Acts 13 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Acts 13 meaning explained in AI Summary

Paul and Barnabas' First Journey: Paul and Barnabas embark on their first missionary journey, traveling to Cyprus and Asia Minor.
Establishing Churches: They establish churches in various cities, preaching the gospel and witnessing conversions.
Facing Opposition: They also encounter opposition from Jewish leaders who reject their message.

Chapter 13 of Acts marks a significant shift in the narrative, transitioning from the growth of the early church in Jerusalem to the launch of the first organized missionary journey.

1. Sent by the Spirit (1-3):

- The Holy Spirit directs the church in Antioch to commission Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul) for missionary work.

- After fasting and prayer, they are set apart and sent off.

2. Ministry in Cyprus (4-12):

- Barnabas and Saul travel to Cyprus, preaching in synagogues.

- They encounter a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (Elymas) who opposes them.

- Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, blinds Elymas, which leads the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, to believe.

3. Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia (13-52):

- They sail to Perga and then travel inland to Antioch of Pisidia.

- Paul delivers a powerful sermon in the synagogue, outlining God's faithfulness to Israel, culminating in Jesus' death and resurrection.

- He emphasizes that salvation is offered to all, Jew and Gentile alike.

- The message is well-received by many Gentiles, but rejected by some Jews who stir up opposition.

- Paul and Barnabas boldly declare that they will now turn to the Gentiles since the Jews have rejected the message.

- The Gentiles rejoice, and many believe.

4. Persecution and Progress (50-52):

- Jealous Jews incite persecution against Paul and Barnabas, forcing them to flee to Iconium.

- Despite the opposition, the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes:

The Holy Spirit's Guidance: The entire mission is initiated and directed by the Holy Spirit, highlighting its crucial role in the expansion of the early church.
Salvation for All: The message of salvation through Jesus is extended to both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the universality of God's grace.
Opposition and Perseverance: The missionaries face opposition and persecution, but they remain faithful and filled with joy, demonstrating the cost of discipleship.

Significance:

Chapter 13 marks a turning point in the book of Acts, launching the first of Paul's missionary journeys that will spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. It highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, the importance of preaching the gospel to all nations, and the reality of persecution in the life of a believer.

Acts 13 bible study ai commentary

The mission to the world officially begins. Acts 13 marks a pivotal shift in redemptive history, initiated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. From the diverse, missional church in Antioch, Barnabas and Saul are commissioned for the first missionary journey. The narrative introduces Paul's apostolic authority through a spiritual confrontation, his formal name change, and his first recorded sermon. This sermon, delivered in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch, establishes a paradigm for Paul's ministry: it powerfully argues from Israel's history that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, declares the radical news of justification by faith apart from the works of the Law, and enacts the strategic turn to the Gentiles in the face of rejection by Jewish leaders, setting a pattern for the remainder of the book.

Acts 13 context

The setting begins in Antioch of Syria, the third-largest city in the Roman Empire and a vibrant, multicultural hub. This church, unlike the one in Jerusalem, was founded by Hellenistic Jewish believers and had a mixed congregation, making it the ideal launching pad for a Gentile mission. The Roman province of Cyprus was a strategic first stop, a senatorial province governed by a proconsul, and a known commercial center with a significant Jewish population. The synagogue served as the universal starting point for the missionaries, as it provided a ready-made audience familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, a place of community, and an open platform for visiting teachers to speak. This context is essential for understanding the strategic genius of Paul's missionary method: using established Jewish infrastructure to proclaim a message that would ultimately break out to the Gentile world.

Acts 13:1-3

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

In-depth-analysis

Diverse Leadership: The list showcases the remarkable diversity of the Antioch church leadership, a model for the universal church. It includes:
- Barnabas: A Cypriot Levite (Acts 4:36).
- Simeon called Niger: His name suggests he was a black African.
- Lucius of Cyrene: From North Africa (modern Libya), likely one of the founders of this church (Acts 11:20).
- Manaen: (Greek: Manaēn; Hebrew: Menahem). His connection as "lifelong friend" (or "foster-brother" - syntrophos) of Herod Antipas (the ruler who beheaded John the Baptist and tried Jesus) is stunning. It shows the gospel penetrating the highest and most corrupt echelons of society.
- Saul: A highly educated Pharisee from Tarsus.
Spirit-Initiated Mission: The mission is not the result of a human strategy meeting. The Holy Spirit is the primary actor and decision-maker ("the Holy Spirit said...").
Worship and Fasting: The command comes during an intense time of spiritual focus. Worship (leitourgountōn) here is a public, priestly service to God, not just singing. Fasting demonstrated their earnestness and dependence on God.
"Set apart for me": The Greek word is aphorizō, the same root Paul uses to describe his own apostolic calling (Rom 1:1; Gal 1:15). It means to separate or consecrate for a special purpose.
Laying on of Hands: This act did not confer a new status or power but was a formal act of commissioning, identification, and blessing, setting them apart publicly for the task the Spirit had already assigned.

