Acts 13: Sent Out by the Spirit

In Antioch, while the church worshiped and fasted, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work he had called them to. They sailed to Cyprus, where the proconsul believed after Paul confronted Elymas the sorcerer. At Antioch of Pisidia Paul preached in the synagogue, retelling Israel's story and proclaiming that God raised Jesus, through whom forgiveness of sins is proclaimed. Many Gentiles rejoiced and believed, but opposition drove the missionaries on, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

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World English Bible · 52 verses

¹ Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
² 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.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³ Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴ So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵ When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their attendant.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶ When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar Jesus,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷ who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁹ But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on himThis verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁰ and said, “You son of the devil, full of all deceit and all cunning, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹¹ Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹² Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹³ Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁴ But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁵ After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁶ Paul stood up, and gesturing with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁷ The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁸ For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁹ When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land for an inheritance for about four hundred fifty years.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁰ After these things, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²¹ Afterward they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²² When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²³ From this man’s offspring, God has brought salvation to Israel according to his promise,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁴ before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁵ As John was fulfilling his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one comes after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁶ “Brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, the word of this salvation is sent out to you.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁷ For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn’t know him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁸ Though they found no cause for death, they still asked Pilate to have him killed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁹ When they had fulfilled all things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁰ But God raised him from the dead,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³¹ and he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³² We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³³ that God has fulfilled this to us, their children, in that he raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your father.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁴ “Concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁵ Therefore he says also in another psalm, ‘You will not allow your Holy One to see decay.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁶ For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, was laid with his fathers, and saw decay.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁷ But he whom God raised up saw no decay.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁸ Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins;This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁹ and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁰ Beware therefore, lest that come on you which is spoken in the prophets:This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴¹ ‘Behold, you scoffers! Wonder and perish, for I work a work in your days, a work which you will in no way believe, if one declares it to you.’”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴² So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴³ Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁴ The next Sabbath, almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁶ Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from yourselves, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁷ For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.’”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁸ As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁹ The Lord’s word was spread abroad throughout all the region.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁰ But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵¹ But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵² The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org

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Acts 13 · Preschool

Sent Out to Tell

Name Date

Color the boat taking Barnabas and Saul to tell about Jesus.

Can you find these in the picture? Circle each one!

Bible Verse

“Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Acts 13:3 (WEB)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for making me!

Take It Home

Acts 13 tells how the church sent Barnabas and Saul on a trip to share God's word. Pray with your child for people who share God's word far away (Acts 13:3).

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Acts 13 · Grade 4

The Word of This Salvation

Name Date

Read and Think

At Antioch the prophets and teachers 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 fasting and prayer, the church laid hands on them and sent them.

Sent out by the Holy Spirit, they sailed to Cyprus. At Paphos the sorcerer Elymas opposed them. Paul, filled with the Spirit, said he would be blind for a season. When the proconsul saw this, he believed, astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

At Antioch of Pisidia, Paul stood in the synagogue. He traced God's work from the exodus to King David. From David's offspring God brought a Savior, Jesus. Though rulers asked Pilate to have him killed, God raised him from the dead, and he saw no decay. Through him everyone who believes is justified (Acts 13:39).

When some opposed the message, Paul and Barnabas said they would turn to the Gentiles. They quoted, "I have set you as a light for the Gentiles." The Gentiles were glad and glorified the word of God. Though opposition forced Paul and Barnabas out, "The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

Show What You Know

What were the church leaders doing when the Spirit spoke?
Why did the proconsul believe?
What did Paul say God did after Jesus was killed?
What did the Gentiles do when they heard?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

PaulraisedLordHolyBarnabas

At Antioch the prophets and teachers served the and fasted.
Sent out by the Spirit, they sailed to Cyprus.
, filled with the Spirit, said he would be blind for a season.
Though rulers asked Pilate to have him killed, God him from the dead, and he saw no decay.
When some opposed the message, Paul and said they would turn to the Gentiles.

Think About It

The church prayed and fasted before sending Barnabas and Saul. How could prayer shape the big decisions in your life?
The disciples were full of joy even when they faced opposition. Where does joy come from when things go wrong?

Memory Verse

“The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 13:52 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the lesson of Sent Out by the Spirit. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What does it mean to be a light for the Gentiles?
How did Paul connect David and Jesus?

Open Grade 5 on its own page

Acts 13 · Grade 5

The First Journey Begins

Name Date

Read and Think

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.

Show What You Know

Name three of the prophets and teachers at Antioch.
Who left the team and returned to Jerusalem?
What does Paul say everyone who believes receives through Jesus?
What Isaiah verse did Paul and Barnabas quote?

Crossword

Across

And contradicted the things which were spoken by ____.
They proclaimed God’s ____ in the Jewish synagogues.

Down

The hand of the ____ is on you.
Being sent out by the ____ Spirit.

Think About It

The Spirit spoke while the church was worshiping. How might worship and prayer help you hear what God wants you to do?
Paul and Barnabas kept going even when they were pushed out. What helps you keep serving God when it costs you something?

Memory Verse

For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.’”

Acts 13:47 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the lesson of Sent Out by the Spirit. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How did the church at Antioch show it was a sending church?
What does justified mean in Acts 13:39?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

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Acts 13: Sent Out by the Spirit

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Sent Out to Tell

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Full of Joy

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Full of Joy

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Sent Out by the Spirit

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Barnabas and Paul Go Out

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A Light for the Nations

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Sent Out by the Spirit

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The Word of This Salvation

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The First Journey Begins

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