I find it interesting that the longer Paul walked with the Lord, the more he realized how far he was from Him. That’s always the way it is. The Pharisee, praying on the street corner said, “God, I thank thee, I am not as other men,” while the true convert beat his breast and said, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (see Luk_18:11-13).

Acts 13:2

Luke doesn’t say they ministered for the Lord. He says they ministered to the Lord. Lots of people desire to minister for the Lord, but there are few who desire to minister to the Lord. In Eze_44:11 and Eze_44:15, the Lord said, “The Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them. But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me.” It was the faithful sons of Zadok whom God reserved for ministry to Himself. This shows me that in the eyes of the Lord, the most important ministry is not ministering for Him, but ministering to Him in worship and praise, in prayer and adoration. The Holy Ghost said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul.” How did the Holy Ghost say this? I suggest it was through the prophets mentioned in verse Act_13:1. Later on, Paul would write, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (1Ti_4:14). In other words, “Timothy, don’t neglect the gift you received when prophecy was uttered over you and hands laid upon you.” Twenty-five years ago when I was part of a ministry in San Jose, California, a word of prophecy was given by a very quiet businessman during a time when about thirty of us were worshiping and waiting on the Lord. He said, “Jon, I think the Lord is giving me a word for you to consider: He wants to move you to a higher mountain.” Now, unbeknownst to him, that very day I had been wrestling with whether I should move from San Jose to Applegate. “Applegate?” I thought. Who’s ever heard of Applegate? To me, the area was as rugged and mountainous as the Yukon Territory! So, that particular prophecy was very important for me to hear. It edified me.

It exhorted me. It comforted me greatly. Looking back through my journal I find many such accounts of a prophetic word for me personally or for the body corporately. Prophecy is vital.

Acts 13:3

Notice they were sent away. In the area of missions, we need more people to be sent. A lot of people are hyped into going on a missionary venture or journey. But throughout Scripture, I never see people capriciously going because of some presentation. As is the case here, I see a deep work of the Spirit saying, “Separate these guys. They’re to go and minister.” Now, I’m not discounting taking a couple of weeks and going on a missionary journey or a short-term ministry. That’s fine. But before you sell your house and quit your jobmake sure you’re not being pulled or manipulated by some kind of presentation that moves you emotionally. Pray. Wait on the Lord. Minister to Him. And then go not as one who went, but as one who is sent.

Acts 13:4

Here is an important truth for you who are trying to discern God’s will for your life. Look carefully. The text says, “they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed.” The Holy Ghost pushed them out, but they departed. The Holy Ghost gave direction, but it was up to them to begin the journey. There comes a point when the Lord, having made His will for you clear to you, expects you to departto take the first step on whatever path He has directed you to walk. Why Cyprus? I suggest it was because Cypress was the homeland of Barnabas. You see, the Lord gave the inspiration, but the practical application was worked through Saul and Barnabas as they simply began to move out in a supernaturally natural way. It was natural for Barnabas to want to go to Cyprus. Cyprus was home. “The Lord’s calling us. Where should we go, Paul?” “What do you think, Barney?” “Well, there’s great surf in Cyprus and good fishing. It’s my home country, and I care about those people there. Besides, there’s great need in Cyprus.” And indeed there was. The worship of Venus, also known as Aphrodite, the love goddess, was centered in Cyprus. Every woman on Cyprus was required to serve as a temple prostitute at least once in her life. And as you read the history of Cyprus, you read of disease, debauchery, and tragedy.

Even the appearance of the women as recorded by historians was unbelievably sad. It was a sick island. Sin always takes a toll. Some years ago, I was talking to a promiscuous young lady. “If you keep living this way,” I said, “by the time you’re thirty, you’re going to look like forty and feel like fifty.” The wages of sin is death (Rom_3:23). And sin kills emotionally as well as physically.

Acts 13:5

John Mark, first mentioned in verse Act_12:25 of chapter 12, was the nephew of Barnabas. According to 1Pe_5:13, it seems he was converted by Peter and later discipled under the tutelage of his uncle Barnabas.

Acts 13:6

Traveling through the depraved island of Cyprus, Barnabas and Saul encountered Bar-jesus, literally “Son of Jesus"a false prophet, a sorcerer, a wizard.

