Bible Study Snacks, Acts 13:1-12

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. As always, I'd like to thank you so much for joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Thirteen (Verses 1-12).

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Trace the route of Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 13:1-12...

With his attention now on the ministry of Paul, Luke narrates the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey. It starts with the call of the Holy Spirit, who instructs the prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch of Syria to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work He has called them. With fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands, the two men are sent out on their journey (1-3)

Sailing from Selucia, they arrive at the island of Cyprus, the home country of Barnabas (cf. 4:36). Assisting them is John Mark (Barnabas' cousin who joins them earlier, and is later the companion of Peter and author of the gospel of Mark; cf. 12:25; Colossians 4:10; 1 Peter 5:13). Here they begin what Luke later describes as Paul's custom: preaching in the synagogues of the Jews (cf. 17:1-3).

Starting in Salamis, they make their way to Paphos, where they meet the sorcerer Elymas Bar-Jesus along with the proconsul Sergius Paulus. When Sergius wants to hear the Word of God, Elymas tries to prevent Barnabas and Saul from speaking.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul rebukes the sorcerer and renders him sightless. Astonished at the power behind the teaching of the Lord, Sergius believes. From this point forward, Saul is now called Paul and also becomes the more prominent member of the missionary team (4-12).

REVIEW QUESTIONS: 

1) Who were the prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch? (Acts 13:1)
2) Who told them to send Barnabas and Saul on their journey? (Acts 13:2)
3) What activities helped to prepare them for their mission? (Acts 13:3)
4) From what city did they disembark, and to where did they sail? (Acts 13:4)
5) Where did they first preach? Who was with them? (Acts 13:5)
6) At Paphos, who wanted to hear the Word of God? Who sought to prevent him? (Acts 13:6-8)
7) What did Saul do to Elymas? What affect did this have on Sergius Paulus? (Acts 13:9-12)
  
After completing this week's study, go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri