Scripture Reading: Acts 13:38-43
The Word of this Salvation
(Acts 13)
Intro.
1. The gospel work continues in Antioch, Acts 13:1-2. Teaching, fasting (prayer and much activity of service): “They ministered to the Lord”.
2. The Holy Spirit had a particular work for Barnabas and Saul.
I. GOSPEL PREACHERS SENT BY GOD, Acts 13:1-5.
A. The Local Work in Antioch, 13:1-2.
1. The work of edification with God’s word, 13:1; Eph. 4:11-12.
2. Models of unity, fervency and devotion.
3. Ministered to the Lord: Lit., people + service (old word used of those who “served the state at their own cost”); liturgy comes from this Gr. word, though a drastic departure in usage.
4. Fasted: Period of concentrated spiritual devotion –
a. Mourning for sin (Acts 9:9, 11), period of extreme sorrow (Lk. 5:35), or intense devotion to the Lord’s work (Acts 14:23).
b. Fasting was never to be viewed as an end in itself. It was not something one did “to get holy.” Instead, it was one way of dedicating oneself to God (His will and work), Matt. 6:16-18.
B. The Holy Spirit Called Barnabas and Saul to a Work, 13:3-4.
1. Sent by the brethren (13:3) and the Holy Spirit (13:4).
2. Room in the kingdom for workers, not competitors, 1 Cor. 3:5-9.
II. A FALSE PROPHET SENT BY THE DEVIL, Acts 13:6-12.
A. A Fierce Opponent of the Gospel on Cyprus. (Island 60 mi. W of Syria and 40 miles S of Asia Minor; Total length E to W is 140 miles. In ancient times, Cyprus valued for its copper mines and timber.)
1. Sergius Paulus (governor), a prudent man, sought to hear, 13:7.
2. Elymas (“the wise”), 13:6, 8. Sorcerer and false spokesman of God
a. Stumbling block to Sergius Paulus, 13:8; cf. Matt. 18:6-7.
b. Full of all deceit (guile, “bait”) and fraud (malicious, mean, ugly).
c. Son of the devil (Jno. 8:44, liar); Enemy of all righteousness.
d. Perverter of the right ways of the Lord.
3. Caricature of the false teacher of every age, (2 Pet. 2:1-3).
4. Miracle of blindness that others might see! 13:11-12
5. Synonyms for God’s word, 13:5, 7, 8, 10, 12.
III. A SAVIOR WAS SENT TO ISRAEL FOR THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD, Acts 13:13-41.
A. A Helper Leaves the Work, 13:13 (5). John Mark (15:38)
1. Travel to Perga, then inland to Antioch of Pisidia. [Perga: 170 mi. NW of Paphos in the province of Pamphylia, inland 12 miles. Temple of Artemis (Diana) on a hill outside of town. Antioch: E-W trade route; Roman colony]
2. Leadership of Paul is now evident, 13:13.
B. At the Synagogue: A Word of Exhortation, 13:15-22.
1. Opportunity to preach the gospel.
2. Brief historical sketch from Egypt to David to gain their confidence and bring them to the main point: Jesus the Christ.
a. Genesis and Exodus, 13:17.
b. Leviticus–Deuteronomy, 13:18.
c. Joshua, 13:19.
d. Judges, 13:20.
e. 1 Samuel, 13:21. Asked for a king, gave them Saul.
f. David, 13:22: A man after God’s own heart; Promise: Psa. 132:11.
C. Jesus the Savior (the word of this salvation), 13:23-43.
1. Savior promised by God, announced by John and preached by Paul, 13:23-26.
2. Rejected, killed, buried and raised, 13:27-31.
3. We declare to you the gospel, 13:32-39:
a. God fulfilled His promise to the fathers by the resurrection of Jesus, 13:32-33 – Fulfilled prophecies: Psa. 2:7 (“today I have begotten You”) and Psa. 16:10 (Messianic, 13:35-37).
b. Confirmed by the blessings that follow, 13:34.
c. Through Jesus is preached forgiveness of sins, 13:38.
d. By Him there is justification by faith – Something LOM could not do, 13:39; cf. Gal. 2:16 (Rom. 3:20).
4. Warning: Do not reject the work of God! 13:40-41
a. Gentiles begged for more next week, 13:42.
b. Many Jews and proselytes saved by grace, through faith, 13:43.
IV. THE WORD OF GOD IS REJECTED AND RECEIVED, Acts 13:44-52.
A. Envy of the Jews Caused Opposition to Gospel, 13:44-46.
-When one rejects the gospel he judges himself unworthy of eternal life.
B. Everlasting Life to the Gentiles, 13:46-48.
-Who is appointed to eternal life? Everyone who believes! 13:39, 43
C. Spread of the Gospel, 13:49-52.
1. Word of God was being spread through the region, 13:49.
2. Opposition arose, 13:50; Brethren were joyful and faithful, 13:52.
3. Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium (90 mi. SE of Antioch).
Conclusion
1. Acts 13: Start of Paul’s first preaching journey.
2. Conversions continue as the gospel spreads:
a. Sergius Paulus (“believed”), 13:12.
b. Many Jews and proselytes in Antioch in the grace of God, 13:43.
c. Gentiles in Antioch, 13:48.
3. The word of this salvation has come to you: Will you believe and be saved, or contradict it, oppose it and be lost?
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: August 7, 2013