BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 28

Why Antioch?

Acts 15

One of the most fascinating studies that I have done was one a called critical moments.  As I have read through the Scriptures, I have tried to understand how the decisions made by the men and woman of the Bible affected the rest of their lives.  Of course, there were the devastating decisions of Adam and Eve, the selling of his birthright by Esau, the brothers of Joseph and myriad of others.  In my own life there have been times when I have made some poor decisions that impacted both me and my family.  There have been other times when with the help of God, He has kept me on a path of growth because I depended on Him.  As far as I am concerned the decision that has impacted my life more than any other, except for accepting Christ and my marriage, was to begin reading and studying the Bible on a consistent basis.

There have been times when I have not understood why God has given me such a passion for His word.  What I have learned was the road travelled was just preparation for the unexpected in my life.  If someone had told me that at this stage in my life that I would have the opportunity to write Bible Study material, be ordained and the myriad of other things that have occurred in my life, I would have thought them to be crazy.  The only things that God ever expects is for us to be faithful to the task and obedient to the call on our lives.

As in the individual life of each of us the church comes to those crossroads, those critical moments in its history that have tremendous impact on its future.  Sometimes looking back and determining what those decisions were will help us to make mid-course corrections in the direction God wants us to take.  If we look at the critical moment as an end itself, we may miss the greater blessing for what God has in store.  It may be only the intermediary step to something more exciting and challenging. Depending on how we respond, we will either find success and the church will grow. If we choose to leave God out and make our own choices, then we can almost assuredly expect failure.  The earlier church came to such a crossroads.  Let us turn now to a critical moment in the life of the earlier church and see how it all turned out.

Acts 14:27-28

What took place in these two verses set the stage for the events to come. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch after only spending a relatively short time in districts in Cyprus and then Asia Minor.  Upon coming back to the church at Antioch they encouraged the believers by telling them:

• How God had used them in the spreading of the Gospel
• How God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles

We are then told that they spent a long time with the disciples there in Antioch.  Their return came at a time when the church would need to be strengthened in light of the testing of its faith that would soon come upon them. This was crucial time for the church.  What the disciples heard and were now taught by the two men would be needed to face men who were about to come from Jerusalem.

When Paul and Barnabas were called back in chapter 13 to the task to which God had appointed them it might be assumed that the work was to be as long-term missionaries.  What if the first missionary trip was to prepare the two men for greater ministry opportunities by showing them the work that God wanted to do in the hearts of the Gentiles they met along the way.

The fact that He brought them back to Antioch so quickly may indicate that the real task lay ahead for them.  What if they returned for the purpose of preparing the church in Antioch for the confrontation with the men from Jerusalem. It is questionable that those in that church would have been able to deal with the false statements coming out the mouths of the Judaizers without Paul and Barnabas.

1. By the things shared with the church at Antioch what had God taught Paul and Barnabas as they travelled?
2. Why do I say that the first missionary trip was not the final task for which God had called them out?
3. Why was it important that the church heard what Paul had to share with them?
4. Why did the two men spend so much time with the disciples there and not go back on another trip?

Acts 15:1

Men from Judea came down to Antioch and began teaching a false gospel.  They challenged the validity of becoming believers without being circumcised.  The men were trying to once again enslave the Gentiles saved by grace with the requirements of a worn out and failed religious system.  Without the teaching of Paul, the church may have been impacted in a negative way.  The requirements the men tried to thrust upon them may have been enough to rip the church apart and destroy their new-found faith.  Often in his later letters Paul would deal with this issue stating over and over the salvation is based on faith alone. One can only surmise why these men came to the church at Antioch anyway.  The fact that the Scripture refers to them as men would indicate that they had no official authority to make such demands on the church.  So why had they come to Antioch?  What was their motive?  It is possible that the influence of the church in Antioch was reaching further and further into the Gentile world.  Evidently some in Jerusalem thought that it needed to be reined in before there would be more Gentile believers than Jewish.  In the minds of those individuals anything taught contrary to the law would have been heresy.  It is interesting that this subject had not been brought up with the conversions of the Samaritans and Cornelius.

1. Why would the things taught by the men from Judea be considered a false gospel?
2. What would indicate these men had no formal authority?
3. Why after all this time did the men suddenly began to question the salvation of the Gentiles?
4. What was the true fear of these men being expressed in their demand?
5. What could have been the effect on the church after listening to those who had come from Judea?
6. Why was the teaching of Paul and Barnabas key in helping the church to be victorious in the face of this challenge?
7. What restrictions do we sometimes imposed on those who want to become followers of Christ?
8. How do our prejudices sometimes come through on these occasions?   

Acts 15:2

Paul and Barnabas actively opposed these men.  Paul and Barnabas both understood the Jewish religion and its failure to lead men to God and the Gentiles who were alive in Christ without the restrictions of Judaism. When there was not resolution it was decided that the two men along with some others would go to the leadership made up of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for a final decision.

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas take front stage in the dispute with the men from Judea?
2. In what ways had God prepared them for this important task?
3. In what ways were they more qualified than any of the others in the church to have the discussions with the Jewish Christians?
4. If Paul and Barnabas already understood that salvation comes by grace to all who believe, why was it necessary for them to go up to Jerusalem?
5. Why did they take a number of men with them?
6. Who made up the leadership of the church in Jerusalem?

Acts 15:3

The group from Antioch left immediately for Jerusalem taking the shortest possible route.  Although the issue was of upmost urgency as they travelled, they continued to share the good news to the Phoenicians and Samaritans of what God was doing in the lives of the Gentiles.  They did not wait for the final decision from Jerusalem because they knew what they were doing was within God’s plan for the world.  God would not have called them to do something totally opposed to His purpose for the people.

