Bible Study Snacks, Acts 13:42-52

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 42-52).

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) Notice that people judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, not God; and that people ordained for eternal life are those with good and noble hearts, willing to listen and heed the gospel.

Due to our absence last Friday, I have provided for your convenience a summary of Acts 13:13-52...

From Cyprus they sail to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark leaves them to return to Jerusalem (later causing contention between Paul and Barnabas; cf. 15:36-40). After they arrive in Antioch of Pisidia, they attend the synagogue of the Jews on the Sabbath.  Invited to speak, Paul preaches Jesus by first reviewing the history of Israel from the Exodus to the time of David.

Noting God's promise concerning the seed of David, Paul summarizes the ministry of John the Baptist and then introduces Jesus as the Savior who was crucified, buried and raised from the dead, and seen by eyewitnesses.  Offering further evidence of the resurrection from Old Testament prophecy, Paul proclaims forgiveness of sins through Jesus with a warning against unbelief (13-41).

The response is positive, especially among the Gentiles, and Paul and Barnabas are invited to speak the following Sabbath. When unbelieving Jews see that the whole city comes out to hear, they are filled with envy and oppose the things spoken by Paul. Declaring themselves unworthy of eternal life, Paul turns his efforts toward the Gentiles who are much more receptive.

The word of the Lord spreads through the region, but eventually Paul and Barnabas are forced to leave and thus go to Iconium. Their work in Antioch is not in vain, for left behind are disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (42-52).

REVIEW QUESTIONS: 

1) With what does Paul conclude his sermon? (Acts 13:40-41)
2) Who begged to hear more the next Sabbath? (Acts 13:42)
3) Who followed Paul and Barnabas? (Acts 13:43)
4) What happened on the next Sabbath? (Acts 13:44-45)
5) What did Paul say of those who rejected the gospel? (Acts 13:46)
6) What happened next, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah? (Acts 13:46-48)
7) What sort of people were ordained to eternal life and thus believed? (Acts 13:48)
8) What two opposite effects did Paul's preaching have in Antioch? (Acts 13:49-50)
9) Where did Barnabas and Paul then go?  What about the disciples left behind? (Acts 13:51-52)
    
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