Acts 13

Saul and Barnabas Sent Out as Apostles

1In the church at Antioch there were a number of prophets and teachers of the Word, including Barnabas, Simeon from Niger, # 13:1 The Aramaic word niger means “someone who works with wood, a carpenter.” The Latin word niger means “black.” Lucius the Libyan, Manean (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), # 13:1 Or “who was like a brother to Herod the tetrarch.” and Saul. 2While they were worshiping as priests # 13:2 Or “serving the Lord.” The Greek word used here is also used for priestly duties. before the Lord in prayer and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, # 13:2 Here we see the Lord of the harvest, the Holy Spirit, sending out laborers into the harvest field. The Holy Spirit speaks in many different ways. Perhaps he spoke a prophecy through one of the prophets in the church, or a divine voice may have interrupted their worship. God’s Spirit still speaks today in any way he chooses. “I have called Barnabas and Saul to do an important work for me. Now, release them # 13:2 Or “appoint them.” The Greek word used here is found in the Septuagint of Num. 8:11 for consecrating Levites for God’s service as priests. to go and fulfill it.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid hands on them and sent them off. # 13:3 Or “dispatched them” (a military term). This was the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul as apostles. The word apostle means “sent one.” They were sent by the Holy Spirit and by the church and released as missionaries. The New Testament shows there were many other apostles besides the Twelve. See also Eph. 4:11–13.

4-5So Saul and Barnabas, and their assistant Mark (known as John), were directed by the Holy Spirit to go to Seleucia, # 13:4–5 Implied in the text. Seleucia (modern-day Samandag) was a coastal city in Syria from which Paul and Barnabas left with John Mark for their first missionary journey in AD 49. Seleucia means “white light.” and from there they sailed to Cyprus. # 13:4–5 Cyprus was the home of Barnabas. When they arrived at Salamis, # 13:4–5 Salamis is a city on the southeastern coast of Cyprus. Salamis means “in the middle of salty water.” they went to the synagogues and declared the Word of God. 6From there they crossed the island as far as Paphos, # 13:6 Paphos is a city on the southwestern coast of Cyprus. Paphos means “boiling hot.” where they encountered a Jewish false prophet, a sorcerer named Elymas, # 13:6 Or “spiritual advisor.” The Greek word magos is often translated “astrologer.” Although the text does not give us his name, Elymas, until v. 8, it is included here for the sake of the English narrative. who also went by the name of “son of Jesus.” # 13:6 Or “Bar-Jesus” (son of Joshua). The Aramaic is “Bar-Shuma.” 7He had gained influence as the spiritual advisor to the regional governor, Sergius Paulus, considered by many to be a wise and intelligent leader. The governor requested a meeting with Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the message of God’s word. # 13:7 The Aramaic can be translated “the manifestation of God.” 8But Elymas, whose name means “sorcerer,” # 13:8 The Aramaic name Elymas means “magician” or “sorcerer.” This would be similar to the Arabic name Alumas, which also means “magician.” stood up against them and tried to prevent the governor from believing their message.

9Saul, also known as Paul, # 13:9 From here on in Acts, Saul is only referred to as Paul. Saul means “sought after,” and Paul means “little.” The name change is descriptive of what happened within Paul, leaving behind greatness in his own eyes and being content to be insignificant. This is the journey every believer must take. stared into his eyes and rebuked him. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he said, 10“You son of the devil! # 13:10 Or “son of the accuser.” You are full of every form of fraud and deceit and an enemy of all that is right. When will you stop perverting the truth of God into lies? 11At this very moment the hand of God’s judgment comes down upon you and you will be blind—so blind you won’t even be able to see the light of the sun.” # 13:11 The Aramaic is “until the end of the age.”

As Paul spoke these words, a shadowy mist # 13:11 The Aramaic can be translated “gloom.” and darkness came over the sorcerer, leaving him blind and groping about, begging someone to lead him around by the hand. 12When the governor witnessed this, he believed and was awestruck by the power of the message of the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Turkey

13Paul and his companions sailed from the Cyprus port of Paphos to Perga in southern Turkey. # 13:13 Or “Pamphylia,” which may mean “a place of mingled races.” It is a region in southern Turkey. John left them # 13:13 The sudden departure of John from the team became an issue between Paul and Barnabas. See Acts 15:36–39. there and returned to Jerusalem 14as they journeyed on to the city of Antioch in the region of Pisidia. # 13:14 Antioch in the region of Pisidia is situated in the Sultandag Mountains about one hundred miles north of Perga. This would have been an arduous journey from the sea into the mountains. God was directing his missionaries where to go.