1. Why did the group from Antioch leave quickly for their journey to Jerusalem?
2. Why did they not wait for a decision from the leaders in Jerusalem before continuing to teach the people of Phoenicia and Samaria as they travelled?
3. What was the reaction of the people to news that was being shared with them?
4. What does this say about the evangelistic effort of these men?
5. In what ways did their activities indicate they believed that they were serving out God’s purpose for their lives?

Acts 15:4-5

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they went straight to the leaders of the church.  They met with the apostles and elders and began to share what God had done among the Gentiles. It did not take long for the opposing views to be brought out into the open.  The believing Pharisees immediately expressed the same argument that had been put forth in Antioch.  Up to this time circumcision had not been an issue because most of those who made up the early church had come from a Jewish background. At the end of the day the question that was before that collective and diverse group of men which had to be answered, was the Law of Moses or grace going to be the standard by which future actions would be decided?

1. What was the true desire of the Pharisees?
2. Why would they desire for the law to take precedent over salvation by grace?
3. What would have happened to churches like the one at Antioch if this was true?

Acts 15:6

The fact that the leaders came together to discuss this matter showed that the decision could have gone either way. This was new territory for them. They wanted to make sure they got it right. The whole future of the church would be determined by the decision they made.

1. Why did the leaders find it necessary to meet?
2. What was the importance, down to the present day church, of that meeting?
3. What do we need to do when we are dealing with new territory in the church?
4. Why was the whole church not involved in this council?
5. Who were the representatives who met, and what insight does it give us as we decide the direction of Bethany Place?

Acts 15:6-12

After much lively give and take (a debate) Peter stood up and gave an account of his ministry to the Gentiles, particularly Cornelius, in the first years of the church. From everything he had experienced he had come to three conclusions:

• No one could keep the law not Jew of Gentile, so why put that burden on the Gentiles which circumcision represented.
• Salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ.
• The Jew could not be saved by the law but by grace.

The fact that they listened carefully meant the words he was speaking were striking at the heart of the issue.  The Pharisees who had started the discussion were silent. It would indicate that these were godly men were open to what God was doing in the lives of all people everywhere.

1. Why after the initial debate, do we not hear from the Pharisees again?
2. When is a healthy debate good? When is it destructive?
3. Why was it important for Peter to speak first? (He had first opened the door to sharing the gospel with someone who was a Gentile.)
4. What was his message to those gathered there?
5. In what ways should his message resonate with us?
6. When people like the council are willing to listen, what does it say about the things being spoken by someone like Peter?
7. What does it say about the attitudes of all the participants including the Pharisees? 

Acts 15:12

When Peter had finished Paul and Barnabas began to speak to the gathering.  The Bible does not tell us the exact words of Paul and Barnabas.  There is also no indication that they said anything to inflame the situation. They only spoke of the signs and wonders God had done through them as they ministered to the Gentiles.

1. How did Paul and Barnabas handle their opportunity to speak to the leadership of the church?
2. From what is read in Scripture what was their approach to the issue?
3. How does this differ from the way we often handle difficult issues?
4. How did what Peter, Paul and Barnabas say have an impact on the decision that was made by the council?

Acts 15:13-21

Peter, the early leader of the apostles, had spoken how God used him.  Then representatives from the church in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas along with their travelling companions shared how God had reached out to the Gentile world through them.  Now the leader of the church in Jerusalem, James the half-brother of Jesus, spoke.  His words  affirmed the words of Peter by using the prophecies found in the Old Testament. Specifically, he recalled the words of Deuteronomy, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others. 

The proposal he presented to the group contained three elements to it:

• Do not eat meat offered to idols
• Abstain from sexual immorality
• Do not eat meat with the blood in it or which had been strangled.

The leaders along with the whole church accepted these and decided to send a letter with these proposals to the church in Antioch.  Paul, Barnabas, Judas called Barsabas and Silas were chosen to carry it and read at Antioch.

1. Why did the church respond to the words of James?
2. What had the others left out of their testimony?
3. What do you think of the ideas proposed by James to the leaders?
4. Why do you think of the decision?
5. Why was it important to send others with Paul and Barnabas to testify to what the church at Jerusalem had decided?

Acts 15:22-29

The letter contained encouragement for the church to continue in what they were doing previously.  It also called the church to live by the items decided on by the church in Jerusalem.  The issue of salvation coming only to those who had been circumcised became a non-issue.  The door had been opened to all who came to Jesus by faith to be saved.

1. How do the ideas written in the letter impact us today?
2. Why is what was left out of the letter more important to us today than what it contained?
3. Why did they include the admonishment not to eat meat offered to idols?
4. If we were faced with a similar situation what might be some of the non-issues upon which we spend too much time?
5. In what way did the letter encourage further evangelization of the Gentile world?

Acts 15:30-34

The church in Jerusalem having finished its business sent the Paul and those who had witnessed the events in Jerusalem to Antioch.  Notice on this trip there was no side trips to Samaria and Phoenicia.  The matter decided was far too important for the church in Antioch for the men to delay in delivering the account of all that had occurred.

Upon arriving they called the church together and shared the good news with them.  As one might expect they were greatly encouraged by the news resulting in a great rejoicing among the disciples.  Silas and Judas, both prophets in their own right, reinforced the words of Paul.  They spent time encouraging and strengthening the church.  When it came time for the men to return to Jerusalem, Silas decided to stay there in Antioch.

Paul and Barnabas both remained there also.  This additional time was spent in teaching and preaching the word.  They shared the preaching with many others in the church.

1. Think about the critical decisions that you have made and how they have impacted your life.
2. What do you consider is the most important decision you have ever made? How did it change your life?
3. How have you prepared for the challenges that may face you as we saw in the text found in Acts 15?
4. Think how your defense of a position might have influenced the decisions in the church or organization to which you have belonged.

