Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13 & 14)

Background

Who: Paul and Barnabas are called to mission work by the Holy Spirit and commissioned in Syria at the church in Antioch (the first place where believers were ever called “christians”). Paul had previously been a Jewish leader devoted to torturing and killing followers of “the Way”, but was converted through an encounter with the post-resurrection Christ, which left him blinded. Turning his life to follow “the Way,” Paul goes away for 3 years to study the gospel and prepare, then going to Jerusalem to spend time with the disciples. Afterwards, he goes to Syrian Antioch to serve as an elder of the church there before being called and commissioned to mission work. Once zealous to persecute the church, Paul redirects that passion to spreading the church. Barnabas was known as an encourager and made a steady companion for Paul. He is spoken highly of in the Bible, never disparaged even in their split.

What: After conversion, preparation, local church service, Spirit-Calling, and Church-Commission, Paul and Baranabas set out to (1) Evangelize through the preaching/teaching of the gospel accompanied by signs and wonders, and (2) to establish churches to disciple, encourage, and strengthen believers over time.

When: 48-50 A.D., lasted a total of 4-10 months

Where: Roman Empire, Syria, Cyprus, Asia Minor

Why: Paul and Barnabas were (1) converted to Christ, (2) called by the Spirit, (3) commissioned by the church.

How: Paul strategically platforms his message through Sabbath-day synagogue messages. The original goal (to fulfill scriptures) was to bring the gospel to the Jews first (for they had every advantage as he says in Romans) so synagogue strategy was captive audience and prepared platform for gospel message. His message (Acts 13:16-52) used a Jewish apologetic, arguing from the OT that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise of Salvation through King David and that only Christ resurrected (not Moses’ law) could free someone from sin. As Jews convert and their popularity rises, unbelieving Jews revile and attack Paul and Barnabas, causing them to (1) approach the Gentiles now with the gospels, and (2) to find other opportunities/platforms to preach (Lystra).

Once Paul and Barnabas travelled from Syrian Antioch to Derbe, preaching and converting, they double back to encourage and strengthen believers as they live life. Once they return to Syrian Antioch, they encourage the church by sharing (1) what God had done through them, (2) How the gospel was received by the Gentiles.

Bible Study Questions

Observations

Paul and Barnabas Sent Off (Acts 13:1-3)

Chapter 13

At the moment that the Holy Spirit spoke to the church in Antioch in Syria, what two things was the church doing? (Acts 13:2)

What role did the local church (Antioch in Syria) play in Paul’s mission work? (Acts 13:1-3)

Where did Paul primarily find an audience and a platform from which to evangelize? (Acts 13:5)

Paul’s first opponent, Elymas, had what profession? (Acts 13:6,8) What did Paul do to him (Acts 13:10-11)

Name the young companion of Paul and Barnabas who deserted them in Perga? (Acts 13:13)

How did Paul structure his gospel presentation to the Jews? (Acts 13:17-52) How did he structure his gospel presentation to the Gentiles? (Acts 14:15-16)

Which core Jewish belief did Paul’s gospel contradict? (Acts 13:38-39)

The gospel was required to be presented first to which group of people? (Acts 13:46-47)

Chapter 14

To which foreign gods did the locals compare Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:12?

What two things did the Lord do to verify the preaching of Paul and Barnabas? (Acts 14:3)

In what city was Paul stoned by the unbelieving Jews? (Acts 14:8, 19)

BONUS: Later in Lystra, what is the name of the friend Paul makes on his second missionary journey? (Acts 16:1-2)

When Paul revisits the new churches on his way back to Antioch in Syria, what 5 things does he do before moving on to the next church? (Acts 14:22-23)

Upon returning home to Antioch in Syria, what two things did they declare to the church? (Acts 14:27)

OUTLINE

Acts: Unlike anything else in the New Testament, the Book of Acts is historical and tells of (1) the start of the church, and (2) the spread of the church. The START of the church is established early and fulfills Jesus’ promise to the disciples that “I am sending one in my place” and that “when I am gone a helper will come” (NEED CITATIONS), when the Holy Spirit comes down as tongues of fire after Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is the the seal of the New Covenant, God’s spirit in the hearts of all who believe (Jeremiah’s prophesy). The church consists of any gathering of Spirit-filled believers. The SPREAD of the church is told primarily through the travels of two apostles: Peter first and then Paul.

For the next few weeks, we will look specifically at Paul’s missionary journeys as he travels through the Roman world to (1) evangelize unbelievers with preaching and teach, and (2) disciple the churches as they walk with Christ. Paul’s journey shows us many important lessons. (1) That God desires all the world to be saved from their sins, (2) That God can use anyone for His glorious purposes, and (3) That God’s promises can and will sustain His people through worldly persecution.