The First Journey Begins

The church at Antioch had prophets and teachers from many backgrounds, including Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul. As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them." After more fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them away.

On Cyprus they proclaimed the word in the synagogues. At Paphos the proconsul Sergius Paulus wanted to hear, but the sorcerer Elymas withstood them. Saul, "who is also called Paul," filled with the Holy Spirit, declared that Elymas would be blind for a season; mist and darkness fell on him, and the proconsul believed. From here Acts calls him Paul. John Mark then left them and returned to Jerusalem.

In the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia, Paul retold Israel's story: the exodus, the land, the judges, Saul, and David, a man after God's heart. From David's offspring God brought a Savior, Jesus. The rulers found no cause for death yet asked Pilate to have him killed; but God raised him, so that he saw no decay, fulfilling the psalms. Through him remission of sins is proclaimed, and by him everyone who believes is justified (Acts 13:38-39).

The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered, and some, filled with jealousy, contradicted Paul. Paul and Barnabas answered that the word had to be spoken to them first, but now they would turn to the Gentiles, quoting Isaiah: "I have set you as a light for the Gentiles" (Acts 13:47). The Gentiles rejoiced, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Opposition expelled the missionaries, who shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium, while the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.