 As we have seen in the material above, we never know when we may be thrust into a situation which calls for wisdom and knowledge to bring about a beneficial conclusion. We are facing our own critical moment at Bethany Place as we try to make decisions today that will help us deal with the challenges of tomorrow.  We need to make sure that every discussion that takes place and decision made will bring encouragement to the body and strengthen our faith.  The claims made by the men from Judea and the Pharisees in Jerusalem could have destroyed what had already been accomplished  without people like Paul and Barnabas who brought the experience and knowledge of how God had already brought the Gentiles into His kingdom.  May we approach everything we do with the same kind of knowledge and wisdom possessed by the men in the early church.

Additional Notes:

OC-The church overcame the barriers between Jew and Gentile, between law and grace.  Grace was triumphant. (Acts 15:1-21, 31)

RT-The council at Jerusalem is a good example of a group of people trying to hold on to old traditions.  Paul and Barnabas realized that the new Gentile believers who were coming into the Church were not like the Jews and therefore were entering into the fellowship by faith and not works of the Law. (Acts 15:5, 7-9)

C-For Jew and Gentile alike, salvation comes only by the grace of God.  This was the lesson Peter learned and shared and shared with the whole church when he was sent to the home of Cornelius.  It is strange that after all that transpired that the Pharisees would now called for the ritual of circumcision as a requirement to be a part of God’s kingdom. Circumcision had not brought about the change in their own lives and would not make any difference in the lives of the Gentiles. (Acts 15:7-11)

RT-The church cannot expect to lay the old traditions onto new believers who have come to the knowledge of Jesus by the same faith by which each person is saved.                 (Acts 15:10-12)

DM-There was a call by Pharisees who had become believers that everyone who became a follower of Christ still needed to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses.  It was Paul’s and Peter’s position that God had saved Gentiles without them having to be circumcised, therefore it was not necessary for salvation.  The council at Jerusalem agreed with Paul, Peter and James.  A crisis had been averted in the still young church.   (Acts 15:5-22, 28-29)

GC-One never burdens (weighs down) or troubles others with rules, traditions or practices that they we ourselves are unable or unwilling to bear in our own lives.  Our only yoke is to be the yoke of Jesus that fits each of us perfectly. Acts 15:10, 19, 28)

GC-The only thing that each person must understand and accept is that we are saved by grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the only means for salvation.         (Acts 15:11)

C-After much debate it was determined by the leadership in the Jerusalem that the Gentiles, who were coming to Jesus would not be required to be circumcised.  They were only asked to keep from eating things with blood, things offered to idols and to keep themselves morally pure. (Acts 15:13-21, 28-29)

GC-True believers are able to come to an agreement on controversial subjects that may tear the church apart.  We are to become of one mind on those things that are non- negotiable in our faith. (Acts 15:22, 25)

GC-One of the virtues that was agreed to by both the Jerusalem church and the church at Antioch was the whole idea of sexual purity.  This was a radial concept for those coming out of a pagan background.  It is one that must be emphasized in the promiscuous society in which we live today. (Acts 15:29)

 RT-The Pharisees were trying to hold onto a failed institutional tradition laden system. For that reason they had difficult time accepting the Gentiles into the body until the body until they had performed all of the correct rituals beginning with circumcision. (Acts 15)

RT-Even when dealing with a controversial subject as the one faced by the early church concerning circumcision, they were able to send instructions to the Gentiles which stated, “It seemed good to us having become of one mind.” (Acts 15:25)

C-Silas one of the men who went back to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas decided to remain there rather than returning to Jerusalem. (Acts 15:34)

Lesson 27

The Call Is Never Easy but It is Ongoing

Acts 14:1-28

I cannot number the times when it would have much easier to quit than to persevere.  Some of the most difficult times have been in church.  Like most of you I have seen things occurring that are just unacceptable.  Probably the most difficult is when I have seen leaders just being excoriated without any recourse.  I have been a firm believer that a man of God should only be asked to leave for reasons that would disqualify him from the ministry, but I have seen men attack others because of their own agendas.  This is hard to accept and has caused me to consider leaving the church more than one time. 

As is obvious I have not followed through because I do believe the God established the Church to be His body and bodies are not perfect.  Therefore, I have chosen to strive to do everything I can to help the church grow. 

Not unlike so many churches we are not seeing a harvest because we are part of a church that God cannot use. Until we begin to actually hear His call to impact our world things will never change.  We know that we do not have a clear picture of the kind of church that God wants us to be because we spend so much time focused on ourselves and allowing issues to become a crisis that cause people to walk away from the church.  When we decide to focus on the important things every church should be doing, then we will see a different result. God has called us to follow His Instruction Manual and to reach out into a world in chaos.

Paul and Barnabas could have quit at any time because things did not go their way, but they chose the higher road to travel.  In this chapter will be seen what they experienced after being driven out of Pisidian Antioch.

Acts: 14:1

Iconium was another Roman outpost located some 90 miles east of Pisidian Antioch.  Paul and Barnabas continued on their missionary trip going deeper into the world where the worship of false gods was prevalent.  According to their previous practice whenever Paul and Barnabas entered a city, they began their ministry in the synagogue.  Iconium was no different.  As they began to proclaim the gospel the words resonated with the Jews and the Greeks and many of them became believers.

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas not turn back after their experience in Pisidian Antioch but continued further into Asia Minor?
2. How was the response in Iconium like that of the previous city?
3. In what way was it different?

Acts 14:2-6

Here comes the opposition again.  It seems it is those who were supposedly the most religious were the very ones who refused to hear the good news.  It was not enough for them to reject it but they even built an alliance with the Gentiles to oppose Paul and Barnabas.

