The Book of Acts

Paul’s 1^st Missionary Journey

 

            The Book of the Acts of the Apostles, as it is sometimes referred, starts placing its focus on Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles and the spread of the gospel around the world as it was known at that time. This portion of the book runs from Acts 13:1 thru to the end of the book _{(Acts 28:31)}. Paul goes on 3 missionary journeys during this time and ends up being put in jail in Jerusalem, where he is then transported to Rome. The Book of Acts ends rather abruptly, telling us that the story of the Christian church is not yet complete. We are all a part of the sequel that is still ongoing....

            There were several prophets and teachers in the Antioch church in Syria. There was Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul/Paul. The Spirit of God spoke to the church telling them to dedicate Barnabas and Saul for a special work the Lord had for them. So without hesitation, after fasting and praying, the church leaders laid hands on both men and sent them off to do the Lord’s bidding.

            It was then that the apostles went to the seaport of Seleucia to sail to the island of Cyprus. Once there they went to the Jewish synagogues in the town of Salamis to preach the word of God. John Mark, missionary-in-training, had gone along with them as an assistant.

            Barnabas and Saul, also known by his Roman name Paul, went from town to town preaching until they came to Paphos, where they met a sorcerer named Bar-Jesus. This evil man had latched onto the governor and had an ungodly influence on him. The governor, whose name was Sergius Paulus, wished to hear the word of God, however, Bar-Jesus told him not to listen to what the apostles would say to him. Then Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pointed at the sorcerer, and said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” _{(Acts 13:10-11 NLT)} It was right than that the man’s eyesight was clouded over making him completely blind. When the governor say what the Lord had done he accepted Christ, for he was not only astonished by the teaching he had heard, but the miracle he had witnessed firsthand.

            The lesson to be learned here is that it is never wise to stand in the way of that which the Lord is doing. Christians can be duped into blocking the word of God from going forth by not understanding the true meaning of a passage or portion of scripture. They then present an alternate version that seems more correct to them. They do a disservice to the kingdom when they do not do their homework, investigating the cultural and/or regional information readily available to help decipher scripture’s accurate meaning. Be careful and if you are unsure, say nothing. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.