Page 66 - Acts Student Textbook

Study Section 14: Acts 13: Paul’s First missionary Journey

14.1 Connect.

All that remained for the gospel was to break boundaries and strange cultures, far and wide.
This chapter fulfills that part. It is traditionally called, Paul’s first missionary journey. What
will be very consistent is the guidance of the Holy Spirit, both in words and in actions. Let’s
start…

14.2 Objectives.

1. The student should be able to describe the active leading of the Holy Spirit both in words
and actions.

2. The student should be able to examine who chose Paul and Barnabas for ministry?

3. The student should be able to analyze whether Luke is reliable in the facts of his historical
narratives.

4. The student should be able to discuss how we should consider Paul’s rebuke and pronouncement
of punishment in this passage?

5. The student should be able to examine the actions of John Mark at Perga?

6. The student should be able to observe Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch and how his message was
received?

14.3 Acts 13: Paul’s First missionary Journey

PART FOUR: ACTS 12:25-14:28; Galatia
The First Missionary Journey: Expansion into Cyprus and Southern Galatia

At this point in the record, the focus of attention shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch. The gospel had
been spread throughout Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, as Jesus had said it would be (1:8). This work
had focused on the efforts of the Jerusalem church. Now the message was about to go to the
uttermost parts of the earth, and the story focuses on the work of Saul, who was sent from the
Antioch church.

Who chose Paul and Barnabas for ministry?

As told in 13:1, the group composition of the leaders who were gathered at this time for prayers
included - Prophets and teachers in the Antioch church. In 13:2, 3, we are told that - Paul and
Barnabas were chosen by the Holy Spirit for a special work. Barnabas and Saul were set apart for
missionary work (12:25-13:3). The mechanics of how the choosing was done is not spelt out. Did the
Holy Spirit voice out, did He speak only to Paul and Barnabas, did He only speak to the prophets and
the prophets relay it to the group and group only confirmed? We don’t know. Here Luke gives us
summary information, common in narratives.

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