We can only imagine how the Jews twisted the truth to get the Gentiles to join them.  The word blasphemy is now used here. It is used of those who turn against the One of whom the gospel speaks, therefore is to reject the very God who sent Him.  Because the opposition only came in the form of words at this point, Paul and Barnabas saw no reason to leave Iconium.  They stayed there quite awhile and as the Scripture says they were, “Speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace.”  Unlike before, they were now able to perform miracles.

Even with all that was taking place the city was still divided. Some were for the apostles and some against.  Finally the opposition had had enough and was planning to stone them so they left Iconium and went on to the district of Lycaonia into the cities of Lystra and Derbe.

1. What was it in the message of the apostles that would cause such different reactions?
2. What evidence is present that the opposition the apostles faced in Iconium and Pisidian Antioch were different? (The people of Iconium planned to stone them. In Pisidian they were driven out of town.)
3.  Why did Paul and Barnabas decide that they could remain in Iconium in the face of opposition and flee like they had from the previous city?
4. Why was it that God allowed them to perform signs and wonders in Iconium? 
5. Why do we not have a record of any miracles occurring in Pisidian Antioch?
6. What actions should we take when faced with opposition like that of the apostles?
7. In a situation like the one just described above when is discretion the better part of valor and you decide to leave? 

Acts 14:7

No matter where they went, these two men continued to preach.  They did not allow circumstances keep them from their assignment. Often commitment to the task is hard to maintain in the face of great adversity.  Although not written they received encouragement from the Holy Spirit and the results they had experienced both in Pisidian Antioch and Iconium.  In both places, yes there had been strong opposition, but they had also seen many come to salvation through the message they had preached and the teaching that had occurred. 

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas continue to preach?
2. How would they have viewed the opposition that had occurred?
3. From what sources did they receive courage to continue?
4. How would they have compared the results of changed lives to the opposition faced?
5. What was the importance of staying a long time in Iconium even after the opposition began?

Acts 14:8-10

Notice when they arrived at Lystra they did not go to the synagogue.  This fact would indicate that there was a lack of Jewish men in that city.  In order to have a synagogue there had to be at least ten adult male Jews in that location.  Paul began to speak in the open air.  Luke tells us that there was a crippled man there listening to what was being said.  Paul realized that his words were having an impact on the man and that he had the faith to be healed.  He told the man to get up.  The man responded by leaping to his feet.

1. What would indicate that there was no synagogue in Lystra?
2. What did it take for the Jews to start one?
3. What kind of message does it take to have people to respond as did the lame man?
4. How did Paul know that the man had faith to be healed?
5. What would it take for us to have that same kind of discernment?

Acts 14:11-13

The reaction of the crowd should not be surprising even though it caught Paul and Barnabas off guard.  The people acknowledged that something out of the ordinary had occurred in their midst that could not been accomplished by mere mortals. Therefore, they began praising the two men as Zeus and Hermes.  Barnabas possibly because of his bearing was called Zeus and Paul the spokesman, Hermes.

The priest of the temple of Zeus located outside of the city brought oxen to the gates to offer as sacrifices to the gods.

There is a legend which will possibly explain this over reaction to the healing. The story goes like this.  At some point in the history of Lycaonia that Zeus and Hermes came down to earth to visit mortals. There was no one in the land that offered them hospitality except and old couple named Philemon and Baucis.  As a reward their humble abode was changed into a temple of which they were made guardians.  When they died they were transformed into two trees, an oak and Linden.  The rest of the people were destroyed.

Even if the legend was not true the people believed it and wanted to make sure that they did not make the same mistake again.  Believing that the two men were gods, they were going to do everything in their power to make them welcome.

1. What do you think about the reaction of the crowd?
2. Why would they believe that Paul and Barnabas were gods?
3. If you were in their position what would you have done?
4. Why does the writer of Hebrews 13:2 encourage us to be hospitable? Also see 1 Peter 4:9.
5. What may be some instances in your life when you wish now that you had been more hospitable?

Acts 14:14-15

It took a short time for Paul and Barnabas to realize what was happening because they did not understand the Lycaonian language.  The two men showed their distress over what was happening by tearing their clothes and trying to stop the celebration. Paul immediately began to try to convince the people that they were just men like everyone else. The good news was being spoken in their presence was to help men turn away from the vain worship of false gods.

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas not understand what was taking place?
2. What was their reaction?
3. When he finally gathered himself what was his message to them?
4. What clear and to the point message did Paul share in all of the confusion that was taking place?

Acts 14:16-18

The living God of whom Paul spoke in verse 15 had been at work throughout history.  Up until this point in time He had

• Permitted nations to operate as they pleased
• Witnessed of Himself by doing good, giving them rain from heaven and “fruitful seasons,” and “satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

Their lack of response shows how difficult it is to change the minds of those who believe in what they are doing.  The people may or may not have understood what Paul was saying.  One thing for sure he was having trouble getting through to them.

1. Why did God allow the nations go their own way for so long?
2. What would the term gospel have meant to the people?
3. In what ways is it difficult to get the message of the gospel across to people today?
4. What has been God’s ways to draw men to Himself even before they knew Him?
5. What had changed that removed any excuse for man to continue down the road on which he was travelling?

Acts 14:19

If things were not difficult enough, Jews had showed up from Iconium. Why they came to Lystra cannot truly be known.  Maybe they were following Paul to make sure he did not spread the gospel any further.  They may have travelled there for some other reason.  How they got there is not really important, but one thing is certain they quickly influenced the people who in turn stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city.  He was taken out of the city because what they had done was illegal and if the Roman authorities found about it they would be in trouble.  They thought they had done away with the one who was a threat to their way of life. 

1. If the Jews were following Paul and Barnabas the question is why?
2. How were they able to influence the people so quickly?
3. What happened to those who were only a short time before calling him a god?
4. What does it say about the hearts of the people?
5. What does this say about us that we are willing to believe something negative about others?
6. Why were they willing to violate the law in order to get rid of Paul?
7. To what extreme do we sometimes go to eliminate those with whom we disagree?
8. What kind of attitude does Jesus call us to have?

