06-13-2021 The Mighty Hand of God

AD 48 around six years after Barnabas brought Paul to Antioch.

At least forty different cites listed in Acts.

We see a major shift in Acts 13

a change from Jerusalem as the center of ministry to Antioch in Syria.

Also a sift from Peter as the leader to the apostle Paul as the new leader.

The Work of the Holy Spirit. 13:1-7

We read here that there are five key players in the church.

1. Barnabas

2. Simeon - nickname “the black one” possible from Africa.

3. Lucius from Cyrene - may have been on of the founders of the church here at Antioch.

4. Manaen - possible friend or adopted foster brother of Herod Antipas (who beheaded John the Baptist)

5. Saul (Paul)

These men were more forth-tellers than foretellers.

These men were laying the foundation for the new converts teaching them the doctrines of the faith.

we see this being thought in 2 Timothy 2:2,

2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB95)

2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Ministering to the Lord - dedicated prayer

Paul and Barnabas took John Mark (Barnabas cousin) with them to help. (Colossians 4:10)

Began journey heading toward to Cyprus first. This is interesting and most likely because Cyprus was the home town of Barnabas.

Seleucia - port city to get voyage to Cyprus across the Mediterranean

Salamis largest city in Cyprus

Paul’s custom was to go the Jews first then to the gentiles. Romans 1:16

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The Attack of the Devil. 13:8

Paphos - Capital of Cyprus.

Bar-Jesus = son of Jesus

Magician = a person who uses or claims to use magical spells to harness evil forces or spirits in order to produce unnatural effects in the world. (Logos software)

The Calling Out of the Truth. 13:9-12

Paul denounced the false prophet for distorting the word of God.

in verse 10 Paul also called Bar-Jesus out by calling him the “son of the devil”

Remember in Acts 5 where Paul called judgement on Ananias and Sapphira for lying about the about selling land and giving money saying it was all of it; when it was only part of it. Both Ananias and Sapphira died instantly.

The same thing happened here in verse 11. Paul condemned Bar-Jesus to be blind for a time; and instantly darkness fell on him.

the proconsul believed after he saw the mighty hand of God at work.