Acts 13

So the great missionary work of Paul begins, his partner here being Barnabas. How neat it is to see the environment they were called in: the gifts present, worship, fasting, prayer and being filled with the Holy Spirit. All aspects of the Christian life that we are wise to engage in when we want to hear from God. It is interesting that the Spirit would lead them to Cyprus, but once their they focused their ministry on political and economic centers. These are the places with the most people and the most influence. Paul followed this pattern on all His journeys. And with the work of God, there will always be opposition, both human and spiritual. Wouldn’t it be nice to call out a detractor like Paul does here? So Elymas desired to be a reason the proconsul didn’t believe, but he became part of the reason he did! In Pisidian Antioch (on the mainland now, current day Turkey) Paul follows his other pattern to minister in the synagogue. Paul also always tailors his message to His audience and so gives this group a very Jewish message. He points to the Jews history and focuses their attention on David and Jesus being his descendent and the promises given to David being fulfilled in Him. What a great truth that Paul (and us) present the truth of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, being justified through Him all the things we could never be justified for by the law. And what a response they receive! And yet that creates jealousy in the Jews. How hard hearted to be jealous over people believing a message as opposed to correcting the message or giving a better one. So they discredit Paul and stir up people against him. It will be another common pattern in Paul’s ministry. May we be as impassioned for the gospel as Paul to face the challenges he did and continue in presenting the truth.