On the Sabbath they went into the synagogue and took their seats. 15After the reading from the scrolls of the books of Moses and the prophets, the leader of the meeting # 13:15 Or “president of the synagogue.” sent Paul and Barnabas a message, saying, “Brothers, do you have a word of encouragement to share with us? If so, please feel free to give it.”

16Paul stood and motioned that he had something to say. He said, “Listen, all of you Jews and non-Jews who worship God. 17The God of Israel divinely chose our ancestors to be his people. While they were enslaved in Egypt, he made them great, both in numbers and in strength, until he unveiled his mighty power and led them out of bondage. # 13:17 See Ex. 6:6; 12:51. 18For nearly forty years, he nourished them in the wilderness. # 13:18 As translated from the Aramaic and some Greek manuscripts. See also Ex. 16:35; Num. 14:34. 19He was the one who destroyed the seven nations inhabiting the land of Canaan # 13:19 See Deut. 7:1. and afterward gave the land to his people as their inheritance. 20This took about four hundred and fifty years. # 13:20 There is much debate over where this clause fits. It is possible that it would go with the next sentence, “For four hundred and fifty years God raised up deliverers.”

“Then God raised up deliverers for the people until the time of the prophet Samuel. 21The people craved for a king, so God gave them one from the tribe of Benjamin: Saul, the son of Kish, who ruled for forty years. 22After removing him, God raised up David to be king, for God said of him, ‘I have found in David, son of Jesse, a man who always pursues my heart # 13:22 See 1 Sam. 13:14; Ps. 89:19–29. and will accomplish all that I have destined him to do.’ # 13:22 Or “he will do all my pleasure.”

23“From David’s lineage God brought Israel a Savior, just as he promised. 24So before Jesus appeared, John preached the message of a baptism of repentance # 13:24 The Aramaic is “the baptism of grace.” to prepare all of Israel. 25As John was about to finish his mission, he said repeatedly, ‘If you think that I am the one to come, you’re mistaken. He will come after me, and I don’t even deserve to stoop down and untie his sandals!’

26“Fellow Jews, Abraham’s descendants, and all those among you who worship and reverence God, this message of life # 13:26 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is, “the message of salvation.” See Ps. 107:20. has been sent for us all to hear. 27But the people of Jerusalem and their leaders didn’t realize who he was, nor did they understand the prophecies written of him. Yet they fulfilled those very prophecies, which they read week after week in their meetings, by condemning him to death. 28Even though they could come up with no legal grounds for the death sentence, they pleaded with Pilate to have him executed. 29And they did to him all that was prophesied they would do.

“Then they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30But God raised him from the dead! 31And for many days afterward he appeared on numerous occasions to his disciples who knew him well and had followed him from Galilee to Jerusalem. Those disciples are now his witnesses, # 13:31 The Greek word for “witnesses” can also be translated “martyrs.” telling the people the truth about him.

32“So here we are to share with you some wonderful news! The promise God made to our forefathers 33has now been fulfilled for us, their children. For God has raised Jesus from the dead, as it says in Psalms:

‘Today I reveal you as my Son, and I as your Father.’ # 13:33 See Ps. 2:7.

34“God had promised to not let him decay in the tomb or face destruction again, so God raised him from the dead. He gave this promise in the Psalms:

‘I will give to you # 13:34 The Greek is plural, “you all,” or “to you and yours.” what I gave to David:

Faithful mercies # 13:34 Or “decrees.” See Isa. 55:3. that you can trust.’ # 13:34 The Aramaic is “I will give to you the grace [favor] I gave to faithful David.”

35“He explains it further in another Psalm:

‘You will not allow your holy one

to experience bodily decay.’ # 13:35 See Ps. 16:10.

36“This cannot be a reference to David, for after he passionately served God’s purpose for his generation, he died. He was buried with his ancestors and his body experienced decay. 37But the one whom God raised from the dead has never experienced corruption in any form.

38“So listen, friends! Through this Jesus, the forgiveness # 13:38 Or “cancellation.” of sins is offered to you. 39Everyone who believes in him is set free from sin and guilt—something the law of Moses had no power to do. 40So be very careful that what the prophets warned about does not happen to you:

41‘Be amazed and in agony, you scoffers! # 13:41 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “Be amazed and perish, you scoffers.”