Acts 14:20

It is amazing that Paul survived the stoning especially when the mob believed that he was dead.  You can imagine the shock and impact on the disciples standing there when he got up and went back into the city.  The following day he left for Derbe.

1. Why did Paul survive the stoning?
2. What does it say about Paul that not only did he go back into the city but stayed there for another day?
3. What kind of courage does it take to go back into the enemy’s camp?
4. What kind of message is there in this account for us when we face difficult situations?

Acts 14:21-22

After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Derbe, they retraced their steps going back through Lystra, Iconium and Pisidian Antioch.  In each church they:

• Strengthened the souls of disciples
• Gave them encouragement to be steadfast in their faith
• told them that the road to the kingdom would full of tribulations that must be faced.

1. Why did return to the places where he had faced opposition and was stoned?
2. What did he do in each church?
3. In what way are these words applicable for us today?   

Acts 14:23

There was one more crucial thing he did.  He appointed elders in each church.  The question may be if elders are supposed to be godly men how could he find such men who were brand new Christians?  The answer lies in the fact that there godly men coming out of the Jewish faith who would have the attributes that would qualify them to be spiritual leaders in the church.  Paul then prayed for and fasted in each church.  By doing all he could he was then leaving them in the hands of the Lord.

1. Why was important for him appoint those who would have oversight of each church?
2. What qualities did these men possess that would qualify them to lead?
3. In what way are these same attributes needed in the church today?
4. What did it mean after Paul prayed and fasted with the church that he stated that he was commending them into the hand of Lord?
5. In what ways do we show that after praying and fasting that we trust God to work out the details and give guidance to the church and in our own lives?

Acts 14:24-26

Notice on their return trip that Paul stopped in Perga and shared the gospel.  Remember on the journey inland they had pretty much just passed through the city.  It is possible that by this time Paul had recovered sufficiently from his illness to be able to spend a short while there.  Leaving there the two men ended their first missionary trip by returning to the church that had sent them out.

1. Why did Paul stop in Perga on his return trip and not preach there the first time he was in the city?
2. Why did the two men end the first missionary trip at this point and return to Antioch?
3. Why must the church have a strategy to reach the lost world?
4. When do we know that we have completed the first steps of that strategy?
5. In what ways do we sometimes bite off more than we can handle?
6. When we do who is in control?

Acts 14:27-28

The first thing they did when they arrived was to call the church together to give a report.  The news was simple and straightforward.  They shared, “All things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. This verse indicates that for a while Paul and Barnabas’ travelling was put on hold as they spent an extended period of time with the church at Antioch.

1. Why was it important for the church at Antioch to hear all that Paul and Barnabas had done?
2. To whom did Paul give credit for what had occurred on the first missionary trip?
3. Why do we not see any mention of the opposition the two faced in each city?
4. What are the positive things that you share with those at church?

You

1. Look to Paul as the example for the way to handle adversity in our lives.
2. Look for ways you can encourage those around you.
3. Prepare your heart for the things that may occur in the future by doing the task to which God has called you with all of your energy.
4. Be ready to always give God the glory for the successes that you experience.

We

We may not be called to go to the Pisidian Antioch’s, Lycaonia’s, Iconium’s, Lystra’s and Derbe’s of the world, but we are to give our best efforts to the work to which God has called us.  There will always opposition to be faced and to be overcome with the help of God.  Finally let us learn to wait on the Lord.  Paul was willing to go back to Antioch and wait until God gave him further instrument.  We too must learn to wait on God.

As we continue with the story of Paul’s ministry Luke will show us in Acts 15 why God had Paul back in Antioch.  His work at that church and the places he had travelled prepared for the next challenge he would face in Jerusalem.

Additional Notes:

DM-From the very beginning the pattern of Paul’s ministry was the same in every city.  He would approach the people in the Synagogue and then after they rejected his message he turned to the Gentiles. Many of the Gentiles believed when they heard the good news.  The main opposition usually came from the Jews, some Gentiles stirred up by the Jews, merchants affected by loss of business, or the local authorities.                                                                                (Acts 14:1-2, 5, 19; 17:1-9, 11, 13)

C- In Iconium many Jews and Greeks believed upon having heard the message from Paul.     (Acts 14:1-3)

DM- Paul was determined to speak out boldly in every place he visited.                                    (Acts 14:3, 7; 19:8; 20:27)

C- The people of Iconium were divided.  Some were with the Jews while others sided with Paul and Barnabas.  When an attempt on their lives was became known to the Apostles they left the city and went to Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe.  They continued to preach the gospel in all of these new cities. (Acts 14:4-7)

C- Paul healed a man in Lystra who had been lame since birth.  Nothing like this had ever been seen in the city.  This healing caused the people to believe the two men were Hermes (Paul) and Zeus (Barnabas) mythological gods. The apostles had a difficult time convincing people that it was God who had brought about the miracle. (Acts 14:8-18)

 GC- Man finds healing when he is faithful. (Acts 14:9)

RT-The preaching of the word of God is to turn man from the vain things of this world.        (Acts 14:15)

TM- The purpose of teaching and preaching is to be constantly seeking to turn people from the vain things of this world to the eternal truths found in God’s word. (Acts 14:15)

GC- We must never forget we are just men sharing the good news of Christ. It is not our message but His. We can only do this under the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 14:15)

C- Things changed quickly as Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the people of Lystra against Paul.  They stoned Paul and left him for dead.  He survived and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas went to Derbe. (Acts 14:19-20)

GC-The responsibilities of all believers are to:

