Acts 13
13 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
What two reasons might explain why was Saul’s name listed last?
1. He may have been listed last because he was the newest believer or possibly
2. because he was, at this point, the second most important person on the list (in Greek, sometimes the two most important words of a sentence are placed at the first and last positions in a sentence). Whatever the case, Saul would not be in the background much longer.
What was this group of men be considered a patchwork of believers?
Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, Saul — what variety is found in God's church! These five men were from different cultural and, likely, racial backgrounds. It's reasonable to assume that they had different skills, ages, appearances, personalities, likes, and dislikes.
What was the common thread between them?
The common thread among them was their deep faith in Christ. We must never exclude anyone whom Christ has called to follow him. One sign that we are in God's will is when our churches are filled with a patchwork of radically different people who are united by the love of Christ.
How do these verses speak to us, today?
In verse 2: 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
Was this the only time Paul was “set apart”?
The word for "set apart" is aphorizo. It is used to describe three important events in Paul's life:
(1) his birth (Galatians 1:15 -17);
5 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
(2) his conversion (Romans 1:1);
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
(3) And here, his sending to the Gentile mission field. Because God called them to the work, they had his blessing from the start.
Why the laying on of hands in verse 3 – why is that important?
3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
The laying on of hands was a symbolic act that indicated public recognition of calling and ability as well as the association of a particular congregation with a ministry. The roots of the practice are found in the Old Testament, where it was used to set someone aside for an office (Numbers 27:23), bless someone (Genesis 48:14), or dedicate something to God (Leviticus 1:4). The church at Antioch was identifying itself with these two men and with their mission.
Some references to laying on of hands
Numbers 27:22-23
22 Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. 23 Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses.
Genesis 48:14-15
14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,
Leviticus 1:1-4
The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting. He said, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any of you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock. 3 "'If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord. 4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.
Paul's First Missionary Journey
PAUL'S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY (Acts 13-14)
6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
What is a proconsul?
A "proconsul" was a high Roman official. Also described as an intelligent man, this proconsul functioned as the governor of the island of Cyprus. He may have been the same Sergius Paulus who was a high official in Rome under Emperor Claudius.
Why did he have a private sorcerer?
Such leaders often kept private sorcerers to help them make right decisions.
Why would this governor send to Barnabas and Saul?
As governor, Sergius Paulus was conducting an official investigation. He had received news of these traveling Jewish evangelists and was concerned about disruptions in the Jewish communities. For Paul and Barnabas, presenting the gospel to the proconsul was a great opportunity.
Acts 13:8
But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Saul and Barnabas said. He was trying to turn the governor away from the Christian faith.
What was Elymas – Bar-Jesus fearful of in regards to Paul and Barnabus?
Trouble was brewing, however, because Bar-Jesus realized that if Sergius Paulus believed in Christ, he would no longer need a sorcerer. Apparently Bar-Jesus' Greek name was Elymas (meaning "sorcerer" or "magician"), and he was going to do his best to stop any influence Barnabas and Saul might have on the governor.
What major transition takes place in these sets of passages to Paul?
He is no longer is called or referred to as Saul but as Paul.
Why would Saul want to go by the name Paul? Remember Christ called him, Saul (Acts 9:4 Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?")
At this point Luke noted that Saul was also known as Paul. The implication is that he already had both names but began to go by the latter, preferring to use his Roman name for the balance of his Gentile-oriented mission. No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. After this, Paul is always called by his Roman name in Luke's record.
Not intimidated by his spiritual rival, Paul boldly looked straight at Elymas and exposed the source of his sorcery. In Aramaic the name Bar-Jesus means "son of Jesus," so Paul played on that name to confront him (in the presence of the listening Sergius Paulus) with the accusation that Bar-Jesus was actually a child (literally, "son") of the devil (Greek diabolos) and an enemy of everything that is right (literally, "righteousness").
This is the first recorded presentation of the word of God to the Roman world, and it would be crucial that a clear distinction be made between Christianity and the perverted spiritualism so prevalent in the Empire. Paul further characterized Elymas's sorcery as full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Evidently Paul had seen enough of what Elymas did to know what he was up to, and he was not going to allow this intelligent Roman governor to be fooled anymore.
In verse 12: What distinction does proconsul have in the Bible?
When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
This miracle was all it took to convince Sergius Paulus. He believed. Notice also that his astonishment was not at the powerful act he had just witnessed but rather at the teaching about the Lord. Sergius Paulus is the highest ranking converted official recorded in the New Testament.
Acts 13:13
From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.
Why did John (John Mark) return home?
· he was homesick;
· he resented the change in leadership from Barnabas (his cousin) to Paul;
· he became ill (an illness that may have affected all of them — see Galatians 4:13);
· he was unable to withstand the rigors and dangers of the missionary journey;
· he may have planned to go only that far but had not communicated this to Paul and Barnabas.
What did Paul think about John Mark’s returning home?
Paul implicitly accused John Mark of lacking commitment, and, therefore, Paul refused to take Mark along on another journey (see 15:37-38).
Acts 15:37-41
7 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Did Paul write John Mark off for good?
John Mark's story does not end here, though. It is clear from Paul's later letters that Paul grew to respect Mark (Colossians 4:10) and that he needed him in his work (2 Timothy 4:11).
Colossians 4:10
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
2 Timothy 4:11-12
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
As Walter Cronkite would say on a show he hosted called YOUR WERE THERE, “here is the rest of the story….”
Somewhere along the way, after what must have been a miserable season in his life, John Mark got back on track. He became one of four privileged writers of a New Testament Gospel. He was restored completely to usefulness even in the ministry of Paul; he is a great inspiration for believers of moving beyond failures to faithfulness.