Bible references

Romans 1:1: "...Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart (aphorismenōs) for the gospel of God..." (Paul's own understanding of his calling).
Galatians 1:15: "But when he who had set me apart (aphorisas) from my mother's womb..." (Divine calling from birth).
Matthew 28:19: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." (The Great Commission being enacted).
Numbers 27:23: "...and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD directed through Moses." (OT precedent for commissioning with hands).

Cross references

Ex 33:14 (God's presence goes with them), Isa 6:8 (Here I am, send me), Acts 1:8 (Mission command), Acts 11:19-21 (Founding of Antioch church), 2 Tim 1:6 (Gift of God through laying on of hands).

Acts 13:4-5

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

In-depth-analysis

"Sent out by the Holy Spirit": Luke re-emphasizes that the Spirit is the sending agent.
Seleucia: The nearby seaport for Antioch.
Cyprus: A logical first destination as it was the homeland of Barnabas, who likely had connections there.
Synagogues: The strategic starting point. It allowed them to reach Jews and "God-fearers" (Gentiles who worshiped Yahweh but hadn't fully converted) who were already familiar with the Scriptures Paul would use to prove his case.
John to assist them: This is John Mark, Barnabas's cousin (Col 4:10). His role as "assistant" (hypēretēs) was likely practical (logistics, arrangements) and catechetical (assisting in teaching new converts).

Bible references

Acts 4:36: "Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus..." (Barnabas's connection to Cyprus).
Colossians 4:10: "...and Mark the cousin of Barnabas..." (John Mark's familial tie).

Cross references

Acts 9:20 (Saul preaches in synagogues immediately), Acts 14:1 (Synagogue ministry pattern), Acts 17:1-2 (Synagogue ministry pattern).

Acts 13:6-12

When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

In-depth-analysis

Paphos: The capital of the Roman province of Cyprus, where the proconsul resided.
Spiritual Confrontation: The first major opposition is not political but spiritual—a clash between the power of God and the power of Satan.
Names as Polemics:
- Bar-Jesus: Aramaic for "Son of Jesus" or "Son of Salvation." A false prophet using a spiritually significant name.
- Elymas: From an Arabic or Aramaic root meaning "sorcerer" or "magician."
- Paul's rebuke: "You son of the devil" is a direct polemical inversion of "Bar-Jesus." Paul reveals his true spiritual lineage.
Saul, who was also called Paul: This is the pivotal moment where Luke formally switches names. Saul (Saulos) is his Hebrew name; Paul (Paulos) is his Latin/Roman cognomen. As the "Apostle to the Gentiles," he adopts his Roman name at the point of his first major encounter with a Roman official. It signals the trajectory of his mission.
Retributive Justice: Paul, who was temporarily blinded at his own conversion (Acts 9:8-9), now becomes the agent through whom a similar sign-judgment falls on an opponent. Elymas, who tried to spiritually blind Sergius Paulus, is physically blinded.
Sergius Paulus: Luke calls him "a man of intelligence," validating his intellectual credibility. His conversion is not due to mere spectacle, but because he was "astonished at the teaching of the Lord." The miracle validated the message.

Bible references

Acts 8:9-24: "But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic..." (A similar confrontation between an apostle, Peter, and a magician).
2 Corinthians 11:14-15: "...for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness." (Describes the nature of false prophets).
Acts 9:8-9: "Saul rose from the ground, and though his eyes were opened, he saw nothing... for three days he was without sight..." (Paul's own experience of blindness).

Cross references

Deu 18:10-12 (Prohibition of sorcery), Jer 23:16 (Warning against false prophets), 1 Joh 3:8 (Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil), 2 Tim 3:8 (Jannes and Jambres opposing Moses).

Polemics

This event is a direct polemic against the magic, astrology, and syncretism prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. Imperial officials often retained personal magicians or astrologers. Paul's decisive victory demonstrated the superior power and authority of Christ over all occult forces, a key theme for the new church planting in a pagan environment.

