The Word of God

Our good friends, Barnabas and Saul, are on their way, sent by the church in Antioch—where the Jesus-people were first called “Christians”. The duo were sent to take the Word of God—the Gospel of Jesus Christ—to a lost and dying world, to places no one had traveled with this Good News before.

Their journey was harrowing, as we’ll see. By “harrowing” I mean people threw rocks at them. But onward they went, preaching, teaching, sharing the Word of God.

If you have your Bible (and I hope you do), please turn with me to Acts 13. Please keep your Bible open in front of you as we’ll be looking at all of Acts 13 this morning.

Acts 13:4–5 NIV

4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

[MAP]

From the first few verses of our text, we see their movement. They went where the Holy Spirit sent them. They took the word of God with them as they traveled from Antioch, down the coast, and then to an island in the Mediterranean Sea.

What Barnabas and Saul do, along with John Mark, is show us the primacy of place the word of God has; it is of utmost importance.

We’ll see the phrase: “The Word of God”/ “The Word of the Lord” five times in this chapter and many more clear allusions to their ministry of the word as we look through this chapter.

After ministering in Salamis, proclaiming the word of God, they travel the whole island, from one end to the other, no doubt sharing the Good News about Jesus, and they end up on the far side of the island in a town named Paphos.

Acts 13:6–12 NIV

6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Barnabas and Saul did one thing over and over and over. They proclaimed the word of God. In town after town, from synagogue to synagogue, like a broken record, they proclaimed the word of God. Far better, however, than a broken record, their proclamation is faithfulness to the One who saved their souls, the One who called them and commissioned them.

Wherever they went, they’d start their proclamation of the word of God in the synagogues of the Jewish people.

This was a natural starting point since the Jewish people already believed that the Old Testament scriptures were the absolutely authoritative and truthful words of God.

What we know as the Old Testament was all there was at the time of Barnabas and Saul’s missionary journey—the Pentateuch, the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings.

Barnabas and Saul had the Old Testament and everything they witnessed Jesus do and teach. So they went and explained to people the Good News from the Old Testament.

As they proclaimed the word of God, they started to gain a reputation as those who taught the word of God.

The proconsul in Paphos—the highest-ranking political official on the island of Cyprus—sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

They—Barnabas and Saul—were marked by the word of God. They were known as men who taught the word of God. News of Barnabas and Saul reached the other side of the island before Barnabas and Saul made it to the other side of the island.

The proconsul wanted to hear the word of God, so he invited Barnabas and Saul over for tea and crumpets and discussion.

The ministry and first missionary journey of Barnabas and Saul makes a clear and unmissable point:

The Church must Be Marked by the Word of God

Theirs is the kind of reputation we should all long to have. Would that we be marked by the word of God, known for our teaching of God’s Word!

From the get-go and throughout their journey, Barnabas and Saul were marked by one thing—the word of God.

We can be sure of the content of their teaching from what we have heard and will continue to hear from them, AND by the opposition they faced from the Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, Bar-Jesus, whom they met. Elymas the sorcerer…opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

(Please note with me that we can, at this point (v. 9), finally start calling Paul “Paul”; I’m thankful).

What Barnabas and Paul teach is in opposition to the false religions of the day, to the false teaching that abounds; what Barnabas and Paul teach is also an entirely different understanding of the OT than was taught in the Jewish synagogues.

Barnabas and Paul taught the Word of God, properly interpreting the Old Testament, and that riled some people up.

The sorcerer/false prophet who was with the proconsul opposed Barnabas and Paul, so Paul confronts him, calls him a child of the devil in contrast to his name Bar-Jesus (son of Jesus).

Elymas the sorcerer was blinded for a time, just as Paul had been on the road to Damascus. And like Paul, Elymas the sorcerer was blinded that he might see.

Barnabas and Paul’s faithfulness to the word was empowered by the Lord. And, amazed at the teaching about the Lord and by what he had just witnessed, the proconsul believed.

This is ministry marked by the word of God—the church sent to preach so people can hear, believe, and call on the One who saves them from their sins (Romans 10).

From time to time I hear comments made about other churches in the area and around the state and country:

“That’s the church with the great music! (which always means ‘the church with the music I want’). That’s the church with the really fun youth group! That’s the church with the impressive variety of locally-sourced free-trade coffee and delicious, fresh donuts!”

Some of those might be appealing, and none of those are bad offerings, but those should be secondary, even tertiary concerns, way down the list of why we pick a church. Let it be said that this church and any church you might join is “marked by the Word of God, devoted to the Word of God.”