Acts 13:7

Sergius Paulus, the Roman-appointed governor of the island, hearing of two men traveling through his island who were sharing the truth of God’s love and grace, said, “I want to hear more.”

Acts 13:8

Bar-jesus, also called Elymas, or “Enlightened One,” was jealous and worried. After all, if Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor, got saved, where would that leave him? So Elymas started speaking against Barnabas and Paul to Sergius Paulus.

Acts 13:9

This is where Saul’s name changed to Paulfrom “requested one” to “little.” What a look this must have been! With eyes of discernment, Paul saw this man was no good. So, too, today, people might say, “I’m a follower of Jesus. I’m close to Jesus. I speak for Jesus"but you’ll know in your heart if something’s amiss.

Acts 13:11

Paul was not a wimpy Christian, but his heart was always for restorationeven with a guy like Elymas. How do I know? Consider what happened to Paul before he was converted: Like Elymas, he was blinded (Act_9:9). It wasn’t until Paul was blinded physically that he could see spiritually. And I suggest that although Paul was not mincing words with Elymas, his prayer was not, “Sic him, Lord.” It was “Save him.”

Acts 13:12

It interests me that Luke didn’t say Sergius Paulus was astonished at the miracle that took place. No, Luke said he was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. “You mean God loves me?” Sergius Paulus must have wondered in amazement. “You mean He became a Man and died in my place? You mean I can be forgiven and savedmade right and redeemed?” May we never become so accustomed to hearing the story of the Cross that we become hardened. The wonder of it all! Amazing grace! O, Lord, keep us astonished.

Acts 13:13

Wait a minute. Before, it had been, “Barnabas and Saul” (Act_13:2). Now it’s “Paul and his company.” This means that, although Paul was originally following Barnabas, at this point Paul was thrust into the forefront. Visualize a map of the Middle East. Paul and Barnabas left Palestine, traveled to Cyprus, and headed north to Turkey. John Mark split. He turned back and ran home to Jerusalem. Why? Perhaps the most logical reason is found at the beginning of this verse. When Paul took the helm, Uncle Barnabas was demoted to second in command at best. Can’t you hear John Mark saying, “Well, if he’s going to be in charge, I’m going home. I like you, Uncle Barnabas. You’re always so encouraging. But Paul is mean. I’m not going to serve with him!” David said it is the Lord who sets up one and puts down another (Psa_75:7). I believe John Mark forgot this. My prayer is that we might be those who learn to say, “Lord, righteous and true are Your judgments and decisions. You’re on the throne. You’re in control. Regardless of whether my uncle is in charge or not, Lord, I’m traveling with You and in the company to which You’ve called me.”

Acts 13:14

This was not the same Antioch from which Paul and Barnabas sailed. There were seven cities named Antioch in this region during this time. The Antioch in this verse was located northeast of Perga, the city in present-day Turkey from which John Mark left. Paul always followed the same mode of operation. That is, upon arrival in a new city, he would head into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and share with the Jews who were studying there. In Rom_1:16, he said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Paul always shared the gospel with the Jews before he shared with the Gentiles. It was not a matter of preference, however. It was a matter of precedence. The Jews had precedence for two reasons. First, they were a people who had preparation. For two thousand years, they had been given Old Testament prophecies, types, and storiesall pointing to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Thus, converted Jews made radical Christians due to their thorough understanding of Old Testament Scripture. Second, the Jews were a people who had a promise. From their midst arose One who would come to be a deliverer for them, a King over them, a comfort to them.

Acts 13:15

Seeing Paul and Barnabas were well-educated, well-traveled, well-informed visitors, the rulers of the synagogue invited them to address the synagogue.

Acts 13:16

Here is Paul’s first recorded sermonremarkable in its similarity to Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7. As Stephen was going down, had he glanced in the direction of Paul, who was holding the garments of those throwing stones, no doubt he would have thought, I failed. These people aren’t receiving or responding to my message. But because the Word of God will not return void (Isa_55:11), Stephen’s words rattled around inside Paul, and fourteen years later, out of Paul’s mouth came a replay of Stephen’s sermon. This gives me great hope because, although sometimes when I share with people and feel that no one is listening, that none are responding, the Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb_4:12).