Acts 13:13-16

Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem. But they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen."

In-depth-analysis

"Paul and his companions": Note the shift in leadership. It was "Barnabas and Saul" (v. 2, 7), but now it's "Paul and his companions." Paul has taken the lead role following the encounter at Paphos.
John Mark's Departure: John Mark leaves the mission at Perga. The reason is unstated, but it was significant enough to cause a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas later (Acts 15:37-39). Scholars speculate homesickness, fear of the rugged journey into Asia Minor, or disagreement over the turn to the Gentiles.
Antioch in Pisidia: A different Antioch from their sending church in Syria. This was a Roman colony in the province of Galatia, a major city on a key trade route.
Synagogue Custom: The order of service is authentic: reading from the Law (Torah) and the Prophets (Haftarah), followed by a sermon or "word of exhortation" (dabar). Visiting rabbis or teachers were often given the honor of speaking. Paul leverages this custom perfectly.
Paul's Audience: He addresses both "Men of Israel" (Jews by birth) and "you who fear God" (Gentiles who worshiped Yahweh and attended the synagogue).

Bible references

Acts 15:38: "But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work." (The later conflict over John Mark).
Luke 4:16-17: "...he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day... And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him." (Jesus using the same custom to begin his public ministry).

Cross references

Neh 8:3-8 (Public reading of the Law), Acts 17:10-11 (Searching Scriptures in Berea).

Acts 13:17-41 (Paul's Sermon)

(This section is a single, structured sermon and will be analyzed in thematic parts).

In-depth-analysis: The Sermon's Structure

Paul's sermon is a masterpiece of biblical theology and rhetoric, following a pattern of recounting salvation history to prove Jesus is the climax of that history.

Part 1: Historical Review (vv. 17-22)
Paul recaps God's faithfulness to Israel: choosing the fathers, the exodus, wilderness, conquest of Canaan (the "450 years" is a chronologically difficult phrase possibly referring to the time from patriarchs to conquest or the period of the judges), judges, and the transition to the monarchy with Saul and then David, whom God called "a man after my own heart." This builds common ground and establishes his credibility as someone who respects their history.
Part 2: From David to Jesus (vv. 23-25)
This is the crucial link. "From this man's descendants God has brought... a Savior, Jesus." He introduces John the Baptist as the great witness who prepared the way and acknowledged his own subordination to the coming Messiah.
Part 3: The Gospel Event: Rejection & Resurrection (vv. 26-31)
He turns to the "good news" for his listeners ("Brothers... this word of salvation has been sent to us"). He explains that the rulers in Jerusalem, in their ignorance, fulfilled the prophecies of the prophets by condemning Jesus. The crucifixion is mentioned, but the emphasis is immediately put on the resurrection: "But God raised him from the dead." This resurrection is not a secret; it was attested by numerous eyewitnesses.
Part 4: Prophetic Proof from Scripture (vv. 32-37)
Paul provides three key scriptural proofs for the resurrection:
1. Psalm 2:7: "...You are my Son; today I have begotten you." Paul applies this to the resurrection, the event that publicly declared Jesus's unique Sonship with power (cf. Rom 1:4).
2. Isaiah 55:3: "...the sure blessings of David." The promises to David could only be permanently fulfilled by an eternal, risen king.
3. Psalm 16:10: "...You will not let your Holy One see decay." He uses a rabbinic argument: David wrote this, but he died and his body decayed. Therefore, he must have been prophesying about someone else—the Messiah, who was raised before his body could see corruption. Peter makes the exact same argument in Acts 2.
Part 5: The Application & Offer (vv. 38-39)
This is the climax of the sermon and the core of the Pauline gospel. Through Jesus, two things are offered:
1. Forgiveness of sins: The universal human need.
2. Justification: "by him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." This is a revolutionary statement. He claims faith in Jesus accomplishes what the Mosaic Law was never able to do: provide a right standing before God.
Part 6: A Concluding Warning (vv. 40-41)
Paul ends with a solemn warning from Habakkuk 1:5. In its original context, God was warning Judah that he was about to do an unbelievable work: using the pagan Babylonians to judge them. Paul reapplies this brilliantly. The unbelievable work now is God saving Gentiles through the Jewish Messiah. If his Jewish audience rejects this work, they will be like the scoffers of old who perished in judgment.