If it’s not marked by the Word of God, devoted to the Word of God, it’s not a church…it’s a social club, a concert venue, a play place, a Starbucks…but it’s not a church.

Acts 13:13–14 NIV

13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.

[MAP]

The word of God is advancing, moving from the island of Cyrus to the mainland.

As was their custom, Paul and Barnabas started by sharing the word of God in the synagogues. They found themselves, one Sabbath, invited to speak a word.

Acts 13:15 NIV

15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”

Offer a preacher a word and they’re gonna give you 100. Paul jumps to his feet, gives a sketch of Old Testament history (which he knew as well as anyone, and which would have been very familiar to those in the synagogue).

Paul speaks about their ancestors, their time in Egypt, their rescue from Egypt, their wandering in the wilderness, their time in the promised land, the time of the judges, the time of the kings, and comes to David.

But then Paul takes the Old Testament teaching, and speaks about God’s ultimate provision in Jesus Christ. This was mind-bending stuff for those in the synagogue that day. The promised Son of David is, Paul proclaims, “the Savior, Jesus.”

Acts 13:23 NIV

23 “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.

It’s promise and fulfillment. Promises made in the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Promises made, promises kept. Jesus is the One to whom the law and the prophets point.

We have one message we repeat over and over and over. It’s Jesus.

The Church must Preach Jesus from the Word of God

This might not seem that novel a concept, but trust me: there are people gathering in buildings all over the country this morning who are neither preaching the word of God or speaking about Jesus.

The word of God proclaimed/preached/taught will lead to speaking about Jesus.

The Old Testament is about the making of promises. The ministry of Barnabas and Paul, the Good News about Jesus is about the keeping of those promises and the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus.

The Old Testament is fulfilled in Jesus.

Paul preaches that the message of salvation has been sent. And though they didn’t recognize him, they condemned him. And in doing this, they actually fulfill the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.

Paul then preaches the gospel. Jesus laid in a tomb. God raising Jesus from the dead. The Resurrected Jesus appearing to many people.

Acts 13:32–33 NIV

32 “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: “ ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’

Jesus, says Paul, is the true King, the One in whom all the promises made to David are fulfilled.

Every promise—from Genesis to Exodus, Joshua and Judges, 1 Samuel, Psalm 2, the Prophets—it’s all pointing to and preaching Jesus.

Paul concludes with an invitation:

Acts 13:38–41 NIV

38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 “ ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”

This is one of the most significant and confrontational invitations in the book of Acts.

Paul tells those listening, who would have believed something completely different, that it is through Jesus sins are forgiven.

EVERYONE who believes is set free from EVERY sin.

And here’s the real kicker (and don’t think this doesn’t apply to you): Paul tells them the forgiveness and justification one has through Jesus is something no one could obtain under the law of Moses.

It’s a wonder they didn’t kill him right then and there. The law of Moses was it! That’s what they were living their lives in obedience to. They actually believed that their adherence to the law’s demands would make them right with God. They actually believed they could earn their way, make right their relationship with God on their own, based on their goodness, based on their living up to the law’s demands.

Paul says, “Nope! Not the law of Moses! It’s Jesus! Jesus! Jesus saves!”

This is immensely relevant. Listen, church:

A new survey finds that a majority of people who describe themselves as ‘Christian’ accept a “works-oriented” means to God’s acceptance.

A survey conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University find that American adults today increasingly adopt a “salvation-can-be-earned” perspective. A plurality of adults (48 percent) believe that if a person is generally good, or does enough good things during their life, they will “earn” a place in heaven. Only one-third of adults (35 percent) disagree.

Only one-third of adults (33 percent) believe they will go to heaven solely because of confessing their sins and embracing Jesus as their Savior. Another one-in-five expecting to experience heaven are counting on earning their way in or because they embrace universalism (i.e., that God will let all people into heaven).

One of my ministry mentors wrote this in response to the survey results:

“Maybe—just maybe—four decades of gospel-deficient, application-focused preaching and teaching isn’t good for us. Maybe pragmatic Christianity makes pragmatic Christians with pragmatic theology.” -Jared Wilson

We have drastically missed the point if we’re seeking application and practicality more than we’re seeking to praise our Savior and rest in what He has done for us. If you tire of hearing the gospel, you’ve never really heard it before. When we trade the gospel for to-do lists, we will start to trust in our own obedience, our own goodness, our own righteousness.

This is why the church must, must preach Jesus—Sunday after Sunday, sermon after sermon, conversation after conversation.

Jesus is not an add-on. I’ve heard way too many sermons (and preached more than I’d like to admit) that have no Jesus in them until the very end when the preacher realizes they haven’t said a word about Jesus (really) and they need to tack him on to the end.

