The Gentile Mission (Part 1)

I know that I have previously mentioned my intention to look at the first two missionary journeys of Paul for today’s message. But I have decided to just focus on Paul’s first missionary journey this morning. So please turn in your Bible to Acts 13-14 as we consider the early days of the Gentile mission.

If you will recall, last week we saw the gospel spread from Jerusalem to all of Judea and Samaria. And it reached as far away as Antioch of Syria.

Use laser light to point out the growth of the gospel

Though our passage deals with a lot of different places and people, we will focus on those things which Luke, the author of The Acts of the Apostles, focused on: the evangelizing of the proconsul in Paphos, the sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, and the addressing of the pagan crowd in Lystra.

My hope is that you will see the hand of God in all of this. As these disciples continued to obey the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, the Lord supplied the power needed to boldly proclaim the gospel — even in the face of adversity. The Lord also provided the wisdom and ability to present the gospel message in the proper way to each specific people group that was encountered.

Let’s look first at

The Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul

Look with me at

Acts 13:1–3 ESV

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. 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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Last week we looked at the founding of this new church experiment in Antioch of Syria.

Founded by disciples who had to flee Jerusalem in the wake of Saul’s persecution of the church

Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to help out this newly founded assembly

He took a trip to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to help with this ministry

The irony is that the Lord used the persecution of Saul to found this church — and then, after his conversion, the Lord used this same Saul to help establish this church

God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. (By William Cowper)

As the church was doing what a church should do — worshiping — the Holy Spirit directed them to send Barnabas and Saul to the work which God had called them to do

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Barnabas’ call to missionary work apart from this passage

But Saul was called from the time of his conversion — Acts 9:15 informs us that God had said:

He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles ...

The Church of Antioch was obedient to the directive and after a commissioning service they sent them on their merry way!

The Journey Begins in Cyprus

Explain the map — point out Antioch, Tarsus, Cyprus, etc

Barnabas is from Cyprus and that is where there mission first begins

Barnabas’s cousin, John Mark joins them as some form of assistant

The gospel was first proclaimed in Salamis

To the Jews first

They went through the whole island and (presumably proclaiming the gospel) and came to Paphos

Bar-Jesus

Name means “Son of Jesus” or “Son of Salvation”

Also known as Elymas the magician

Jewish false prophet

A magician — similar to Simon Magus

He seemed to be determined to put a stop to the spread of the gospel

Sergius Paulus

Proconsul — Roman governor similar to Pilate

An intelligent man

He wanted to hear the gospel as presented by Barnabas and Saul

Elymas opposed them

Saul — Paul

It was not unusual for Hellenistic Jews to have two names

Saul was his Hebrew or Jewish name

Paul was his Roman name

It is suggested that he went by Paul here to identify with the proconsul whose name was also Paul

Paul is the English version of the Greek name Paulus

Paul confronted the false prophet

Acts 13:9–11 ESV

But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 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? 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.

The result was that Sergius Paulus believed the gospel

There seems to always be a strong connection between signs and wonders and the preaching and teaching of the word of the Lord

Let’s move on now to Luke’s next focal point:

The Sermon in the Synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia

At this point the missionaries move to a new field.

Use the laser pointer to show on the map

We also see a shift from the mentioning of Barnabas and Saul to Paul and his companions. We also learn that Mark departed from this missionary excursion and returned to Jerusalem. Luke doesn’t give us a reason, but we know that eventually Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways since Paul did not want to bring Mark along on their second missionary journey.

One commentator pointed out that this missionary adventure began in Barnabas’ home territory. Then it moved to Paul’s home territory.

It appears that they did not minister in Perga at this point in time, for whatever reason, but they journeyed to Antioch in Pisidia.

Point on the map

This region is the Southern region of Galatia. That means that this is the historical account of the gospel coming to the people to whom Paul would write his first epistle — Galatians.

To the Jew first

The reading from the Law and Prophets

Some think that based on the content of Paul’s sermon, the readings were from Deuteronomy and Isaiah 1

The Sermon’s Introduction

Paul’s introductory comments prepared the readers, from an Old Testament perspective to receive the focal point of the message.

