ETB Acts 13:1-12

Session 1 p.10 Sent

What’s the difference between being sent and being called?

One person described the difference as one you are pushed out, one your are brought in. In a spiritual way “sent” it to go where others have not. and “called” is to join God in what He already doing.

Understand the Context

As we start a new quarterly, we also start into the second major section of Acts.

The book of Acts was written to provide a history of the work of the Holy Spirit rather than an interpretation of that work, as seen in most of the New Testament. Luke’s writing included a focus on three significant themes: world mission, God’s control, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Most Bible scholars agree that Acts has two primary divisions: Acts 1–12 and Acts 13–28. To put Acts 13 and following into proper context, readers need to reflect on the events of chapters 1–12. Pentecost and the mission of the church in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria set the stage for reaching the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8).

The central character in Acts is the Holy Spirit. The Gospels provided a narrative about the life of Christ; however, the book of Acts continues where the ascension left off. As promised, Jesus sent a Comforter in the person of the Holy Spirit. He is the One who guides the continued growth of believers and development of the church in a post-Jesus world. For Paul’s part, he was committed to honoring God’s call on his life. But he also recognized that anything he accomplished was the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in his life. [LifeWay Adults (2024).

Before he was done, Paul would preach the gospel in places like Cyprus, Antioch, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. Finally, he even shared the message of Jesus in Rome. This concluding section gives readers a look at the specifics of Paul’s work, along with the ministry of partners like Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy. Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Explore the Text

Acts 13:1–3 ESV

1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

prophets and teachers

What is the difference between a prophet and a teacher?

The Moody Bible Commentary a. The Commissioning of Saul and Barnabas (13:1–3)

The text here does not suggest a distinction in the ministry of prophets and teachers, but generally in the NT, prophets carry on an itinerant ministry and the teachers instruct believers in the local church. For other features related to those who were prophets, see the comments introducing 1Co 14

God is eternal and so is His Word. Prophet’s in general speak of the truth of God’s word, as it was written *thus sayeth the Lord” (forthtelling), as it is being seen (either observed or perverted), or as it will be (foretelling). Teacher’s communicate how God’s Word can be applied to our lives through wisdom and understanding.

Luke & Acts Commentary

Through his Spirit, God spoke to spiritually gifted (“prophets and teachers,” 13:1), multicultural leaders.

Just like the disciples Jesus called to His work, the Luke is showing us the diversity of the church leaders outside of Jerusalem. Three different Gentile geographic/cultural areas are mentioned, a Roman, and a Pharisee. Like Christ’s first 12, it takes all kinds to reach all peoples with the good news.

Set apart… I have called

In the Greek the word used here and on verse 1 are very obviously different. In verse 1 it is “called by name” here it is “called to task.” Both evoke points of separation and distinction but one is a moniker and the other an action.

Later in his letter to the Galatians

Galatians 1:15 “15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,”

Paul sees his salvation and his call as two separate acts but both equally predestined from his perspective but having always been from God’s.

Ask: What does “being called” look like for believers today? How can you encourage people as they follow God’s call? (p. 15)

Do you have to be “called of God” to only vocational ministry? I don’t think so. I believe there are people in many professions that God has “called” or placed them there. They do the work unto the Lord and they excel at the work because His hand is upon them. Rose is one of those who I believe was “called” to emergency medical assistance. She was the first person to ever be awarded a valedictorian certificate from her school program. The job she applied for in Wesley Long was posted as being for those with 3 years or more experience. She only had one. So we prayed, a lot. This past week they called her back and told her there was an error in the posting and that only those without a degree had to have 3. She had the experience necessary and the offered her the job. She will be working in the emergency rooms at Wesley Long starting on the 16th.

God’s call is a part of every believer’s life and helps define their service in God-chosen activities. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

One of the new items in our quarterly is a Prayer Guide that is intended to help us practice “praying Scripture.”

