Good morning! This is a long chapter with lots of names and things going on!
Let's begin with some of the names of the people:
Simeon (AKA Niger)- "Niger" is Latin for "black" so Simeon was an African among the congregation in Antioch; some commentaries say he may be the same Simeon that carried the cross of Jesus
Manaen- knew Herod the Tetrarch; tetrarch means a subordinate prince or ruler of the fourth province; this is the Herod beheaded John the Baptist and was at the trials of Jesus (Luke 23:7-12). Interesting how two people could be in the same environment and one turns out nasty and one turns out good.
Lucius- one of the founders of the church in Antioch and presumably the first "bishop"of Cyrene; there is a Lucius mentioned in Romans 16, but we don't know if they are the same people; Cyrene is a city in Libya, so Lucius is presumably black.
Notice the cultural diversity of the early church!
Fasting (v 2) and prayer was important for these first church starters. Fasting is a way to seek God. While they prayed, Barnabas and Paul (Saul) were called into service (v 3). We are not sure why Barnabas and Paul were called- maybe they were best fit for the job ahead? Maybe they were the most gifted to teach? We know God's thoughts about Paul from Acts 9, "He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake. This was not a touchy-feely “feel good” call – it was a serious call to a serious ministry.When God calls, they went. Do you? When God calls, how do you respond? Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the Holy Spirit (v 4). The church can send people to do things; other people can send people to do tings, but when the Holy Spirit is involved there is more to it!
See the map below for Paul's (and Barnabas') first missionary journey.
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| Paul and Barnabas' First Missionary Trip |
Seleucia was close to Antioch; there was a thriving church in Antioch- so this was probably a good place to begin the next church. There were probably already some Christians there. We are not told why they went to Cyprus next, but we do know Barnabas grew up on that island (Acts 4:36). They are invited to speak at the synagogue (v 5). This custom of the open synagogue gave Barnabas and Saul many opportunities to preach. This tradition invited any learned man to speak to the people of the synagogue at the Sabbath meeting.They meet up with John Mark (likely the author of the Gospel of Mark). Mark was a valuable companion for Barnabas and Saul. He grew up in Jerusalem, and was an eyewitness of many of the events in the life of Jesus and could relate them with special power to Barnabas and Saul, and to others whom they preached to.
Next stop- Paphos. This city on the west coast of Cyprus was known for its immorality. Here Barnabas and Saul faced a combination of immorality and spiritual darkness that was common across the pagan world of the Roman Empire. Paphos was infamous for its worship of Venus, the goddess of sexuality. In Paphos, they meet Bar-Jesus (AKA Elymas); the name Bar-Jesus means “son of Joshua” or “son of the Savior" ("Elymas" means magician). He is good friends with Sergius Paulus-- a Roman proconsul responsible for an entire province and answered to the Roman Senate-- and he wanted to listen to Paul and Barnabas about God! The door to Christianity had been opened by a Roman- but tries to be hindered by the magician! Is it surprising that the work of God is hindered by magic?
The confrontation between Paul and Elymas is familiar to us! As Elymas was struck with blindness, we can’t help but think Paul would remember his own experience with God. Paul was struck blind at his conversion on the road to Damascus. Certainly, those who resist God are blind spiritually, so God just gave Elymas a physical blindness that matched his spiritual blindness. Sadly, we never hear of Elymas repenting, as Paul did. The proconsul immediately converted to Christianity as he saw the power Pal had (and also the power that Elymas wielded!).
Notice the name change. When we began the journey- it was Barnabas and Paul; the group is now called "Paul and those with him" (v 13). This change shows the prominence and leadership of Paul. The missionary trips are called "Paul's missionary trips" even though he often had companions with him!
Perga is a major coastal city and the ship Paul was on would have docked here. Antioch in Pisidia (different city from the Antioch we read about earlier) was about 135 miles inland, to the north. This general region was known as Galatia, and later Paul wrote a letter to these churches that is included in our New Testament epistles. Paul begins his sermon in the synagogue (v 16), explaining how God’s work in history leads up to Jesus. In this quick survey of Israel’s history, Paul noted important events – the choosing of the patriarchs, the deliverance from Egypt, the time in the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, the time of the Judges, the creation of a monarchy – but it all led up to Jesus. Paul then continues his survey with the things of Jesus and focused on things that actually happened, not on philosophy or even theology. He ends (v 37) with the big point and applied the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. The resurrection means that Jesus truly is the unique Son of God. The promise is that, because of who Jesus is and what He did for us, forgiveness is offered to us freely in Jesus.The warning (v 41) is that if we do not embrace the person and work of Jesus with our whole lives, we are despisers who will perish. This message from Paul is very similar to the one Peter preached in Pentecost-- 15 years earlier! It is also similar to the message Stephen gave in Acts 7- when Paul was there at the stoning! Maybe the sermon of the first martyr of the church still rang in the ears of the man who presided over his execution.Proof that people can change!