God’s Initiative in Grace

Grace is seen in God’s choosing of Israel

Grace is seen in God’s redeeming of Israel

Grace is seen in God’s enduring Israel in the wilderness

Grace is seen in God’s overthrowing seven nations so Israel could inherit the Land of Canaan

Grace is seen in God’s raising up King David — look at

Acts 13:22–23 ESV

And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

By emphasizing God’s grace it prepared those in the synagogue to hear the focal point of the message.

The Sermon’s Focus

Having already mentioned that Jesus was the offspring of David, and the Savior of His people, Paul delves into the relatively recent events in Jerusalem. Look at Acts 13:26-29

Acts 13:26–29 ESV

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.

First Paul focuses on how the Jewish leadership did not recognize Jesus for who He truly was

This led to the death of this innocent man

Their condemnation of Jesus and their convincing of Pilate to crucify Him were both fulfilled the Scriptures

Which led to His burial in a tomb

Which led to Jesus being raised from the dead

Acts 13:30–31 ESV

But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.

The apostles are witnesses to His resurrection

Paul and Barnabas bring them the good news of the fulfillment of God’s promise

Acts 13:32 ESV

And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,

Paul shows God’s promise in various OT passages — Psa 2.7, Isa. 55.3, Psa. 16.10

From Psalm 2:7 he quoted: “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.”

From Isaiah 55:3 he quoted: “I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.”

From Psalm 16:10 he quoted: “You will not let your Holy One see corruption.”

Then he noted that this could not be speaking of David himself, it had to be a prophecy concerning the Greater David — the Messiah

This brings us to

The Sermon’s Conclusion

In his conclusion Paul made four specific points:

Forgiveness of Sins Comes Through Jesus

Look at

Acts 13:38 ESV

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

He came to save His people from their sins

Without forgiveness there is no spiritual redemption

Colossians 1:14 ESV

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Our greatest need is to be freed from the penalty of sin, and that is what forgiveness does — our sins are remembered no more!

Second:

Those Who Believe are Justified

Look at

Acts 13:39 NKJV

and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

To be justified is to be declared righteous by God

This righteousness is not of our own doing — it is the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ

To be justified is to be freed from the law of sin

We are no longer slaves to sin — rather we are slave to righteousness

Third:

Justification Does Not Come Through the Keeping of the Law

Look again at the last phrase of verse 39:

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 13

from everything that you could not be justified from through the law of Moses.

As Paul wrote to the Romans:

Romans 3:20 NIV84

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Paul ends with

A Warning About Unbelief

Look at

Acts 13:40–41 ESV

Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’ ”

The immediate result of this sermon is that the people begged Paul and Barnabas to return the following week and teach them more about Jesus. It would appear that some placed their faith in the message of the gospel because we read that Paul and Barnabas … urged them to continue in the grace of God.

A further result was that the whole city came out to hear them preach the word the following week — including Gentiles. However, the Jews became jealous of the message going to Gentiles, and so they contended with everything Paul was saying. Therefore, Paul and Barnabas turned their focus from ministering to the Jews to ministering to the Gentiles.

When the Gentiles heard that God had intended all along for the gospel to be used to bring them to salvation they worship the Lord. Look at

Acts 13:48 ESV

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Luke summarizes by stating that The word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

Sadly the Jews stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and this would become the basic cycle of their ministry. They would go to a new area and preach the gospel. Jews from areas of previous ministry would follow them to their new place and stir up the people against them.

This brings us to chapter 14.

The Iconium Mission

The missionaries next traveled to another town in the region of Galatia named Iconium.

Use the laser light to point it out on the map.

Since Luke did not spend a lot of time on this mission stop, I will try to briefly summarize it for us.

Paul and Barnabas spoke in the Jewish synagogue

Many people believed their message — both Jews and Gentiles

Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles against the missionaries

Paul and Barnabas remain there for a long time

Their ministry was fruitful

Their message was validated by signs and wonders

The people of the city were divided about the gospel

When the missionaries learned of a plot to stone them, they fled to Lyaconia

This bring us to

The Mission in Lystra

Use the laser light to highlight the map

It appears that though there was a Jewish presence in the area (Timothy was from this area) there was no synagogue. So Paul and Barnabas went straight to the Gentiles with their gospel message.

