I. The First Tour (13:1 - 14:28)
A. Barnabas and Saul set apart to the work (13:1-3)
v.1 With the exception of Barnabas and Saul, little is known of these men. However, Manean was the foster brother of Herod Antipas. Who was Herod Antipas? A prophet is necessarily a teacher but a teacher is not necessarily a prophet.
v.2 Is fasting a command or a voluntary act? The Spirit indicates that now is the time for Barnabas and Saul to begin their appointed work.
v.3 The ceremony accompanying the separation: prayer, fasting and laying on of hands. There are no powers conveyed by this ceremony. Is this an example for us to follow today?
B. Their labors in Cyprus (vv. 4-12)
v.4 Antioch to Selucia- 16 miles. Sailed from Selucia to Cyprus- 80 miles. Cyprus, the home of Barnabas and disciples from the dispersion, Acts 11:19.
v.5 Salamis- eastern coast of Cyprus. Paul's general rule was to preach to the Jews first, then to the gentiles. John Mark, cousin of Barnabas. What was his function?
v.6,7 Paphos- 100 miles from Salamis at the western end of Cyprus. Paphos was the seat of the Roman government on the island. Bar-jesus was a Jew, a magician, and a false prophet. He had the ear of the Roman proconsul. Sergius-Paulus was a man of understanding, searching for truth.
v.8 Bar-jesus did not want the proconsul to come under the influence of Barnabas and Saul. This confrontation with the sorcerer is where Saul (Paul) asserts his leadership.
v.9 Saul- Hebrew, Paul- Greek. A fuller measure of the Holy Spirit came over Paul to direct him as to how to handle Elymas.
v.10 Paul uses four strong terms to denounce Elymas: 1) full of all guile- trickery, 2) full of all villainy- able to do something evil with ease, 3) son of the devil and 4) enemy of righteousness.
v.11 "The hand of the Lord" frequently refers to a condemnation, Ex. 9:3; Jud. 2:15
v.12 The purpose of the miracle is seen here, that is Sergius-Paulus believed.
C. The journey from Paphos to Antioch (vv. 13-15)
v.13 Barnabas and John Mark are now referred to as Paul's company. Paphos to Perga- 150 miles. John Mark returns to Jerusalem. Acts 15:37-39.
v.14 Perga to Antioch of Pisidia- 100 miles. They entered the synagogue and sat down with the worshippers there.
v.15 The order of services at the synagogue: 1) law is read, 2) as is a section of the prophets, 3) exhortations based on the readings, 4) those that had previously requested might speak before the congregation is dismissed.
D. Paul's Sermon in Antioch (vv. 16-41)
1. The introduction (vv.16-22)
v.16 Paul takes the opportunity to speak, rises, gestures for quiet and attention, and begins.
v.17 This is Paul's first recorded address. Ironically he begins his speech much the same way as Stephen began his, with a review of Jewish history.
v.18 "Suffered their manners" means tolerated their ways, not condoned them.
v.19,20 Deut. 7:1 lists the seven nations. Samuel was one of the last judges. See various commentators for explanation of 450 years.
v.21 Saul reigned 40 years, a fact not recorded in the OT. Parallel Saul and Paul.
v.22 David is chosen to replace Saul. Paul paraphrases from I Sam. 13:14 and Ps. 89:20. The throne is removed from the tribe of Benjamin and passed to the tribe of Judah.
2. Jesus preached as a savior (vv. 23-39)
a. the proposition (vv.23,24)
v.23,24 The Messiah was to come from the descendants of David. John- the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.
b. John's testimony (v.25)
v.25 Some believed that John was the Messiah. John corrected
this and pointed ahead to Jesus. Jn. 1:19-27