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III. The Lord Jesus Christ at work by the Holy Spirit through the apostlesto the uttermost part of the earth, Chapters 13 — 28

As the final surge of the gospel beyond the boundaries of Israel begins, Paulbecomes the dominant leader and Peter disappears from the scene.

Chapters 13, 14 — The first missionary journey of the apostle Paul isbegun with Barnabas. The first stop is the Island of Cyprus, the home ofBarnabas. They cross the island to Paphos. From there they sail to Perga inPamphylia, then enter the interior of Asia Minor (now Turkey) into theGalatian country.

Chapter 13

vv. 1, 2 — The church in Antioch was the missionary church, not thechurch in Jerusalem. Notice that the Holy Spirit chose Saul and Barnabas.It is “Barnabas and Saul” at first, but Saul becomes the leader, changes hisname to Paul, and the team becomes “Paul and Barnabas.”

v. 4 — They are led by the Holy Spirit.

v. 5 — They begin at Salamis on the Island of Cyprus, but there are noconspicuous conversions here.

vv. 6-12 — They cross the island to Paphos where Paul encountersElymas, the sorcerer, who influences Sergius Paulus, a Roman deputy in thecountry. Elymas is routed and Sergius Paulus becomes a believer. Saul’sname is changed (v. 9) to Paul (Paulus means “little”) and could be takenafter Sergius Paulus.

v. 13 — They arrive at Perga and John Mark turns back.

vv. 14-42 — In Antioch of Pisidia Paul preaches in the synagogue on thesabbath day one of his greatest sermons. Notice that after the reading of theLaw, Paul was permitted to speak. He recounts their history as a nation, asStephen had done. Then he presents Jesus as the Savior (v. 23). He recountsHis history, and then presents the death and resurrection of Jesus as themeans of salvation (vv. 29-39). Paul gives a final warning (vv. 40-42).

vv. 43-49 — The next sabbath they preach to the Gentiles.

vv. 50-52 — Paul and Barnabas are forced to flee to Iconium.

Chapter 14

vv. 5, 6 — Paul and Barnabas are forced to flee to Lystra and Derbe.

vv. 8-28 — In Lystra Paul heals a man who had no strength in his feet.

The Galatians were a fickle people (see notes on Galatians). They want toperform a religious sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as gods (vv. 11-13). Pauland Barnabas have to protest vigorously to prevent this (vv. 14-18). Thenext moment they stone Paul (v. 19). It is our judgment that Paul was deadafter the stoning and that God raised him from the dead. During this timehe had the experience of 2 Corinthians 12:1-9. Paul and Barnabas retracetheir steps (vv. 21-28), return to Antioch, and make their report.

Chapter 15 — The council of Jerusalem convened to consider law vs.grace, or law vs. liberty. The question before the council: Must Gentilescome under the Mosaic Law to become Christians? The Jerusalem churchfollowed the Mosaic Law to a great extent. Judaizers insisted that Gentilescome under the Law and wear the badge and outward mark, which was circumcision(v. 1).

vv. 2-4 — The church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem toconfer with the church there on this disturbing matter. On the way, inPhenice and Samaria, they report to the churches concerning the conversionof Gentiles, causing many of the brethren to rejoice.

vv. 5, 6 — A sect of the Pharisees who are believers insist that Gentilesbe circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. (The sacrificial section of theMosaic system was not an issue.)

vv. 7-11 — Peter is the first to speak to the issue. He recounts again hisexperience in the home of Cornelius where Gentiles had the same experiencethat the apostles did on the Day of Pentecost. The Gentiles did not haveany connection with the Law. Peter makes it abundantly clear that Israel hadnever kept the Law (v. 10).

v. 12 — Barnabas and Paul then report what God has done among theGentiles apart from the Law. Their messages are not recorded.

vv. 13-18 — James, leader of the church in Jerusalem, summarizes themind of the council. He fits the church into the program of the prophetsalthough the church is not a subject of prophecy. God is taking out of theGentiles a people for His name today (v. 14). The program of the prophetswill follow.

v. 16 — “After this” means after the church is taken out of the world. “Iwill return” is the second coming of Christ, described in Revelation 19. He“will build again [the] ruins” of the house of David that today has fallen down.

v. 17 —When Christ returns there will be a way for the remainder of mento seek after the Lord. Then all the Gentiles will be in the kingdom in thatday. The contrast is between “out of them” (Gentiles, v. 14) and “all thenations” (Gentiles).

vv. 19-29 — The decision is that the Gentiles not be required to meet anyof the demands of the Mosaic system, but that they exercise courtesy tothose who do — especially in the area of meats offered to idols and fornication.

vv. 30-41 — After the council Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch andmake preparations for a second missionary journey. Since they disagreeabout John Mark going with them again, they part company (vv. 37-39).The division is sharp. Paul takes Silas while Barnabas takes his nephewJohn Mark. Paul starts out through Syria and Cilicia.

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