Acts 13

Chapter Summary

Acts 13 begins with the church in Antioch, where the Holy Spirit sets apart Paul and Barnabas for the work of ministry. They sail to Cyprus, where they encounter the proconsul Sergius Paulus, and then travel to Pisidia, where they preach in the synagogue. The Jews reject their message, and Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles, who respond positively to the gospel. The chapter also records the opposition they face from the Jews, who stir up persecution against them. Despite this, Paul and Barnabas continue to preach the gospel, and many people believe. The chapter concludes with Paul and Barnabas returning to Antioch, where they report on their ministry and the establishment of the church among the Gentiles.

Context for the Chapter

Acts 13 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Acts, which tells the story of the early Christian church. The chapter follows the establishment of the church in Antioch, which becomes a significant center for missionary activity. The ministry of Paul and Barnabas is a key part of this narrative, as they are commissioned to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. The chapter also connects with the larger biblical narrative, as it fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 49:6 and marks the beginning of the church's mission to the Gentiles.

Heart Application

This chapter challenges us to be faithful in our ministry and to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It also encourages us to be bold in preaching the gospel, even in the face of opposition and persecution. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of being a light for the Gentiles and of bringing salvation to the ends of the earth.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Acts 13 is about the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, who are sent out by the church in Antioch to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. They face opposition and persecution, but they continue to preach the gospel and establish the church in new regions. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of being faithful in our ministry and of trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 13:47, Paul says that the Lord has made him a light for the Gentiles, and this is a challenge for us to be a light for the world.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord has given us a great commission, to preach the gospel to all nations, and to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

— John Calvin

“The gospel is a message of salvation, and it is our duty to preach it to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. The Commissioning of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-3) — The Holy Spirit sets apart Paul and Barnabas for the work of ministry, and they are commissioned to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
2. The Ministry in Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12) — Paul and Barnabas sail to Cyprus, where they encounter the proconsul Sergius Paulus and preach the gospel to him.
3. The Ministry in Pisidia (Acts 13:13-41) — Paul and Barnabas travel to Pisidia, where they preach in the synagogue and face opposition from the Jews.
4. The Response of the Gentiles (Acts 13:42-43) — The Gentiles respond positively to the gospel, and many people believe.
5. The Persecution and Return to Antioch (Acts 13:44-52) — Paul and Barnabas face persecution, but they continue to preach the gospel and eventually return to Antioch, where they report on their ministry.

Core Doctrines

The Authority of Scripture

This chapter emphasizes the authority of Scripture, as Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel and quote from the Old Testament.

The Guidance of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in guiding the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, as seen in Acts 13:2-4.

The Mission of the Church

The chapter highlights the mission of the church to spread the gospel to the Gentiles and to establish the church in new regions.

The Perseverance of the Saints

Paul and Barnabas face opposition and persecution, but they continue to preach the gospel and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Lessons from Acts 13

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — Paul and Barnabas are faithful in their ministry, despite facing opposition and persecution.
2. The Power of the Gospel — The gospel has the power to save people from all nations, and it is our duty to preach it to all people.
3. The Guidance of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit guides the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, and He can guide us in our own ministry.
4. The Importance of Perseverance — Paul and Barnabas face opposition and persecution, but they continue to preach the gospel and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
5. The Mission of the Church — The church has a mission to spread the gospel to the Gentiles and to establish the church in new regions.

Themes from Acts 13

1. The Mission of the Church — The chapter highlights the mission of the church to spread the gospel to the Gentiles and to establish the church in new regions.
2. The Guidance of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in guiding the ministry of Paul and Barnabas.
3. The Perseverance of the Saints — Paul and Barnabas face opposition and persecution, but they continue to preach the gospel and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
4. The Power of the Gospel — The gospel has the power to save people from all nations, and it is our duty to preach it to all people.
5. The Importance of Faithfulness — Paul and Barnabas are faithful in their ministry, despite facing opposition and persecution.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas?
2. How do Paul and Barnabas respond to opposition and persecution?
3. What is the role of the church in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles?
4. How does the ministry of Paul and Barnabas fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 49:6?
5. What challenges do we face in our own ministry, and how can we trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Acts 13

	Sermon	Description
	Taking Time to Wait on God - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of falling in love with Jesus and making Him the center of our lives. Through a three-week period of seeking the Lord, the spe
	Anotich, Apostolic, Sending and Setting by Art Katz	This sermon emphasizes the importance of fully inhabiting and possessing the spiritual gifts and callings that God has given to His people. It calls for a deep understanding and ex
	A Touch From God - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for individuals to hunger for more of God's pre
	(Hebrews - Part 12): Enter Into the Rest of Jesus by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding rest in God. He highlights that building character and doing virtuous deeds alone cannot bring true rest. The speak
	(Pdf Book) Apostolic Foundations by Art Katz	Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of the term 'apostolic' in the church, arguing that its loss threatens the very foundation of faith. He calls for a restoration of apost
	God's Kind of Servant by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker describes a family gathering where they read a chapter from the Bible and prayed for missionaries. The speaker emphasizes the importance of following Go
	Communication of Our Faith - Part 2 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the principles of witness and evangelism in the 20th century. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the message that the early church
	Christian Responsibility by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the word of God in order to shine for Jesus and experience the reality of Christ. The disciples in the early ch
	(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 03 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the word of God. He highlights how the word of God spread and had a profound impact on people's lives. The preach
	A Church Whose God Cannot Rest by David Platt	This sermon emphasizes the importance of fasting and praying for the restoration of God's glory in the church, the resounding of God's praise among the nations, and the longing for

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 13

In this chapter, we see the beginning of the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, who are sent out by the church in Antioch to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. They face opposition and persecution, but they continue to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to preach the gospel. The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in the face of opposition, and it emphasizes the missionary nature of the church. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is to be preached to all nations, and the church is to be a light for the Gentiles.' The chapter also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plan and being a light for the world, as seen in Acts 13:47, where Paul says that the Lord has made him a light for the Gentiles. This is a challenge for us to be a light for the world and to trust in God's plan, even in the face of opposition and persecution. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?