Pray: The Explore the Bible Prayer Guide provides weekly prayer prompts based on this quarter’s Bible passages. Encourage adults to scan the QR code on page 15. Be prepared to lead a prayer based on Acts 13:1-3 using the prompts from the prayer guide: Thank God for giving us His Word and His Spirit so that we may know Him and His plan. Pray that God would use your church to spread the gospel among the nations. Ask God to call out missionaries from your church.

laid their hands on them and sent them off

The laying on of hands demonstrated how Barnabas and Saul were chosen by God and sent out as the church’s representatives. Previously, individuals had gone out to serve. This was the first initiated by a congregation. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Ananias had laid his hands on Saul while he was blind and healed him. At that time it was reveal through Ananias that Saul was

Acts 9:15 “15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”

Now a refining and fulfilling of that call begins.

Acts 13:4–8 ESV

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

By the Holy Spirit

Luke again reminded his readers that the Holy Spirit commissioned Barnabas and Saul. It would be easy to think that the church at Antioch sent the two men on their way, but it is clear that it was the Spirit doing the sending. While the church responds to the Spirit and completes the directed action, it is the Spirit who originates the action—the two work in concert with each other. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

How do we see the Spirit guiding churches today?

Being sent… they went

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 13

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 depart—to take the first step on whatever path He has directed you to walk.

down to Seleucia… to Cyprus… arrived at Salamis

Today we could probably make this journey in just a few hours so when we read this that is how we think about it if we are not careful. This trip probably took several days, maybe weeks if the weather did not cooperate. As we continue to read about these travels we have to remember that it was slow going and allowed for much conversation.

Although the specific city is not mentioned, we know that Barnabas was from the island of Cyprus.

Ask: How would a “hometown” connection be an advantage to the missionary team? Could it also be a disadvantage?

proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues

Although Paul would be called to preach to the Gentiles, this phase of his ministry hand not developed yet.

Luke & Acts Commentary

As Saul followed his theologically-grounded plan of going to the Jews first (cf. 13:46; 18:6),

He was basically following his “standing orders” as a Pharisee and taking God’s message to the Jewish people. Luke records the transition of his ministry shift toward the Gentiles as the book of Acts continues.

Although we know that “Barnabas and Saul” we commissioned to go, there may have been several others to accompany them, even though only one is mentioned by name.

John to assist them.

I think it interesting that although he would later write the second Gospel, when he is mentioned here and other places in Acts he does not have an evangelistic role but one of service to the apostle Paul and Barnabas.

Have you ever started out with one job and ended up being used by God to do another?

I originally was hired by my company for Landscape Architecture (which is what my degree says) but I now spend more of my time managing computers and software, and creating training materials. I believe God knew that I would enjoy serving my company and the people in it more than dealing with clients directly and graciously moved me into that role, which did not exist when I started working. Because I do things that others do not, I have become “necessary” to the company and God graciously compensates me well to provide for my family through this career.

Although I do not get to speak the Gospel to my co-workers often, they do recognize my devotion and often “curb their tongues” in my presence. I am fairly certain that some would be openly against my discussing Christ with them, I continue to pray and look for opportunities to share my faith.

Ask: What arguments do opponents make against Jesus today? How does an effective testimony and the truth of God’s Word combine to overcome opposition? (p. 15)

Thankfully, I do not have anyone in my office like the person our two missionaries encountered.

a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.

The English translation of “magician” contains the same root of the Greek - magus.

Matthew 2:1 “1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,”

Same word is used for Simon, Bar-Jesus, and the three who came from afar but they did not react the same to the king of kings. All were steeped and trained in the worldly practices, mysticism, and occult like rituals but they experienced Christ differently.

When we share Jesus with people they will most like react in one of these same ways. Averse rejection and hostility like as we will see with Bar-Jesus soon. Interest, but for personal gain not spiritual growth like Simon. Devotion and commitment, like the three who travel months and a multitude of miles just to worship a child for a day or two and return home.

Jewish false prophet

This kind of an unusual title because if you are a prophet, then there is a reason to be listened to but a “false” prophet is known to be wrong or deceiving. How do they engender trust and make a living? The same way “false preachers” do today, saying what people “want” to hear instead of what they “need” to hear. This is probably why he was in the court of such a high official, he said what “seemed” helpful.