Acts 13:17

Paul began his sermon by reminding the Jews of their historyreminding them of their ancestors who were held captive in Egypt, baking bricks under the burning sun. How many bricks did they bake? Using only the bricks from the pyramids, sphinxes, and monuments that remain today, a person could build a wall ten feet thick and fifteen feet high that would stretch from Medford, Oregon, to Brooklyn, New York. That’s a lot of bricks!

Acts 13:18

The phrase “suffered their manners” is a unique Hebrew idiom that can either mean “to feed” or “to put up with.” So which is it? When Scripture says God “suffered their manners,” was He putting up with the Israelites, or feeding them? He was doing both. God both hung in there with the children of Israel and provided for them for forty years.

Acts 13:19

Paul singled out Samuel because Samuel was preparatory to David; just as John the Baptist, to whom Paul will make later reference, was preparatory to the Son of David, Jesus Christ.

Acts 13:21

Israel wanted a king. They got one in Saula man who stood head and shoulders above the rest; a man who was initially humble and who moved in the power of the Spirit; a charismatic man who was able to galvanize the nation around him.

Acts 13:22

God removed Saul from the throne. Why? First Samuel 15 tells the story. God spoke to Saul through Samuel the prophet, saying, “Destroy the Amalekitesthe people who snuck up behind you and attacked your weakest and most feeble when you were wandering in the wilderness (see Deu_25:18). Make sure you destroy every man, woman, child, and beast. Leave nothing behind.” So Saul gathered two hundred thousand footmen from Israel and ten thousand footmen from Judah, marched on the Amalekites and utterly destroyed themall except for one. He kept Agag, king of the Amalekites, along with some sheep. As Saul returned victorious to Israel, he saw Samuel in the distance. “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” Saul said. “I have obeyed all of His commandments!” “Really?” said Samuel. “Then what’s that bleating I hear?” “Well, we saved the best of the sheep and the oxen to bring back as a sacrifice to Jehovah!” declared Saul. Samuel looked at Saul and said, “To obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken more than the fat of rams. Rebellion is as witchcraft and stubbornness is as idolatry. Who’s he?” asked Samuel, catching a glimpse of Agag. “This is Agag, king of the Amalekites. I brought him back as a trophy,” answered Saul. Samuel grabbed a sword and hacked Agag into pieces right there on the spot, threw down the sword in utter disgust, and said, “Saul, you have disobeyed. No longer will you be kingneither you, nor your descendants. The kingdom is taken from you.” And indeed his kingdom was taken away. “That seems pretty harsh,” you say. “I mean what’s wrong with bringing home some sheep to sacrifice and Agag as a trophy to march in the victory parade?” Read on. At the very end of 1 Samuel and in the first chapter of 2 Samuel, we see Saul twenty years later on Mount Gilboa, fighting the Philistines. Wounded in battle, he heard the voice of his attacker behind him. “Who are you?” Saul cried out. “I am an Amalekite,” came the answer. You see, the period between the time Saul brought Agag back until the time he talked to Samuel was probably less than a week, but in that time, Agag must have escaped and fathered a son. We think we have sin under control, but whenever we keep a little trophy hanging around to show how powerful we are, we’re playing with fire. Ask Saul. “MTV used to be a problem,” you boast, “but I’ve got it under control now. No need to block out that channel. I can turn it off whenever I want.” Watch out. The son of Agag is out to get you. That’s why a Father who loves you says, “Destroy completely every Amalekite. If something is wrong, if something is tempting, if something is pulling on you carnally, if something is attacking you from behind annihilate it. Don’t play around with the Amalekites because if you leave even one, he’ll come back and get you.” Like Saul, David was a sinner. The difference was that David wasn’t playing games with God. He had weaknesses, problems, and failures to be sure. But his heart was right in the sight of the Lord.

Acts 13:23

Paul now turns the attention of his audience to Jesus.

Acts 13:24

“Don’t you get it?” asked Paul. “All of history led to the moment when the Son of Davidthe Promised Seed, Messiahcame on the scene. The fact that you neither recognized nor received Him fulfills the very prophecies that were written about Him.”

