Travel – History – Gospel to the World
Acts 13:13-52 – January 22, 2023
Fasting
Acts 13:2-3. 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. –
Matthew 6:17-18. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Autophagy is how fasting results in so many health benefits. Go here and here to learn more.
Acts 13:13-14. Travel from Paphos, Cyprus they sailed to Perga in Pamphylia approximately 200 miles by sea. Then from Perga to Pisidian Antioch approximately 100 miles over land. What made such travel possible?
Roman Globalization made this possible by Pax Romana from 27 BC to 180 AD where the Roman Empire enabled an early version of globalization that offered travelers adventure, novelty and opportunity.
Acts 13:15-16. Paul addresses Israelites and Gentiles who worship God, not proselytes.
Acts 13:17-23. Brief – gentle – history of Israel up to the arrival of Jesus on the scene
Acts 13:24-31. John the Baptist – the last of the OT prophets. Paul gave fellow Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, again not proselytes, a short summary of Jesus life, death, and resurrection.
Acts 13:32-37. Death and resurrection of Jesus. Gospel of Jesus
Acts 13:38-41. The good news or Gospel of Jesus, the forgiveness of sin, justification before God – grace. And not just for the Jews there, but for the God-fearing Gentiles as well.
Acts 13:42-43. Encouragement to speak again and evidence of the first converts – Paul and Barnabas encouraged them to continue in the grace of God.
Acts 13:44-45. Success, everyone wanted to hear the good news of Christ. Almost everyone, some were jealous.
Acts 13:46-48. Boldly! A comparison of hard hearted Jews and open minded God-fearing Gentiles. If we look at the Greek for v48 we will find believed before appointed or ordained. The point being the Good News, the gospel is no longer just for Jews and proselytes. It is for anyone and everyone who will receive it.
Verse 46 had shown the Jews had acted through their own choice. The words then in verse 48 are really nothing more than a corollary of the Jews as a nation that had been ordained to eternal life—they had rejected it —but those who believed amongst the Gentiles were equally ordained by God to eternal life. (Expositor’s Greek Testament)
The word believe/s or belief occurs 63 times in Acts (NIV) and 83 times in John. Paul will stress belief or believing over and over throughout Acts.
Acts 13:49. News travels fast even without the internet and TV and for those who received it, this was the best news they had ever heard.
Acts 13:50-52. Expelled Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium – about 93 miles by roads today. Yet the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. This happened even in the midst of persecution, and is one of the many evidences that the gospel is able to fill the soul with joy even in the severest trials.
Bottom Line: In Acts 13 the gospel moves directly from Jews only or primarily to Gentiles who believe primarily.