Acts 13 - Summary

Historical setting

In the 40s CE, the church at Antioch in Syria was a young community made up of both Jewish believers and non-Jewish converts. This was no minor town; Antioch was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire. The text names church leaders including Manaen, who had connections to Herod's court, showing that believers came from varied social backgrounds. The missionary journey described here took Paul and Barnabas first to Cyprus, an island that belonged to the Roman province of Asia, then to the southern coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey), to cities like Pisidian Antioch in the interior. These were places where Jewish communities existed within pagan populations under Roman rule. The synagogue, not the church building, was the natural gathering place for Jews in any city; in Acts' account, Paul habitually began his preaching there.

Life and customs

Fasting and prayer were standard Jewish spiritual practices for seeking God's guidance, and the laying on of hands marked the appointment of someone to office or for a task, conferring authority and blessing. A synagogue service included the reading of passages from the law and the prophets, followed by interpretation or preaching; the rulers could invite any learned man to speak. A "proselyte" was a non-Jew who had committed to following Jewish law and worship. The deputy (or proconsul) Sergius Paulus held Roman administrative power over the province. A "sorcerer" or false prophet was seen as someone who used magical arts to deceive; Bar-Jesus (Elymas) is presented as such a figure. The gesture of shaking dust from one's feet (verse 51) was a Jewish symbol of rejection and separation, marking a place as unworthy.

What the text says

Verses 1-3 introduce church leaders in Antioch and relate that during worship and fasting, the Holy Spirit directs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work. After fasting and prayer and laying on of hands, the church sends them out. Verses 4-5 report they sail to Cyprus and preach in the synagogues at Salamis, with John as their assistant. Verses 6-12 describe their encounter at Paphos with a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (Elymas), who tries to turn the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith. Saul, now called Paul, pronounces blindness on him; the proconsul, seeing this, believes in the teaching of the Lord. Verses 13-14 note that John leaves them at Perga to return to Jerusalem, while Paul and Barnabas reach Pisidian Antioch and enter the synagogue on the sabbath.

Verses 15-25 contain Paul's speech to the synagogue. The rulers invite him to speak. He addresses "Men of Israel and ye that fear God," recounting Israel's history from the exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, the judges, and the kingship of Saul and David. He identifies Jesus as the promised Saviour raised from David's seed, and quotes John the Baptist as pointing to the one who would come after him.

Verses 26-39 continue the speech. Paul declares the word of salvation is sent to those who fear God. He relates that Jerusalem's rulers, not knowing Jesus and the prophets, fulfilled the prophetic writings by condemning him. Though Pilate found no cause of death, they asked that he be killed. After his burial, God raised him from the dead; those who came with him from Galilee witness to this. Paul quotes Psalms to show Jesus' resurrection, and states that through Jesus comes forgiveness of sins and justification by faith, which the law of Moses could not provide.

Verses 40-41 present a warning from the prophets against despising God's work. Verses 42-44 show that when Jews leave the synagogue, Gentiles ask to hear more on the next sabbath; many Jews and proselytes follow Paul and Barnabas and are encouraged to persist in God's grace. At the next sabbath, nearly the whole city gathers. Verses 45-47 relate that Jewish envy leads them to oppose and blaspheme Paul's words. Paul and Barnabas declare boldly that God's word was to be spoken to the Jews first, but since the Jews reject it and judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, the missionaries will turn to the Gentiles. Verses 48-49 record that the Gentiles hear this with gladness and glorify God's word; the message spreads throughout the region. Verses 50-52 conclude that the Jews incite opposition from prominent women and city officials, expelling Paul and Barnabas. Yet the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Takeaways

• The Spirit's direction of the church's work and the naming of Paul occur within a congregation's discernment through prayer and fasting.
• Paul's preaching moves from Jewish audiences and scriptural arguments to Gentile ones as Jewish opposition grows.
• The response divides sharply: Gentile receptiveness and Jewish hostility both increase, yet persecution paradoxically accompanies the disciples' joy.