Both Jews and Gentiles at the synagogue responded positively (v 42+). The next Sabbath day (v 44), the whole city came to hear Paul! Today we are inundated with news (and noise) from TV, radio, magazines, etc. However- back in the day- they didn't have those sources of information, so, when somebody came through from another city, the person was a source of information and people naturally gathered about him. The Jewish members of the crowd respond negatively (v 45)- Paul was more popular than the leaders- and the leaders became jealous! We can’t all be popular to the same degree, but we can all serve and please God to the same degree in Jesus Christ.
Paul and Barnabas wouldn’t let this challenge go unanswered (v 46+), because they really believed the truth about Jesus. They rebuked those who rejected Jesus, letting the Jews know that it was a privilege that this message should come to them first, a privilege they were now rejecting. When you want to tell others about Jesus, begin with your own group. But if they don’t receive it, or when they start to reject it, don’t stop telling others about Jesus. Just find others to tell, others who will listen. The Gentiles responded to Paul’s invitation with enthusiastic belief, learning with joy that God does not hate Gentiles, but offered them salvation in Jesus. This is where we- the Gentiles- really become incorporated into God's salvation.
In one week, a church was started! On one Sabbath Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogue and there was a wonderful response. The following Sabbath there was a mixed response, some very hostile and some very receptive. They took the receptive ones and started a church that was lasted for hundreds of years and through that church. However, Jewish opposition was strong enough to force Paul and Barnabas to leave the area. How often does the success of something cause an opposing group to drive out the "leadership" of the successful program, possibly hoping that it will fail.
Paul and Barnabas leave- not defeated but excited to get on with their missionary trip - to Iconium. Their defeat left them with joy and the Holy Spirit. How often does defeat leave us sad and upset, rather than full of joy and the Holy Spirit?
Lots to soak up in this chapter! Have a great day!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
Thank you so much for adding the picture of the map! My Bible has a pic of the map of Barnabas and Paul's travels but it's broken into 3 parts and rather confusing. It makes it clear about the two Antiochs (which I was unclear about when reading)! And for the explanation of the people in vs. 1. I am never sure if God is calling me to do something or if its just something I am determined to do! I think I would respond with an "Absolutely" when/if God called on me - but when my children were young, I am not so sure. Could I just leave my family and begin to travel and preach the way they did? I really don't know. Since Barnabas and Paul took John Mark with them at the end of Chapter 12, how do they then meet him again in Chapter 13? Or was John Mark with them the entire time and was mentioned in vs. 5? I am glad you noted that Bar-jesus and Elymas was the same person - I didn't realize it in my reading. I was not familiar with the confrontation between Paul and Elymas - unless you meant that it was familiar in that it was like Paul's experience during his conversion. In my Bible in vs. 11 it says that Elymas will not see the sun for a season. Does this mean he later could see? Again, the miracle, not the words, causes the deputy to believe. The magic today is in people's words and how well they use them that hinders the work of the Lord. Plus the magic of power and wealth - makes it seem that's all we need to be happy and content in this life. I love that Paul always went to the synagogues first - wherever he went. Paul was proud to be a Jew and I think that it also showed other Jews that they are not denying their heritage or their nationality when they convert to Christianity. Paul never forgot them and never stopped trying to convert them. And Paul's speech in Antioch is another great speech that is shown here in Acts. It's also a great recap for us! I think Paul did not exactly change - he was the same adamant person he always was, he was still proud to be a Jew, proud of his heritage, he just added his belief in Jesus (well, this did change his view of Christians) - everything else he was and believed in was still there. Yes???? I was once told that people cannot change - that it's too hard - they have to work on it everyday. But change our point of view which would change our perceptions of people? With God's help, all is possible. I like your comment - if you are talking to people who just won't listen/believe, don't stop, just change who you are talking to. Should we, as Gentiles, be glad that the Jews refused to listen and believe? Maybe. Because then the apostles came to us. I found the listing of Barnabas and Paul changing to Paul and Barnabas and Paul and his company interesting. Especially since Barnabas was considered higher in the hierarchy of the church. Is that why Mark John left the group? Since he was Barnabas' cousin, did he get upset that Paul was "taking over"? My Bible also notes that the listing changes back when they go Jerusalem. Sad to say, I have found that when some people who have been in the "power" at a church are confronted with a newcomer who begins to be supported in their efforts and suggestions, the newcomer can start to meet with strong resistance from those who had been in "power". It is a fine line to walk. I like where in vs. 51 Barnabas and Paul shake the dust off their feet and went to Iconium - just as Jesus told the apostles to do when they were met with resistance - filled with Joy and the Holy Ghost. How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteListening to God is "easy"; doing what God calls us to do is not so easy all the time! I remember when I was called to LM- lots of struggle between me and God. Obviously, God ultimately won!