Which is better, having someone constantly telling you that you are “doing a great job” or one that keeps telling you that you have “missed the mark?”

The proconsul... summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God

Somehow, God’s truth got through to this man enough that it caused curiosity and he wanted to hear more.

But Elymas… opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul

Not only did Elymas not want to worship Jesus, but he even wanted to prevent others from doing it. In his letter to Timothy later Paul mention to other magicians of Egypt.

2 Timothy 3:8 “8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.”

Opposition to truth is to be expected, but it is not always something that is easy to deal with.

How do you respond when someone attacks Christ?

Romans 12:18–19 “18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””

Let’s see how God dealt with this opposition through His servant Paul.

Acts 13:9–12 ESV

9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “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? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Ask: What effect do you think Paul’s stare had on Elymas and the proconsul? What does it suggest about Paul’s confidence?

You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness

Paul spoke plainly in his condemnation of Elymas. Paul attacked Elymas with three distinct accusations. Deceit and villainy were the methods Elymas was using to distract the proconsul. The text suggests Elymas was pushing Sergius Paulus with false accusations. Paul also called Elymas a son of the devil and an enemy of all righteousness. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

The portion of this narrative as it is recorded is portrayed in a recent movie. If you have seen the 3rd movie in the Lord of the Rings series, you may know the scene I’m talking about. Gandalf the White (Saul) comes into the hall of King Theoden (Sergius) but Grima Wormtongue (Elymas) tries to persuade the king to have Gandalf removed and not listen to him. Gandalf casts him out and the king understands the truth of the situation and joins the cause The King - Aragorn (Jesus).

Proverbs 10:9 “9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

Isaiah 40:3 “3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

Isaiah 59:8 “8 The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace.”

Hosea 14:9 “9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.”

Micah 3:9 “9 Hear this, you heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who detest justice and make crooked all that is straight,”

At the beginning of our passage, we see the work of the Spirit in His people. Now we have the contrast of the enemy’s workmanship.

making crooked the straight paths of the Lord

This is the opposite of Proverbs 3:5–6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Ask: How does the Holy Spirit’s presence influence our perspective on obeying God in faith? In what ways have you seen the effect of Spirit-filled witnessing for Christ? (p. 15)

Hand of the Lord be upon you.

Just as Moses’s curses on Egypt occurred immediately, so too did the curse of Paul on the false prophet. God struck Elymas blind, so he had to depend on others to lead him. The blindness was more than an outward sign as it also symbolized the results of Elymas’s spiritual condition. It was appropriate that a man who held such influence over leaders was robbed of his power and vision. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

unable to see for a time.... seeking people to lead him by the hand

Do you see irony in this miracle?

Luke & Acts Commentary

The once imperious “seer” had to grope about “begging for someone to take his hand and lead him” (13:11).

I wonder if maybe Paul was one to lead him around for a while and share with him about his time of blindness and how it led to his coming to Christ? Maybe hoping that God would let him be to one to remove the blindness like Ananias did for him.

the proconsul believed… for he was astonished

The wording makes this sound like he was in awe but their is a significant element of fear in the word used.

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 1605. ἐκπλήσσω ekplḗssō

To strike out, force out by a blow, but found only in the sense of knocking one out of his senses or self–possession, to strike with astonishment, terror, admiration.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 13

The signs normally associated with conversion in Acts (baptism, reception of the Spirit) do not appear in this account of Sergius Paulus’s conversion. Possibly Luke just abbreviated his account, but it is also possible that Paulus’s belief amounted to nothing more than his being astonished at the teaching and the blindness that befell Elymas.

The proconsul’s decision may have been more emotion based than practical or logical, but at least the deceiver was removed and his intelligence could allow him to rationally examine the truths that Barnabas and Paul were broadly proclaiming on the island.

Apply the Text

· The Holy Spirit works in us, calling us to kingdom work.

· Believers should be prepared for opposition so that they will be ready to stand firm.

· The Holy Spirit empowers us to do the kingdom work He calls us to do.