Acts 13:1-12
Set Apart for the Work
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1Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
2While 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.”
3And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
4So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper.
6They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,
7an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
9Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas
10and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
11Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable 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.
12When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Before Barnabas and Saul leave Antioch, the Holy Spirit calls them to the work. The church is worshiping and fasting when he speaks. Its members pray, lay hands on the men, and send them. Luke then says they are sent by the Holy Spirit: the church takes part in a mission God has begun.
On Cyprus, the missionaries meet Sergius Paulus, who wants to hear God's word. Elymas tries to turn him away from the faith. This is more than a disagreement between competing speakers. Paul exposes Elymas's deceit and announces the Lord's judgment: for a time, he will be blind.
The man trying to keep someone else from the truth now needs someone to lead him by the hand. His opposition cannot prevent Sergius Paulus from believing. Luke tells us that the proconsul is astonished at the teaching about the Lord. The striking event serves the message; it does not replace it.
From the call at Antioch to this encounter in Paphos, the Spirit directs and equips the work. Barnabas and Saul travel and speak, but they are not carrying out a mission of their own invention.
Questions
1 What was the church doing when the Spirit spoke?
AnswerThey were worshiping the Lord and fasting when the Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul.
2 Who was set apart?
AnswerBarnabas and Saul were set apart for the work to which God had called them, and the church sent them after prayer and fasting.
3 Who opposed the message in Paphos?
AnswerElymas the sorcerer, also called Bar-Jesus, opposed Barnabas and Saul and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
4 Why did the proconsul believe?
AnswerHe was astonished at the Lord’s teaching and believed after seeing the judgment that fell on Elymas.
What This Means for Us
A church can participate in gospel work beyond its own neighborhood by praying for and supporting those it sends. Our family can learn the names of people our church supports, ask what they need, and remember those needs in prayer. When we hear about their work, listen especially for how people are hearing and understanding the message of Jesus.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, teach us to listen before we act. Give our household courage to serve where you call and humility to keep Jesus at the center. Amen.