DeleteJohn Mark stayed with Paul and Barnabas the whole time (in these chapters) but eventually goes back to Jerusalem. Some commentaries suggest that he was disgruntled at Paul taking control from Barnabas; some suggest he may have been home sick; some suggest he may have been nervous about a mountain crossing that will come up later!
And right- by familiar I meant sounding similar to Paul's conversion. And yes, Elymas did regain his sight.
Regarding visits to synagogue...it was tradition for travelling Jews to "check-in" at the local synagogue. If worship was going on, the elders would hand a scroll to the visitor and ask them to read. Imagine doing that in church to a first time visitor!
Thanks for the comments!
Another wonderful story of Barnabas and Paul spreading the Word and trying to enlighten others. A couple of thoughts:
ReplyDelete1. We hear again about a magician. I wondered if perhaps hearing a magician wasn't so uncommon in those days. People had to come up with ways to explain their world. Maybe a lot of things seemed like "magic". We think of magician as tricking us but did they? or were they happy for an answer?
2. this is the first time that I can remember that the Holy Spirit gets really angry. Usually the Holy Spirit seems like a comfort, a way to help God speak to us. Hmmm.
3. In vs 46 Paul and Barnabas let the Jews know that if they don't become "Christian" they are judging themselves unworthy of eternal life. That seems a little presumptuous.
4. I remember reading "shake the dust off your sandals and go" when we read Luke. I think that is great advice. Sometimes it just isn't the right time for people to be receptive. Maybe at another time they would be.
I guess that is all for me for today. It sure is nice out- but windy. Spring is the hardest season for me. Too much back and forth- lol. Have a wonderful day everyone.
Magic was very common during this time. Throughout early biblical history there were magicians that were commonly found in the palaces and upper courts. Some to entertain, some to prophecy the future. Right- some of the things "explained" their natural world- but some was trickery as magicians do today.
DeleteDoes the fury of the Holy Spirit bother you? Remember- God gets angry and we see Jesus angry several times!
Paul is really dead set about conversion to Christianity. His words are harsh to the Jews- but that was his thought. If you're not Christian than you are not worthy!
We did bring up shaking the dust off your sandals in Luke. It comes up a few other times in other texts too. Maybe we should practice that more!
Great thoughts Cathy! Thanks!
Cathy, I love your thoughts about magicians and magic back in Jesus’ time (and before). It gives me something to think about!! Enjoy the day.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about when we’ve had David Black at the library and how amazed the children are- um I mean the little ones. By the time they’re in about second grade they’re already doubting him. I’ve told him that I don’t know how he keeps going- some of the skeptics are brutal lol. I bet it was easier to convince people centurys ago
ReplyDeleteA chapter with a lot of people introduced. what's very confusing is all a person is named and it says also called something else which makes it more confusing. But I guess if you actually knew these people it would not be so confusing as we have names and nicknames now but if you actually know the person it's not confusing?? (is that clear as mud)
ReplyDeletereading Cathy's comments about the magician reminds me of my grandson when he was very young about 4 years old he was very interested in doing magic tricks and he had a magic set and worked very diligently to do the tricks then show proceed to show us the tricks. He got quite good at it. However we went to the Strawberry Festival and the was a magician there and Ben(age 4) got right up front and watched very closely and then told everyone how it was done. Needless to say the magician asked us to take him away. LOL
Paul and Barnabas went to synagogues first perhaps to spread the word as that's where there was the biggest crowds If they could get the news of the Word out to the Jews and leaders the word could spread faster if the Jews believed what they were told. it seems they were met with opposition many places as the Jewish leaders became jealous of Paul's popularity and they were asked to leave.