Bible references

1 Samuel 13:14: "...a man after his own heart..." (God's description of David).
2 Samuel 7:12: "I will raise up your offspring after you... and I will establish his kingdom." (The Davidic Covenant).
Acts 2:24-32: Peter makes the same argument from Psalm 16 that the prophecy of not seeing decay must apply to the Messiah, not David. (Parallel apostolic preaching).
Romans 3:21-22: "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law... the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe." (The doctrine of Justification by Faith).
Galatians 2:16: "...yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ..." (Paul's clearest statement on justification).
Habakkuk 1:5: "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." (The source of Paul's warning).

Cross references

Deu 7:6-8 (Israel's election), Ex 12 (The Exodus), Jdg 2:16 (The Judges), Mal 3:1 (John the Baptist), Isa 53:3 (Rejected by men), Psa 2:7 (Sonship), Isa 55:3 (Davidic promises), Psa 16:10 (Resurrection), Jer 31:34 (Forgiveness of sins).

Acts 13:42-45

As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.

In-depth-analysis

Initial Success: The sermon is met with incredible interest. Many—both Jews and devout converts (sebomenōn prosēlytōn)—want to hear more and are urged to "continue in the grace of God," a key theme.
Jealousy as Motive: The trigger for the intense opposition is not theological disagreement but "jealousy" (zēlos). The Jewish leaders saw their status and control over the religious life of the community threatened by the huge crowds (filled with Gentiles) flocking to Paul.
Opposition: Their opposition took the form of public contradiction and reviling (blasphemountes), a strong term that can mean blasphemy or slander.

Bible references

Matthew 27:18: "For he [Pilate] knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him [Jesus] up." (Jealousy as a motive for rejecting Jesus).
Acts 17:5: "But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob..." (A repeated pattern of jealousy-fueled opposition).

Cross references

Acts 5:17 (Sadducees filled with jealousy), 1 Thes 2:14-16 (Jewish opposition to the gospel).

Acts 13:46-47

And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. But since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’”

In-depth-analysis

Theological Priority: Paul affirms the "to the Jew first" principle. God's salvation plan was always intended to work through Israel (Rom 1:16).
Consequence of Rejection: By rejecting the message, the leaders are, in effect, passing judgment on themselves ("judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life"). It is their own choice.
"We are turning to the Gentiles": A monumental statement. This is not a complete abandonment of Jewish ministry but a declaration of strategic intent in that city. Their rejection becomes the catalyst for the gospel's explicit expansion.
Scriptural Justification: Paul justifies this turn by quoting Isaiah 49:6. Originally a promise about God's Servant (the Messiah, and by extension, the nation of Israel), Paul now applies it directly to their apostolic mission. They are fulfilling this prophecy by taking the light to the Gentiles.

Bible references

Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (The principle stated).
Isaiah 49:6: "...I will make you as a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (The prophetic mandate for their mission).
Matthew 10:5-6: "These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, 'Go nowhere among the Gentiles... but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'" (Jesus' initial focus for the Twelve).
Luke 2:32: "...a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (Simeon's prophecy at Jesus' birth).

Cross references

Acts 18:6 (Paul's similar action in Corinth), Acts 28:28 (Paul's final declaration in Rome), Isa 42:6 (Light to the nations).

Acts 13:48-52

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

In-depth-analysis

Gentile Reception: In sharp contrast to the Jewish leadership's rejection, the Gentiles respond with joy.
Appointed to Eternal Life: "as many as were appointed (tetagmenoi) to eternal life believed." This verse is a cornerstone for the doctrine of divine election or predestination. The Greek word suggests being "ordered, arranged, or assigned." Faith is the result, not the cause, of being appointed by God for salvation.
Organized Persecution: The opposition was not random. It was a calculated effort, inciting influential citizens ("devout women of high standing and the leading men") to use political power to expel the missionaries.
Shaking off the Dust: This is a symbolic act Jesus commanded (Mt 10:14; Lk 9:5), signifying a clean break and a warning of judgment against those who reject the gospel message. The responsibility now lies with them.
Joy and the Spirit: Persecution does not stop the church. The newly planted believers are characterized not by fear, but by being "filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." This demonstrates that the church's health and vitality come from God, not from favorable circumstances.

Bible references

John 6:44: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." (Divine initiative in salvation).
Ephesians 1:4-5: "...even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world... he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons..." (Doctrine of election).
Matthew 10:14: "And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town." (The command from Jesus).
1 Thessalonians 1:6: "...you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit." (The pairing of affliction and Spirit-filled joy).

