We can provoke God to act

Context

Herod was struck down by God

Saul hasn’t started his missions yet, backtracking from Acts 17

Thought of the day: We can provoke God to act.

Read Acts 13:1-3

Find our characters in a church in Antioch, Antioch is way up in northern Syria

Seeking the Holy Spirit in fasting

Ordained for a work by the Holy Spirit, then the church recognizes the Spirit’s call

Read Acts 13:4-6

Sent by the Holy Spirit (personhood)

Cyprus was where Barnabas was from

John (Mark) not the apostle

Paphos is on the complete other side of the island, preaching through the island

How did they meet this “Bar-Jesus” Bar meaning son Jesus being a phonetic translation of Joseph

No ground to spiritualize the names

Read Acts 13:7

He was the assistant to the proconsul (aka governor) of Cyprus

Sergius Paulus sent for Barnabas and Saul

How did he hear of them? How does Saul and Barnabas, 2 no bodies at this point, earn the right to see the governor?

This is where we begin our theme: God prepared both the sent and the receiver; similar situation with Peter

Read Acts 13:8

Elymas/aka Bar-Jesus

Apathy and then there are enemies

Read Acts 13:9-10

Paul, Saul’s Roman name, not special

“Perverting the right ways of the Lord” Other translation “Make crooked the straight paths of the Lord”

What is he talking about? The path of the gospel/ John the baptist contrast

(Is 40:3)

A voice of one calling:

“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God”

Read Acts 13:11-12

God performed the soul saving miracle on the back of His enemy.

Conclusion

God sent Paul and Barnabas to a man who He had prepared to hear and receive the gospel; and He proved the power of His gospel on the back of His enemy.

Matthew 18:19

"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”

I believe God has impressed something on my heart about this place.

If you agree, if you feel the Spirit of God urging you please stand and pray with me