Acts 13:28

Why did the Jews demand of Pilate that Jesus be slain? They themselves stoned Stephen in Acts 7. They’ll stone Paul in Acts 14. Why didn’t they stone Jesus? Because the prophecies of the Old Testament all pointed toward crucifixion. The serpent on the pole in Numbers 21, the law that declared “Cursed is every one who hangs on a tree” (see Deu_21:23), and Psalms 22 all portray crucifixion. Therefore, moved by forces they didn’t even understand, the Jewish leaders appealed to a Roman Pilate so that Christ would die a Roman deathexactly as prophesied.

Acts 13:29

Put yourself in these guys’ sandals. You’re sitting in the synagogue on the Sabbath day when a visiting rabbi stands up and begins to recount Jewish history, ending with the statement, “And it all came to a crescendo in the One who was crucified on a tree and resurrected from the dead.” How would that hit you if you had never heard it before? You would probably say, “Okay, who let him in? Come on, get real. What are you saying? I mean, we enjoy your history lesson. But your conclusion is preposterous.” And then Paul threw in the clincher.

Acts 13:30

Paul said, “Don’t take my word for it. A whole bunch of guys saw Him.” Later on in 1 Corinthians, he’ll say “Five hundred men saw Him, talked to Him, and give witness that He rose from the dead.” Five hundred witnesses is a formidable group. Suppose there was a holdup at a 7-11 store near your house. Curious about it, you sit in the courtroom observing the trial, listening carefully as the first witness takes the stand and says, “I was in 7-11 on June 24, getting a Big Gulp, and this guy with black hair, a handlebar mustache, and a scar down his left cheek walked in, pulled out a pistol, and said, “Hit the ground! This is a stickup!” So I hit the ground along with everyone else. He took the money, fired a shot, ran out the door, and jumped in his car, a blue Corvair.” And then a second witness took the stand, saying, “On June 24, I was in 7-11 buying a Slurpee. A guy came in with a scar down his left cheek and a black handlebar mustache. He pulled out a pistol and told us to hit the ground.

Then he took the money, fired a shot, and took off in a blue Corvair.” And a third witness said, “I was in 7-11 buying a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and this guyI’ll never forget him as long as I livewith a scar and a handlebar mustache came in holding a gun and told us to hit the deck. He fired a shot and drove away in a blue Corvair.” And as you listened, a fourth witness, a fifth, an eighth, a tenth, a two hundreth, a three hundred eightieth, a four hundred fortieth, a four hundred ninety-eighthfive hundred witnesses come in and told the very same story. Since our system of jurisprudence is based upon eyewitness evidence, the accused would be convicted of robbery if five hundred witnesses gave corroborating evidence. Paul appealed to this reasoning when he said, “Five hundred men saw Him.” It is interesting to me that Paul’s contemporaries, who were trying to disprove the Resurrection, gave all sorts of explanationsranging from mass hypnosis to mass delusionin an attempt to nullify the eyewitness accounts of those who saw the resurrected Jesus. But none of themnot one of the unbelieving historians of that daysaid, “There are no eyewitnesses. Paul’s making that up.” The fact that there were eyewitnesses was as irrefutable as the empty tomb. If I weren’t a believer simply because of what Jesus has done for me personally, I would be a believer because of the overwhelming proof intellectually. Anyone who looks at the evidence historically must factor in the eyewitnessesmen who chose to die brutal and violent deaths rather than deny they had seen the resurrected Christ.

Acts 13:32

The cults use this phrase, “This day have I begotten thee,” to say, “Jesus was the first created Being. He’s important, He’s wonderful,” a Jehovah’s witness or a Mormon will say, “but He’s not God. He was created.” Wait a minute. They’re missing the point. “This day have I begotten thee.” What day? The day of His Resurrection. Psalms 2, as quoted here by Paul, is not talking about the Incarnation, but about the Resurrection. Jesus is unique among all men by virtue of the fact that He rose again from the dead. It’s not the womb David is speaking ofit’s the tomb. This is a key understanding when you talk with people who try to sell you Watchtower Magazine, or the Mormon rap. Look at the context. Paul is talking about Jesus being raised from the dead.

Acts 13:34

The corruption spoken of here is in regard to the decomposition of a dead body. This promise, although given to David, does not apply to him, for he would indeed see corruption as his body decayed in the coffin. To whom, then, does the promise apply? It applies to the Son of DavidJesus Christ.