1. Strengthen the souls of others
2. Encourage others to continue in the faith
3. Develop others into true disciples

(Acts 14:22; 15:15, 32; 16:5, 40; 18:23; Rom. 1:12; 15:1; 1 Thess. 3:2)

GC- Through many tribulations we enter into God’s kingdom. (Acts 14:22)

C- On their return journey to Antioch they appointed elders in every church.  (Acts 14:23)

RT- Even though many of the places Paul visited would have been mostly pagan, in a number of them there appeared to be a small Jewish presence.  Evidently, there were at least ten men which was required to have a synagogue in the city.  From these men there would be those who would receive the gospel because they truly believed the Old Testament prophesies.  Paul certainly would have appointed the wisest and the most fervent to be elders. (Acts 14:23)

GC- Every separate body needs to have a group of men who are able to lead, protect the flock from the enemy and teach others to become like Christ. (Acts 14:23)

GC- We are to pray and fast with fellow believer, but ultimately all of us are placed in the Father’s hands for safe-keeping. It is the act of commending, committing and entrusting each person to the Father. (Acts 14:23; 20:32)

Lesson 26

The Journey Continues

Acts 13:13-52

One of the decisions that I made before my first trip to Russia was that I would accept whatever living conditions in which I found myself.  I did not know what to expect.  It did not matter because I believed I was where God wanted me to be at that point.  I knew that wherever I might find myself, it would be different than home.  The food would be different, I would not understand the language, nor would I know anything about the city, but none of those things made any difference.

The primary reason that I chose to go to that foreign land was because it was a place that needed to know Jesus.  It so impressed me that I returned three times staying with the same people, eating the same food and meeting all kinds of great people.  If I had been able I would have returned time and time again.  Shortly after I went the last time the Russians shut down the work in that area and expelled the workers with whom I had worked.

When God lays His hand on each of us and calls us into His service, it is for life.  There will be times when that is real joy to be found in His work.  At other times the work will be difficult.  We are to dedicate our lives to His work and are to never turn back.  We will see both examples in our lesson today.  Which of the men in this story are we to imitate with our lives, John Mark or Barnabas and Saul?

Acts 13:13

There is a shift in that takes place in this verse.  Up to this point Barnabas has always been listed before Saul. Now the Scriptures say, “Paul and his companions put out to sea.”  Paul by that time had taken over the leadership role of the small band of men travelling together.

The next sentence tells of another change that occurred.  It says, “John left them and returned to Jerusalem.  There has been much conjecture of the reason he left Paul and Barnabas.  Some of them are:

• He became jealous for Barnabas as Paul began to become the acknowledged leader.  As has been mentioned before he was a kinsman of Barnabas. While this may be true, we do not see any evidence that Barnabas felt the same way.
• He had not bought into any mission beyond Cyprus.  
• He became homesick.

If I may interject another thought, John Mark was not called out by the Holy Spirit for the work to which Barnabas and Saul had been commissioned.  For whatever reason when the travel became more dangerous, he had not committed to or was ready for the rigors which Paul and Barnabas would face.

1. Why did the Barnabas and Saul spend so little time in Cyprus?
2. Why did Luke begin to put Saul ahead of Barnabas and call him Paul?
3. How does the name change indicate a new direction for their ministry?
4. Why did John Mark leave the team in Pamphylia?
5. What will be the result for us when we try to do something to which God has not called us or equipped us?

Acts 13:14-15

Paul and Barnabas did not spend any time in Perga but went on to Pisidian Antioch, which was a Roman colony in the southwestern corner of what is now present-day Turkey in Asia minor. Some have written that Paul possibly contracted malaria upon arriving in Pamphylia and moved on inland to recover from that disease.  This would account for Paul’s later mention in 2 Corinthians and Galatians of the thorn in the flesh and other lingering effects of his illness.

Upon arriving in Pisidian Antioch he followed a pattern that would be used for the rest of the first missionary journey.  He went into the synagogue because it was the Sabbath and partly because he knew that there he would at least find people who had a knowledge of the Old Testament.  This would provide him with a foundation upon which he could build in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and the salvation that had been extended to the Jews and to the Gentiles alike.   

These verses give a picture of one of the customs of the synagogues of that day. If a travelling rabbi was to be in attendance, he would often be asked to share a word with the congregation.  Jesus early in His ministry went to the synagogue in Nazareth and was given an opportunity to speak.  He then shared with them the prophecy out of Isaiah 61:1 and claimed that He had come to fulfill the word He had just read. (Luke 4: 16-21)  Paul was asked if he had a word of encouragement for the men there. 

1. What was the pattern that Paul used when he came into a new city?
2. Why did he always, at least on his first missionary journey, first go to the synagogue in every city he visited?
3. What other example do we have in Scripture where the people of the synagogue worshipped in this way?
4. How is it so different from the way we worship today?

Acts 13:16-22

It is interesting that the events that Paul shared with the people began not with Abraham and his descendants but with the exile in Egypt.  God did several things for the Israelites during the span of time which would cover about 800 years. 

• In verse 17 He not only chose them as His people but built them into a great nation.  Not only did they grow in number, but He preserved and protected them during the total of 430 years they were there in Egypt. The evidence of this fact can be found in the first chapter of Exodus. 
• He then led them out to bring them into the Promised Land. (vs 17)
• But He had nothing but trouble with them during the entire 40 years they were in the desert. Luke tells us that God actually “put up with them.” (vs. 18)
• It took ten years and the destruction of 10 nations for the Israelites to receive their inheritance in the land of Canaan.  The 450 years mentioned would have been the 400 years of oppression, the 40 years in the desert and the 10 years to conquer the land. (vs. 19)
• Because of the rebellion of the people He provided judges who were instrumental in helping the people live in obedience to God.  The leadership of the Israelites was often in the presence of military leaders who helped the people overthrow their oppressors. (vs. 20)
• The last judge Samuel was both a judge and prophet.  He led the people from being led by judges to the selecting of a king to rule over them and lead them militarily. (vs. 20)
• Saul was the first king of Israel.  That selection did not turn out well.  He was for the better part of his reign self-centered and disobedient to the commands of God through Samuel.  When he was removed David became king in his place. (vs. 21)
• Finally, David, a man after God’s own heart and from the tribe of Judah was anointed and. Now the pieces were in place. Through his descendants the messiah would come came on the scene.