Cross references

Rom 8:28-30 (The golden chain of salvation), Joh 10:26-27 (My sheep hear my voice), 2 Tim 3:11 (Paul recalling this specific persecution).

Acts chapter 13 analysis

The Missionary Pattern: This chapter establishes a recurring pattern for Paul's ministry in Acts:
1. Enter a city and go to the synagogue.
2. Preach the gospel, showing Jesus is the fulfillment of OT scripture.
3. Face rejection and persecution from established Jewish leaders, often fueled by jealousy.
4. Formally turn to the more receptive Gentiles.
5. A church is planted.
6. The missionaries are driven out and move to the next city.
Theology in Narrative: Luke embeds profound theology within the story. The sovereignty of the Holy Spirit (v. 2), the authority of Christ over darkness (v. 10), the fulfillment of prophecy, justification by faith (v. 39), and divine election (v. 48) are all taught through events.
Wordplay and Names: Luke masterfully uses names for effect. Bar-Jesus ("son of salvation") is exposed as a "son of the devil." Saul (named after Israel's first rejected king) becomes Paul (Paulos, "small"), who humbly serves the true king, Jesus. This is not accidental.
Sermon as a Bridge: Paul's sermon is a bridge between the Jewish world and the Gentile mission. It begins deeply rooted in Jewish history and Scripture but concludes with the universal offer of justification by faith, a message that would resonate powerfully in the non-Jewish world. It's a "proto-Romans," containing the seed of the gospel he would later expound in his epistles.

Acts 13 summary

The Holy Spirit commands the diverse church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. On their first journey, they travel to Cyprus, where Saul (now called Paul) confronts and blinds a false prophet, leading to the conversion of the Roman proconsul. In Pisidian Antioch, Paul preaches his first recorded sermon, proving from the Old Testament that Jesus is the prophesied Savior and offering forgiveness and justification by faith. When Jewish leaders, filled with jealousy, reject the message, Paul and Barnabas declare their intention to turn to the Gentiles, who receive the word with joy. Persecuted and driven out, they leave behind a new community of believers filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

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Acts chapter 13 kjv

¹ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
² As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
³ And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
⁴ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
⁵ And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
⁶ And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
⁷ Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
⁹ Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.
¹⁰ And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
¹¹ And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
¹² Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
¹³ Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
¹⁴ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
¹⁵ And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
¹⁶ Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
¹⁷ The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
¹⁸ And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
¹⁹ And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
²⁰ And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
²¹ And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
²² And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
²³ Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
²⁴ When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
²⁵ And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
²⁶ Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
²⁷ For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
²⁸ And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
²⁹ And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
³⁰ But God raised him from the dead:
³¹ And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
³² And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
³³ God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
³⁴ And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
³⁵ Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
³⁶ For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
³⁷ But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
³⁸ Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
³⁹ And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
⁴⁰ Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
⁴¹ Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
⁴² And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
⁴³ Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
⁴⁴ And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
⁴⁷ For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
⁴⁸ And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
⁴⁹ And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
⁵⁰ But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
⁵¹ But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Acts chapter 13 nkjv

¹ Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
² As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
³ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
⁴ So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
⁵ And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.
⁶ Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus,
⁷ who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
⁹ Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
¹⁰ and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
¹¹ And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
¹² Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
¹³ Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.
¹⁴ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
¹⁵ And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."
¹⁶ Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:
¹⁷ The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.
¹⁸ Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness.
¹⁹ And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.
²⁰ "After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
²¹ And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
²² And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'
²³ From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior?Jesus?
²⁴ after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
²⁵ And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.'
²⁶ "Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.
²⁷ For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.
²⁸ And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.
²⁹ Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
³⁰ But God raised Him from the dead.
³¹ He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.
³² And we declare to you glad tidings? that promise which was made to the fathers.
³³ God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.'
³⁴ And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: 'I will give you the sure mercies of David.'
³⁵ Therefore He also says in another Psalm: 'You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.'
³⁶ "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;
³⁷ but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.
³⁸ Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
³⁹ and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
⁴⁰ Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:
⁴¹ 'Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.' "
⁴² So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
⁴³ Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
⁴⁴ On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.
⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.
⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
⁴⁷ For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.' "
⁴⁸ Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
⁴⁹ And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.
⁵⁰ But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
⁵¹ But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts chapter 13 niv

