Beyond the Homeland

Introduction:

From the outset, the message of Jesus was for “all nations.”

Human beings, regardless of ethnicity, are fallen.

Jesus’ words (Acts 1:8)

Cornelius and Peter’s lesson.

This will permit us to shift away from suffering and preparation for difficult times to a different theme.

Even while suffering may occur, God’s people should obey and continue to declare His word.

We will see the message of Jesus move away from the continent of Asia, briefly, and the homeland of the Jews.

It will now come to Cyprus.

Return to Original Call

Antioch has grown in importance as Jerusalem has declined.

This coincides with events in the days of the Emperor Claudius (41-54).

Famine in his days.

Herod Agrippa I

It was during Claudius’ reign when Peter was imprisoned and eventually departed from the city for his ow safety.

Luke now writes of prophets and teachers (Eph. 4) at Antioch.

Barnabas

Simeon (called Black)

Lucius a Cyrenian

Manaen: someone probably educated with Herod the tetrarch (Antipas)

Saul

These men were worshipping the Lord and fasting.

This is not something ever said of the Apostles.

These could have been practices unique to Antioch.

Much like the apostles earlier, this seems to be a way they provided leadership and example for the people.

While these men performed these rites, the Spirit spoke:

“Separate Barnabas and Saul to me for the work which I have called them.”

Notice the “separate” language.

This sound similar to OT language for the firstborn and for priests.

It does not have to mirror that language, but it must include the actual act of Barnabas and Saul separating from the group for this other purpose.

Notice the “I have called them” language.

No one seems puzzled by this statement.

The reader and the group know what this means.

Ananias: Acts 9:15.

When they place their hands on them, they seem to give sanction to them.

It may also be a way to say goodbye.

Luke does say, “they released them.”

Introduction Part 2:

There are two patterns:

Forming churches

Preaching the Word of God beyond home.

Not all can or should travel into distant places.

We can understand that from Acts alone.

Jesus, however, told the apostles they would be his witnesses in the broader world.

God wants all humans to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We have yet to see anyone leave the contiguous landmass of broader Southwest Asia.

Now, we finally will.

Barnabas: Acts 4:36.

Cyprus: the first destination

Luke credits the Holy Spirt with sending Barnabas and Saul out of Antioch.

They obeyed what they heard.

With at least John Mark, they traveled by land the 16 miles from Antioch to the harbor town of Seleucia.

From there, they sailed approximately 60 miles.

Seleucia served as the base for the imperial fleet (this may or may not be relevant).

From there, they will land at Salamis on Cyprus.

Cyprus, we were told, was Barnabas’ original home.

Perhaps this had some significance for their trip to that island.

They then traveled the 112 miles across the island.

Presumably this was along the southern road that connected these two cities together.

Paphos, or Nea Paphos, was the seat of the Roman governor on the island.

When they arrived at Paphos, they encountered a Bar-Jesus.

Luke describes him as a “magus” and a Jewish false prophet.

He was with the Roman governor, Sergius Paulus.

Luke describes him as an “understanding man.”

Paulus called Saul and Barnabas to “hear the word of God.”

Elymas, as Bar-Jesus is now called, opposed them in this setting.

In this setting, Paul will be so named for the first time.

He also will take the lead from hence forth.

Paul exposes Elymas as an imposter who perverts the straight ways of the Lord.

Paul then strikes him with blindness so that he needed someone to guide him by the hand.

The governor then believed being astounded by the teaching of the Lord.

Perhaps there is much to unpack with that last phrase.