1. Why did Paul begin with an overview of the history of the Jewish nation?
2. What was his reasoning for choosing only a few of the events that had occurred?
3. What does it say to us about the importance of knowing God’s word when it comes time for us to share with a non-believer?

 Now can be seen why Paul shared the history of his people as he did.  God had chosen, preserved, built Israel in a mighty nation, brought them out of Egypt, put up with them in the wilderness, gave the land of Canaan to them for an inheritance, and gave them different kinds of leaders to fulfill His promise of having the Messiah come from the line of Israel, the line of Judah and the descendent of David.  Without that narrative what he was about to say in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch would make no sense.

1. What did Paul indicate that God had done for the people?
2. What was the importance of the particular events?
3. How did they point to the coming Messiah?

Acts 13:23-25

Paul then transitioned to tell the people that God had fulfilled His promise in Jesus Christ the Savior.  He used the same evidence that Jesus Himself had used in His defense before the Jews. John the Baptist, of whom the people of Pisidian Antioch had heard, bore witness to Jesus as the coming Savior of the world. Paul quoted John’s words found in both Matthew and John.

1. Why did Paul share about the witness of John the Baptist?
2. Why did he use the words spoken by John the Baptist that he quoted to the people?
3. How would they have known about this incident that had occurred a number of years earlier?
4. What does this say about Paul’s knowledge of the events of the life of Christ?  How did know these things if the Bible had not yet been written?

Acts 13:26

The first recipients of the gospel were the Jews and those who feared God. This would refer to those that adhered to the Mosaic Law, but had not become fully Jews.  What a privilege they had of hearing that Christ had come to fulfill the prophecies that had been given to them for hundreds of years.

1. Why was the gospel first proclaimed to the Jews?
2. Who were those identified as ones who feared God?
3. Why did Paul state that Jesus was the one who fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament?

Acts 13:27-29

Paul continued his narrative explaining what the Jewish religious leaders and Roman had done to Jesus. They had fulfilled the Scriptures by condemning Him to death and carrying out the execution.

1. Why did Paul feel there was a need to explain what had happened to Jesus at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders?
2. Why was it important for Paul to declare the innocence of Jesus?

Acts 13:30-31

Paul finally got to the heart of his message.  Jesus was alive having been raised from the dead by God.  As proof of that fact he continued by telling of the number of people that saw Him after the His resurrection. Not only had they seen him, but those who were witnesses began sharing it with others.  Although Paul may have emphasized his own conversion experience he chose not to do so but included himself in with all of the others who were telling the story.

1. Why was it important that there be multiple witnesses to the resurrection?
2. Why proof do we have today that they believed that it was true?
3. Why did Paul not emphasize his own experience?
4.  How important is this verification to us today?

Acts 13:32-39

Paul returned to the emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture. God had indeed spoken of His Son as is seen in Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; Psalm 16:10. Since all of these Scriptures were fulfilled by Jesus then they could be assured of the forgiveness of sins and freedom that was not obtainable through the law.

1. Why did Paul, like Peter, return to some of the same Scripture verses?
2. What was the importance of the fulfillment of those particular ones?
3. What were the promises to the people who believed what Paul had shared?
4. What do these promises mean to us?
5. What is the one word that would be used to describe what Paul shared in verses 38-39? (See also John 8:32)
6. How do you know that you have discovered the meaning of those verses?

Acts 13:40-41

After all of the good news there was one more thing Paul had to share.  It was a warning from Scripture to those who might reject all that had been told to them. He referred to Habakkuk where the prophet said, “Behold, you scoffers, and marvel and perish; for I am accomplishing a work in your days, a work you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you.” (Hab. 1:5) Just as the people in Judea had not listened to God and had been sent into exile, Paul was trying to keep the people who heard his word from a worse fate. 

1. Why did Paul feel it was necessary to give a warning to the people?
2. Why do people reject the gospel when it has been so well verified?
3. What will happen to those who totally reject all of the evidence and the Savior to which it points?

Acts 13:42-43

There is no evidence that any were totally won to Christ on that first Sabbath. The people however did indicate that the message had resonated with them because they wanted to return the next Sabbath to hear more of what Paul had to say.      Verse 43 indicates that there was a variety of people who wanted to know more.  There were Jews and proselytes.  As this group followed Paul, He continued to admonish them to, “Continue in the grace of God.”

1. Why does the Scripture not speak of any converts as Paul and Barnabas was leaving the gathering?
2. What indication is given that the people had not rejected the words of Paul?
3. What was Paul’s main concern at this point?
4. In what ways does his admonition indicate that he sensed that many were ready to commit themselves to Christ?

Acts 13:44

News had gotten around the whole city so that most of those living there showed up to hear what Paul had to say.

1. What does this response say about the people of the city?
2. What does it tell us about what the ones who had heard from Paul had been doing during the week?
3. What would get us excited enough to do the same?
4. How different was their attitude than what might be expected today if it was announced that someone was going to share about Jesus and Salvation?

Acts 13:45-47

It did not take long for opposition to come.  The Jews were not concerned until they saw the whole city gathering to hear Paul and Barnabas.  They became jealous and try to contradict what was being said.  Desperation set in, driving them to the point of blasphemy.  From the way the Scripture reads they began to turn the others away from listening to Paul. He condemned their actions going so far as to tell them that they had disqualified themselves from receiving eternal life.  Because they refused to listen he spoke out with boldness stating that he would begin working with the Gentiles.  He confirmed his intentions by quoting from Is. 42:6 and 49:6 which clearly states that the Messiah is to be a light and bring salvation to the Gentiles.