¹ Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.
² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
⁴ The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
⁵ When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
⁶ They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,
⁷ who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
⁹ Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,
¹⁰ "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?
¹¹ Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
¹² When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
¹³ From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.
¹⁴ From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.
¹⁵ After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak."
¹⁶ Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!
¹⁷ The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country;
¹⁸ for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness;
¹⁹ and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance.
²⁰ All this took about 450 years. "After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.
²¹ Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.
²² After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
²³ "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.
²⁴ Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.
²⁵ As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'
²⁶ "Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.
²⁷ The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.
²⁸ Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.
²⁹ When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb.
³⁰ But God raised him from the dead,
³¹ and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
³² "We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors
³³ he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: "?'You are my son; today I have become your father.'
³⁴ God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, "?'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'
³⁵ So it is also stated elsewhere: "?'You will not let your holy one see decay.'
³⁶ "Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.
³⁷ But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
³⁸ "Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
³⁹ Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.
⁴⁰ Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
⁴¹ "?'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.'"
⁴² As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.
⁴³ When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
⁴⁴ On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
⁴⁵ When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
⁴⁷ For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "?'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
⁴⁸ When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
⁴⁹ The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
⁵⁰ But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
⁵¹ So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium.
⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts chapter 13 esv

¹ Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
³ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
⁴ So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
⁵ When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.
⁶ When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
⁷ He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
⁸ But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
⁹ But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
¹⁰ and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?
¹¹ And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
¹² Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
¹³ Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,
¹⁴ but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.
¹⁵ After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it."
¹⁶ So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.
¹⁷ The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.
¹⁸ And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
¹⁹ And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance.
²⁰ All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.
²¹ Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
²² And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'
²³ Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.
²⁴ Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
²⁵ And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'
²⁶ "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.
²⁷ For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.
²⁸ And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed.
²⁹ And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.
³⁰ But God raised him from the dead,
³¹ and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.
³² And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,
³³ this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.'
³⁴ And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, "'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.'
³⁵ Therefore he says also in another psalm, "'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.'
³⁶ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,
³⁷ but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.
³⁸ Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
³⁹ and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
⁴⁰ Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:
⁴¹ "'Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'"
⁴² As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.
⁴³ And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
⁴⁴ The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
⁴⁶ And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.
⁴⁷ For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
⁴⁸ And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
⁴⁹ And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
⁵⁰ But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
⁵¹ But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.
⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts chapter 13 nlt

¹ Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called "the black man" ), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas ), and Saul.
² One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them."
³ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
⁴ So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
⁵ There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant.
⁶ Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
⁷ He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God.
⁸ But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing.
⁹ Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye.
¹⁰ Then he said, "You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord?
¹¹ Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time." Instantly mist and darkness came over the man's eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him.
¹² When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
¹³ Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.
¹⁴ But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services.
¹⁵ After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it."
¹⁶ So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. "Men of Israel," he said, "and you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me.
¹⁷ "The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery.
¹⁸ He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
¹⁹ Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance.
²⁰ All this took about 450 years. "After that, God gave them judges to rule until the time of Samuel the prophet.
²¹ Then the people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years.
²² But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.'
²³ "And it is one of King David's descendants, Jesus, who is God's promised Savior of Israel!
²⁴ Before he came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized.
²⁵ As John was finishing his ministry he asked, 'Do you think I am the Messiah? No, I am not! But he is coming soon ? and I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the sandals on his feet.'
²⁶ "Brothers ? you sons of Abraham, and also you God-fearing Gentiles ? this message of salvation has been sent to us!
²⁷ The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had spoken about. Instead, they condemned him, and in doing this they fulfilled the prophets' words that are read every Sabbath.
²⁸ They found no legal reason to execute him, but they asked Pilate to have him killed anyway.
²⁹ "When they had done all that the prophecies said about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb.
³⁰ But God raised him from the dead!
³¹ And over a period of many days he appeared to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to the people of Israel.
³² "And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors,
³³ and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm says about Jesus: 'You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father. '
³⁴ For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, 'I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.'
³⁵ Another psalm explains it more fully: 'You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.'
³⁶ This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed.
³⁷ No, it was a reference to someone else ? someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay.
³⁸ "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.
³⁹ Everyone who believes in him is made right in God's sight ? something the law of Moses could never do.
⁴⁰ Be careful! Don't let the prophets' words apply to you. For they said,
⁴¹ 'Look, you mockers,
be amazed and die!
For I am doing something in your own day,
something you wouldn't believe
even if someone told you about it.' "
⁴² As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week.
⁴³ Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.
⁴⁴ The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord.
⁴⁵ But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said.
⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, "It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.
⁴⁷ For the Lord gave us this command when he said, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.' "
⁴⁸ When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.
⁴⁹ So the Lord's message spread throughout that region.
⁵⁰ Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town.
⁵¹ So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium.
⁵² And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.