For in your day I will do something so wonderful

that when I perform mighty deeds among you,

you won’t even believe that it was I who did it!’ ” # 13:41 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek text seems to quote from the Septuagint version of Hab. 1:5, “I am doing a work in your days that you won’t believe even when it is announced to you.”

42As Paul and Barnabas started to leave, the people pleaded with them to share more about these things on the next Sabbath day. 43When the meeting had finally broken up, many of those in attendance, both Jews and converts to Judaism, tagged along with Paul and Barnabas, who continued to persuade them to go deeper in their understanding of God’s grace.

44The following week, nearly everyone in the city gathered to hear the word of God. 45When the Jewish leaders saw the size of the crowds, vicious jealousy filled their hearts and they rose up to oppose what Paul was teaching. They insulted him # 13:45 Or “blasphemed.” and argued with him over everything he said.

46Yet Paul and Barnabas did not back down. Filled with courage, they boldly replied, “We were compelled to bring God’s message # 13:46 Or “word.” first to you Jews. But seeing you’ve rejected this message and refuse to embrace eternal life, # 13:46 Or “You view yourselves as unworthy of eternal life.” we will focus instead on the nations and offer it to them. 47This will fulfill what the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have destined you to become

a beacon light for the nations

and release salvation to the ends of the earth!’ ” # 13:47 See Isa. 42:6; 49:6; 60:1–3.

48When the non-Jewish people in the crowd heard these words, they were thrilled and they honored # 13:48 Or “praised.” the word of the Lord. All who believed that they were destined to experience eternal life received the message. # 13:48 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “Those who were appointed to experience eternal life believed.” The Greek word for “appointed” can also be translated “stationed in battle order.” 49God’s word spread like wildfire throughout the entire region.

50The Jewish leaders stirred up a violent mob against Paul and Barnabas, including many prominent and wealthy people of the city. They persecuted them and ran them out of town. 51As they left, they shook the dust off their feet as a sign of protest against them, and they went on to the city of Iconium. # 13:51 This is present-day Konya, a large city about sixty-two miles (one hundred kilometers) from Antioch. This journey would have taken a number of days. Iconium means “small image” (idol). In Israel, Iconium is a girl’s name that means “coming.” 52They left the new converts in Antioch overflowing with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

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Acts 13: TPT

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Acts 13

Barnabas and Saul Begin Their First Missionary Journey

1Now there were in the church that was at An´ti-och certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyre´ne, and Man´a-en, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

The Apostles Preach in Cyprus

4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleu´cia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5And when they were at Sal´amis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. 6And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar–jesus: 7which 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. 8But El´ymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10and 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? 11And 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. 12Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas at Antioch of Pisidia

13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphyl´i-a: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14But when they departed from Perga, they came to An´ti-och in Pisid´i-a, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15And 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. 16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said,

Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17#Exod 1.7; Exod 12.51. 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 a high arm brought he them out of it. 18#Num 14.34; Deut 1.31. And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners#13.18 suffered he their manners. Some early manuscripts have he bore them as a nurse. in the wilderness. 19#Deut 7.1; Josh 14.1. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20#Judg 2.16; 1 Sam 3.20. And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21#1 Sam 8.5; 1 Sam 10.21. And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22#1 Sam 13.14; 1 Sam 16.12; Ps 89.20. And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23Of this man's seed hath God, according to his promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: 24#Mark 1.4; Luke 3.3. when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25#John 1.20; Matt 3.11; Mark 1.7; Luke 3.16; John 1.27. 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.

26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27For 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#Matt 27.22,23; Mark 15.13,14; Luke 23.21-23; John 19.15. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29#Matt 27.57-61; Mark 15.42-47; Luke 23.50-56; John 19.38-42. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30But God raised him from the dead: 31#Acts 1.3. and he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. 32And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33#Ps 2.7. 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 # Isa 55.3. 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 # Ps 16.10. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm,

Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

36For 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: 37but he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41 # Hab 1.5. 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.

42And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43Now 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.

44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46Then 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#Isa 42.6; 49.6. 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.

48And 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. 49And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51#Matt 10.14; Mark 6.11; Luke 9.5; 10.11. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Ico´ni-um. 52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

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