Acts 13:36

Man’s greatest need is God’s greatest deed. The greatest need for your sixteen-year-old son at home, or your thirty-eight-year-old husband sitting beside you, the greatest need for every person is the same: forgiveness. And we have the privilege of telling people, even as Paul told his audience, “Through this Man is the forgiveness of sin.”

Acts 13:39

You are justified from all things. The word “all” in Greek means “all”! One Sunday, before I baptized a young man, I told him, “Your being here testifies to everyone that you’re serious about Jesus Christ. And because of that, any compromise that you’re involved in, any sin or stuff that’s going on in your life that’s not right” At this point, the guy started weeping, no doubt thinking that the sin in his life presently would disqualify him from salvation. I said, “You’re here because you’re serious about the Lord, and I want you to know any sin you’re now committing is forgiven.” With a look of amazement on his face, he looked up at me and said, “Really? You mean I’m forgiven of the sin I’m presently involved in?” “Yep,” I said. We don’t get it. We know our old sins are forgiven, but we think, Now I’ve got to toe the line and make sure I don’t mess up from here on out. That’s not salvation. That’s not justification. Every sin you’ve ever committed, or are presently committing, or ever will commit in the future is forgiven and forgotten because where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (Rom_5:20). The price has been paid.

Acts 13:40

There are people even now, saying, “I don’t believe I am justified. I’ve got to prove my morality, prove my righteousness, prove my spirituality.” Habakkuk 1, quoted here in verse Act_13:41, says the work of salvation is so wonderful that there will be those who will not believe it. They’ll just say, “It’s too good to be true.” The fact is, it’s so good it has to be true! Only an omnipotent God could provide total justification and complete forgiveness of sin. Only a loving God would.

Acts 13:42

“Hey, Paul! Come and tell us more about this justification,” said the Gentiles. “Maybe the Jews don’t get it, but this is terrific news to us!”

Acts 13:43

To his followers, Paul said, “Continue in grace. Continue in grace. Continue in grace.” Did they? No. This same group had to be addressed later in the Book of Galatians because they believed the rap of those who came to them, saying, “It’s nice that you’re believers in Jesus and that you think you’re forgiven. But if you really want to be spiritual, you must be circumcised because spirituality and misery go hand in hand.” The same thing happens today in Christian experience: “Why is she wearing that?” “Why is he raising his hands like that?” “Why is that guitar so loud?” I have heard all of these critiques from people who want to dispense their miserable attitude to people who are excited about justification and salvation. But we must continue in the grace of God. And we must not, by God’s grace and with His help, become sin-sniffing circumcisers or legalistic analyzers, judging the flesh of others by whatever miserable standards we ourselves are unable to keep. Set up standards of legalism, and you’ll keep your little rules and regulations for a month or two or three. You’ll walk around with your nose in the air and your heart bitter and hardened, saying, “Who can I rebuke? Who can I correct?” Then, because no one can keep the law, you’ll eventually break your own rules and say, “Woe is me. I’m such a miserable failure. I’m such a loser. I’m not going to church anymore. I don’t belong there. I don’t belong anywhere. Nobody likes me.” That’s what legalism does. Up and down, up and down, up and down we go until the day comes when at last we understand what justification is all aboutthat our Lord, our Love, Jesus Christ fully paid the price when He said, “It is finished” (Joh_19:30).

Acts 13:44

“Okay, if you Jews are not receiving this, we’ll do what Isaiah 49 prophesied,” said Paul and Barnabas. “We’ll be a light to the Gentiles.”

Acts 13:48

Who believed? Those who were ordained to believe. “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you,” Jesus said (see Joh_15:16). A man doesn’t decide to be saved. A man must be ordained, chosen, predestined, elected to be saved. “That’s not fair,” you say. “What if I’m not ordained to be saved?” Well, get saved and you’ll find that you too were ordained and elected to receive Jesus Christ!

Acts 13:49

In ministry and in life, we will either “shake it off” or get shaken up. Those who shake the dust off their feet when an attack comes or when rejection hits will go on. Those who get shaken up will quit. I pray you and I will be those who, like Paul and Barnabas, shake off the dust and keep going in order that those around us might be “filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.”