1. Why did the Jews oppose Paul and Barnabas?
2. Why would Paul not been surprised by their actions?
3. What did actions say about them when they were willing to resort to blasphemy to prove their point?
4. What did they lose in the process?
5. What was the benefit for the Gentiles? (See Romans 11)
6. In what ways do we sometimes react like the Jews?

Acts 13:48-49

As would be expected, upon hearing the encouraging words of Paul and Barnabas the Gentiles began to rejoice greatly.  Many became followers of Christ and took the word into all of the region around Pisidian Antioch.

1. Why did the Gentiles respond differently than the Jews?
2. Why would Paul be willing to begin minister among the Gentiles?
3. Why did the word about Jesus spread so quickly in the region around Pisidian Antioch?
4. In what ways are the Gentiles of that day an example for us?

Acts 13:50

As the gospel spread the opposition became more intense.  The Jews now stirred up two different groups to begin to persecute the two men. They were able to gain the support of

• Devout (Jewish) women of prominence
• Leading men of the city

Their final act was to drive them out of the district. 

1. Why did the Jews go to so great links to stop Paul?
2. What was their religion lacking that the Gentiles would be drawn to Christianity?
3. What did they hope to accomplish by driving the two men out of the district?

Acts 13:51

Paul and Barnabas responded by shaking the dust of the city off their sandals.  Jesus had given these instructions to His disciples as He sent out into the cities to teach and heal.  He told them to shake the dust off of any city that would not listen to the message they brought. (Matt. 10:14)  Instead of turning back the two men went further into Asia Minor to the city of Iconium.

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas shake the dust of the city from their sandals?
2. What did this say about the cities that they left?
3. Against whom were they protesting with the act?
4. What would be the easiest thing for them to do at this point?
5. What does making a decision to Iconium say about them?

Paul and Barnabas provide us with the example of what godly men do when faced with difficult situations.  As you reflect on this lesson

• Consider which of the characters in this chapter are you most like.
• Consider to whom or what are you committed
• Think about the way you have handled adversity in your life.  Have you done it in a Christ-like way?
• Pray continually that no matter the circumstances that your commitment to Jesus will be steadfast.

 We live in a world not unlike the one in which Paul and Barnabas ministered.  As the day of Christ’s return approaches the world will become more skeptical.  People like Richard Dawkins, the author, evolutionist and atheist have devoted followers.  They take every opportunity to demean Christians and blaspheme our God.  We must decide now how we will deal with that type of individual and the circumstances that do not in any way affirm Jesus. 

Times are going to become difficult.  Are we going to have the attitude of John Mark and retreat and give up of the church?  Paul and Barnabas set the standard high.  Are we willing to commit ourselves to continue on when the going gets difficult?  We are at just a time at BP.  We have been called to minister in the area surrounding the Church.  Are we prepared and are we committed enough to see the ministry carried through to completion?

Additional notes:

Paul and Barnabas were allowed to speak and shared the gospel with all the people.  Those who heard the words of Paul asked him to return the following Sabbath that they hear more of what he was proclaiming.  (Acts 13:14-42)

GC-Those who respond are recipients (those who listen) of the word of salvation that has gone forth from the mouths of God’s witnesses. (Acts 13:26; 28:28)

GC-One who loves the Lord preaches (proclaims) and teaches the good news of the promise made to us concerning Jesus. (Acts 13:32-33)

GC-Everyone who has committed themselves to Christ are free from the bondage of the Law. (Acts 13:39)

OC-True freedom comes from belief. (Acts 13:39)

C-There in that city many of the Jews and God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas as they left the synagogue. (Acts 13:43)

C-Nearly all of the city of Perga came to hear Paul and Barnabas speak.  When the Jews saw the large crowds they became jealous and began contradicting the words of Paul.  They went so far as to begin blaspheming.  The two men did not let those things deter them but continued to share the gospel boldly.  It was at this point that they began their ministry to the Gentiles because the Jews attempted to repudiate the message of Jesus Christ. (Acts 13:44-47)

 GC-There is to be no jealousy found in the life of the believer. (Acts 13:45)

DM-By repudiating the word of God, the Jews judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. (Acts 13:46)

DM-It was the Gentiles of Pisidian Antioch who rejoiced when they heard that God was willing to accept them into His kingdom.  Many of them believed and found eternal life. (Acts 13:48)

C-The Gentiles began rejoicing and giving glory to God for the message they were hearing through Paul.  As a result many of them became believers. (Acts 13:48)

GC-In each life there is rejoicing and glorifying when he hears the word of God.  It is the message of salvation and eternal life to those who believe. (Acts 13:48; 16:34)

C-Through the ministry of the missionaries the word of the Lord began to be spread throughout that whole region. (Acts 13:49)

GC-The one who has come to Christ can expect persecution from those who oppose the Gospel, sometimes it will come in the form of verbal abuse and at other times it will be physical in nature. (Acts 13:50; 14:5, 19, 22; 16:19-24; 17:6, 13; 26:21; 1 Cor. 4:12-13: 1 Thess. 2:2, 14-15; 3:3-4)

C-The actions of the Jews would become a pattern in all of the places in which Paul would share the gospel.  Each city had its own group of those who persecuted the missionaries but it occurred over and over again.  In Perga the Jews incited prominent women and the leading men to turn against Paul and Barnabas.  They were driven out of that area.  As commanded by Jesus when He sent His disciples out, the two men shook the dust of that city off their feet and went on to Iconium. (Acts 13:50-51)

GC-Disciples are filled continually with the joy of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52)