May it never be! Jesus is forgiveness free and justification full. Your sins are forgiven and you are made right with God THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!

Don’t reject it. Don’t trust the law. Don’t trust yourself! You will NEVER make it on your own! You will NEVER do enough to earn your spot!

But JESUS HAS!!!!

Those who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ are completely justified from all things.

Moses’ law does not justify; faith in Christ does.

Friends, all those within the sound of my voice, put your faith in Jesus, not in yourself! Believe that Jesus has done all that needs doing; cease working to earn your way—it can’t be done!

Come to Jesus, friends. All you who are weary and heavy-burdened, come and find rest. Jesus has done it!

The very last words of Buddha to his disciples were, “Strive without ceasing.” How different these are to the last words of Jesus who said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

The people in the synagogues where Paul and Barnabas went needed to hear Jesus preached, and so do we.

Acts 13:42–51 NIV

42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium.

This, I can guarantee:

The Church will See People Respond to the Word of God

We have a response for everything. Sometimes it’s a look, a shrug of the shoulders, a nod of the head. We are responding all the time.

When we preach Jesus from the word of God, there will be responses from each person listening.

Some will Seek & Hunger for the Word

Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak further about these things (v. 42) the very next week. And then one that day, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord (v. 44).

This is encouraging to read about and encouraging to see. Throughout the history of Christianity, there have been moments when people are seeking and hungering for the word of God.

And then, just as some seek the word and hunger for it,

Some will Reject the Word

The Jews, in particular, rejected outright what Paul and Barnabas were teaching. They were filled with jealousy (v. 45). They began to contradict Paul, as Elymas the sorcerer had opposed them.

Paul and Barnabas speak directly to them (v. 46), telling it plain. “You reject it.”

Rejection is a fairly common response. And fear of rejection is part of the reason so many of us are hesitant to go forth with the word of God, preaching Jesus.

Rejection stinks. But rejection is not the last word, nor is it the only response.

Some will Honor the Word

Paul and Barnabas told those who rejected the word of God that it was time for them to turn their attention and efforts to the Gentiles; God had made them a light for the Gentiles to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

And the Gentiles were glad and honored the word of the Lord.

The word honored is the the word for glorifying (doxa, doxology). The Gentiles began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord.

And, the text tells us, all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

People will respond to the word of God. It might not be the response we hope for, but you never know what the response will be.

Sometimes, the word of God will fall along the path, some on rocky places, some among the thorns, and some on good soil (Matthew 13).

Some will hear and not understand. Some will hear and receive it with joy, but will have no root and will succumb to trouble and persecution. Some will hear the word, but the worries of life will choke it out. And some will hear the word and understand it and it will produce a crop, and an abundant harvest.

Everyone who hears the word will respond; we just don’t know what the response will be.

What we can be sure of is that:

The Word of God will Spread

Verse 49: The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

Nothing could stop the spread of the Lord’s word. The whole region heard it. The Jewish leaders got everyone in a tizzy and they stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region (v. 50).

Paul and Barnabas had to be expecting this. But their task was to proclaim Jesus from the word of God, no matter if they faced persecution.

How people would respond was not in their control, so they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium to get a Peach Nehi Float and continued preaching Jesus from the word of God, filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Filled with joy because the word of God, the Good News about Jesus preached would result in people responding, some believing and placing their faith in Jesus.

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Maybe you’re here this morning, or listening online, and you’re familiar with the Bible but have never trusted in Jesus.

The Jewish people Paul and Barnabas encountered knew the word, but remained unconverted.

You must come to faith in the Risen Lord Jesus. He’s calling you to trust Him, believe in Him alone for salvation. Do it today.

Maybe you’re a genuine Christian. Can you explain the gospel—the Good News about Jesus—from the word of God?

We must be ready, any time, to give to those who ask a reason for the hope inside of us.

Maybe you’re ready to share the good news, but are you ready for opposition, for those who will contradict and reject?

Trust the Holy Spirit, go in His power, and tell all people that in Jesus (and Jesus alone) there is forgiveness and justification full and free.

May we be marked by the word of God, preaching the majesty and grace and mercy of Jesus, seeing people respond to the Word.

“Father in Heaven, may we as your people be marked by your Word. Help us to see Jesus, to savor Jesus, to speak Jesus at every opportunity. Would you turn the hearts of the people in Rich Hill, in Bates County, Vernon County, to you? Make our neighbors, our friends, our family receptive to your Word, that you might be praised. We believe the Word of God will spread, with us or without us. Give us willing feet that joyously take the Good News to those who need to hear it. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.”