There was a man who had been a cripple from birth. He apparently was listening intently to Paul as he spoke. And Paul, recognizing this man’s faith, healed him. Notice

Acts 14:11–13 ESV

And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.

Neither Paul nor Barnabas spoke the Lycaonian language, and it appears they didn’t understand what was happening right away. But when they did they made a strong protest and then Paul launched into a discourse about the gospel.

One of the notable things about this discourse is how different it was from his sermon in Antioch of Pisidia. What Luke records of this discourse is very brief, so let’s read it in its entirety:

Acts 14:15–17 ESV

“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

Let’s notice a few things:

The Shift in Focus

In the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, while speaking primarily to Jews, Paul began with God’s choosing of Israel as His covenant people

In Lystra, primarily speaking to Gentiles who seem to have been ignorant about the God of Israel, Paul focused on the natural world around them, which they could see

We are men, not gods

We bring you the good news about the living God

Creator of all

We implore you to turn from the vanity of idolatry

We implore you to turn to the living God

God has provided a witness about Himself:

God’s grace is seen in the provision of rain

Which brings fruitful seasons

Which brings satisfaction from food and gladness

There is something here that we can learn about witnessing to others. There is a need for a certain amount of flexibility in our message depending on whom we are witnessing to. John Stott wrote:

The Message of Acts c. The Sermon Paul Preached (14:15b–18)

We need to learn from Paul’s flexibility. We have no liberty to edit the heart of the good news of Jesus Christ. Nor is there ever any need to do so. But we have to begin where people are, to find a point of contact with them. With secularized people today this might be what constitutes authentic humanness, the universal quest for transcendence, the hunger for love and community, the search for freedom, or the longing for personal significance. Wherever we begin, however, we shall end with Jesus Christ, who is himself the good news, and who alone can fulfil all human aspirations.

So what was the outcome of this brief, yet insightful sermonette? Did the people immediately turn to God in repentance? Did they place their faith in Jesus? Nope! Look at

Acts 14:19 ESV

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

Here’s that pattern again; in Iconium Jews from Antioch came and stirred up trouble. Now in Lystra the Jews from Antioch were joined by Jews from Iconium, and they came and stirred the crowds against Paul.

If the account ended there we might think this was the end of Paul — thankfully it does not end here.

Acts 14:20 ESV

But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

The missionaries have a fruitful ministry in Derbe were they made many disciples

They then revisited the various places they had been:

They encouraged the disciples to grow in the grace of Christ

They informed them that the Christian life is filled with danger

They appointed elders in every church

Then Paul and Barnabas return to their sending church — Antioch in Syria — with a report of their missionary endeavors

User laser to point out the return journey to Antioch in Syria

We’ve seen this morning that as these disciples continued to obey the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, the Lord supplied the power needed to boldly proclaim the gospel — even in the face of adversity. The Lord also provided the wisdom and ability to present the gospel message in the proper way to each specific people group that was encountered.

Next week, Lord willing, we will look at Paul second missionary journey, which will include the founding of the church of the Thessalonians.

I would hazard to say that the majority of folks who either attend our services or listen to our messages online are either Christians or at least acquainted with the Scriptures to some extent. For those who are Christians, I hope that seeing the boldness of these missionary endeavors will embolden you to share the message of the gospel with others. I firmly believe that if we are faithful in sharing the message then God will provided the power and wisdom to do so. What we need is to see the open-doors before us and to step through those doorways with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For those who are not yet true believers, I beg you to give serious thought to the message of the gospel.

There is a God to whom we are all accountable

We have all sinned and fallen short of the absolute perfection that He requires

Jesus Christ became man so He could save His people from their sins

He fulfilled the righteous requirement of God

He died in the place of all who place their faith in Him

In doing so He absorbed God’s wrath on our behalf

He rose from the dead

And appeared to many who were able to testify to this truth

In the words of Paul

Acts 13:38–39 NIV84

“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.

Won’t you believe in Him today?

Let’s pray.

Closing Song: #596

I Surrender All

Romans 15:13 ESV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.