If we were st an event and took the limelight away from the star would we be thrown out of the event? Probably so, much like what happened to Paul and Barnabas.
I love that this chapter also shows the diversity of the people spreading the Good news showing that God loves and forgives us all for our many sins and that we should accept all just as God does.
What a beautiful day we had today but it sounds as if winter isn't done with us quite yet.
The names do get confusing don't they! There was usually their Jewish name, then their possibly Roman name, then when something biog happens (life event) their name may become a variation of their original!
DeleteHahaha! Love the magician story!!
Good point about going to synagogues...that's where the monotheistic religious people would be anyway!
Good comments Clara!
Wow you are right lots of names and going on. I get frustrated with myself for not retaining what I read. Some of what we are reading is so familiar and others I don't remember ever hearing about. For me that is why I like to compare it to something in my life. I also didn't realize that Paul and Saul were the same person until Jack mentioned it I never thought of magic and biblical times but it does make sense. Cathy to compare it to sceptics of today is interesting. I really enjoy magic myself.
ReplyDeleteJealously and worrying about being popular are a dangerous combination. I believe it is truly small acts of kindness that make such a difference. Thank you all for reacting to the story about my grandmother. It really warmed my heart. She was the perfect example of this behavior.
I have been in ministry at Little Meadows for 9 years (maybe 10) and some of the stories we read are very familiar to me...some I have never heard of! It is good to be doing this so we can at least be exposed to these unfamiliar ones! There are many names- and they are tough to say so easy to forget. There is lots to keep track of!
DeleteThanks for the thoughts!
On my gosh just read Clara comment about her grandson and the magician. So funny!
ReplyDeleteLike Paul and Barnabas when God calls you go, I don't think we have a choice. Just like Elymas the sorcerer,Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit,said to him, you are a child of the devil and enemy. Will you ever stop preventing the right way of the Lord, and he was made blind . Paul and Barnabas preached the word of God, whole cities came to hear, but the Jews saw the crowd's were jealous and talked about Paul. Paul says, since you reject the word of God, do not consider your self worthy of his eternal life. We now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us. The Gentiles were glad and hornored by the word of the Lord. Paul and the disciples were kicked out, so they shook dust from there feet. They were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, what must it be like to have joy all the time, and not have to worry.
ReplyDeleteWhen God calls- you go-- eventually. But it isn't easy at times!
DeleteGreat thoughts!
Paul, you mention social media and all the rest of what we have today. There are times, however, when much of that information is garbage and we have to learn to filter out the bad stuff - which is not easy at times.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter is something of a travelogue of Paul and Barnabas's journey to Cyprus then on to Asia Minor. However, there is a lot of "meat" here that cannot be ignored. It is interesting that Paul, who is now a Christian (although I don't think that the term has been coined as yet) is allowed to preach in a Jewish synagogue. They do manage to anger the rabbis and they do have to leave in defeat. They go in joy, however, feeling that they have accomplished what they set out to do. This is evident since they had a church the following week that they filled to preach the Good News of Jesus. At this time, they opened it up to Gentiles for the first time. If I am not mistaken, Gentiles and converted Jews would become the first Christians. Please tell me if I am mistaken. If this is true, it is a milestone in the Christian Church.
The blinding of Bar-Jesus (AKA Elymas) the magician is interesting since it is done by Paul (probably by Jesus through the faith of Paul). This is the first time that I have heard Paul denounce a person as evil. I know Paul came down hard on the people of Galatia, but I do not remember him denouncing any individual the way he does Elymas.
Paul (originally Saul) is a perfect example of how people can change. For Saul's case, it was for the better, but, unfortunately, it can go the other way as well.
It is difficult to keep track of right and wrong, truth and not...and anyone can say anything!
DeletePaul/Saul was originally a devout Jews (as were all of the apostles and disciples) so they were welcome in the synagogues. The tradition was when a visitor came, the elder handed them a scroll and were asked to pick a section, read it, and then preach some on it! Imagine doing that in a church today!
The first Christians were converted Jews and then Gentiles! Good job Jack!
Good point also about Paul. This is really one of the only times I know of his "fury and anger" at one person in particular! He does have some harsh words to some of the churches, but usually doesn't single one person out like he did here.
Good points Jack!
Clara,
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is very smart if he could figure out how the magician was doing his tricks. I was watching a magic trick earlier and I couldn't figure out how he was doing it. It's funny that he got thrown out of the magic show!