Sent By The Holy Spirit - Acts 13:1-12

The Ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Antioch, Cyprus & Asia Minor (Acts 13:1-12)

Have you ever felt God’s leading to do something or go somewhere and when you do, it seems like every step is difficult?

God’s leading is so clear, and a part of us expects that because we are following the Lord, He will make everything work out.

But then, it isn’t smooth sailing.

Instead, it is hard work laboring for every step.

There have been several instances in my life where I have felt that.

In our passage today, we see a glimpse of that same reality.

This passage begins the account of what is commonly referred to as “Paul’s first missionary journey.”

At this point in Paul’s life he is still known as Saul, though that changes in v. 9.

Saul and Barnabas have just finished serving in Jerusalem and returned to Antioch with John Mark.

Verse 1 lists for us the leadership of the church in Antioch.

Verses 2 and 3 record for us God’s calling of Saul and Barnabas.

Acts 13:2–3 ESV

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.

The leadership of the church is worshiping and fasting when the Lord tells them He has a special task for Saul and Barnabas.

These leaders spend more time in prayer and fasting before commissioning them and sending them out.

All over the book of Acts we find the reality that when God’s people pray, incredible things happen.

The Church is praying when the Holy Spirit comes.

Praying when they were arrested and imprisoned.

Praying when Peter is miraculously released from prison.

And now, praying when the Lord calls missionaries from the church in Antioch.

If we want God to move? We must be praying.

Saul and Barnabas are sent by the Holy Spirit, John Mark is helping them and they proclaim the word of God in the Jewish synagogues as they are going.

Everything seems to be going well.

They preach the gospel across an entire Island, and then a confrontation happens.

The head government official, Sergius Paulus, called for Saul and Barnabas because he wanted to hear the word of God.

What an amazing opportunity!

But, a man who works for him, described as a magician, opposed them because he wanted to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith!

Here they are, following God’s leading, walking with the Holy Spirit and having an opportunity to speak to the top Government official in the area, and they hit resistance.

What do they do?

I want to read verses 9-11 because what happens is incredible.

Acts 13:9–11 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.

This is what happens when the Holy Spirit is with us!

Saul is only called Paul from here on out.

He is filled with the Holy Spirit and calls out this magician for his efforts to turn someone from faith in Christ!

Through Paul, the Holy Spirit does a miracle and temporarily blinds this man.

This isn’t petty revenge on Paul’s part.

This is how seriously God takes it when someone prevents others from hearing the gospel!

Verse 12 tells us that the proconsul believes because of what he saw and because of the teaching of the Lord.

Here’s what I love about this whole thing.

Where God calls, He provides.

God makes a way!

He did it here, and He will do it in our lives as well.

He may not do it as soon as we want, but He will do it.

Just like Paul and Barnabas, we have been sent by the Holy Spirit.

We have been called to share our faith.

There will be opposition.

There will be resistance.

When it comes, trust God to make a way.

The challenge for each of us is to not give up even when it is hard!

Expect opposition.

Be ready for it.

And when it comes, preach the gospel anyway.