16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said:
"Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, 18 he endured their conducta for about forty years in the desert, 19 he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. "After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
Where did Paul come up with 450 years?
The 450 years was an inclusive figure for all the events that had occurred so far in Paul's survey —
· from the move to Egypt (four hundred years),
· the wandering in the wilderness (forty years),
· through the distribution of the land under Joshua (ten years).
·
23 "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.
BUT…
24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'
Who wrote Acts?
How did Luke know about the “sandals”?
Luke the physician careful recorded the events of Christ life from first hand information. He may have even traveled with the 12 (Walk to Emmaus). Luke may have shared this story or Paul had read Luke’s writings for the Holy Spirit enlightened Paul on this event.
Where did the statement about the sandals come from?
Luke 3:15-16
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Willard Hotchkiss, pioneer missionary in Africa once said…
I have dwelt forty years practically alone in Africa. I have been thirty-nine times stricken with the fever, three times attacked by lions, and several times by rhinoceri; but let me say to you, I would gladly go through the whole thing again, if I could have the joy of again bringing that word "Savior" and flashing it into the darkness that envelops another tribe in Central Africa.
I am sure that is how Paul and other missionaries feel even today. Do we feel the same way as our foreign missionaries feel in bringing the word of God to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers – or do we leave it for the “Paul’s and Barnabas’ of the world to do – that is bring the Word of God?
26 "Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.
What is Paul really saying in verse 26? It is to us and who is us?
With this direct address to his Jewish brothers, Paul appealed for them
· to come to faith in Jesus Christ — the one to whom all the prophecies of their Scriptures pointed.
· The salvation that Christ offers is for both
o Jews (sons of Abraham)
o and devout Gentiles (fearers of God who aligned themselves to worship in the Jewish community).
The rest of the story…
27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people. 32 "We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: "'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.b'c 34 The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: "'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'d 35 So it is stated elsewhere: "'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'e 36 "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 38 "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 "'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.'"f 42
What key expressions come to life for you in these verses?
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Acts 13:28
"Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed."
Paul reminded his audience of a sobering fact: It is possible to read the truth, hear the truth preached "every Sabbath," even see the truth -- and still miss it. This is what happened to the Jews in A.D. 29 who had been waiting for the Messiah. He came -- right into their midst -- and they not only "didn't recognize him," but they condemned him to death! Jesus warned of this tendency to be spiritually deaf (Matt 13:14-15).
Ask yourself:
· Is my heart really open to the truth?
· Do I let God's Word penetrate deep into my soul and change the way I think and live?
Acts 13:31
"And he appeared over a period of many days to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem -- these are his witnesses to the people of Israel."
What is Paul trying to establish in this verse?
The credibility of the Resurrection had been affirmed by witnesses -- his followers, those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They had seen the resurrected Christ over a period of many days.
What where some of the times Christ had appeared?
JESUS' APPEARANCES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION
1. Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9-11; John 20:10-18
2. The other women at the tomb Matt 28:8-10
3. Peter in Jerusalem Luke 24:34; 1 Cor 15:5
4. The two travelers on the road Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35
5. Ten disciples behind closed doors Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25
6. All eleven disciples
(including Thomas) Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31; 1 Cor 15:5
7. Seven disciples while fishing
on the Sea of Galilee John 21:1-14
8. Eleven disciples on a mountain
in Galilee Matt 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18
9. A crowd of 500 1 Cor 15:6
10. Jesus' brother James 1 Cor 15:7
11. Those who watched Jesus
ascend to heaven Mark 16:19-20; Luk 24:50-53; Acts 1:3-9
Acts 13:32-35
"And now Barnabas and I are here to bring you this Good News. God's promise to our ancestors has come true in our own time, in that God raised Jesus. This is what the second psalm is talking about when it says concerning Jesus, 'You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.'"
Acts 13:34
"The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'"
Acts 13:35
"So it is stated elsewhere: 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'
Paul tied together all of the events that he had been recounting to that moment when he and Barnabas were standing before them as the bearers of this Good News. The promise God had made to their common ancestors had come true in [their] own time. After centuries of waiting, watching, and wanting, the Messiah had come. His name is Jesus.
To support this statement, Paul quoted from three Old Testament texts already considered by most Jews to have been referring to the Messiah –
Ps 2:7
7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, "You are my Son;today I have become your Father.
Isa 55:3
3 Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
Ps 16:9-10
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
Acts 13:36-37
"Now this is not a reference to David, for after David had served his generation according to the will of God, he died and was buried, and his body decayed. No, it was a reference to someone else -- someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay."
Why was Paul comparing someone to David?
The words of Ps 16:10 could not have referred to David, because David died and was buried, and his body did, in fact, suffer decay -- many in Paul's audience had likely been to the site of David's tomb in Jerusalem.
But there was NO TOMB for Jesus. Therefore, Paul was saying that David must have been writing prophetically of one who would come after he had died, someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay. That person was Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 13:38-39
"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses."
With his scriptural support for the Resurrection stated, Paul explained the spiritual significance of what Christ had done; then he called his audience to believe. With Christ's substitutionary death and the approval of God as demonstrated in the Resurrection (Rom 1:4; 4:25), through Jesus (his sacrifice) the forgiveness of sins has been made available. This proclamation included the necessity of "belief" and the promise of "justification."
What is the PURE AND SIMPLE GOSPEL good news?
This is the good news of the gospel: that forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt are available through faith in Christ to all who believe -- including you (13:37-39).
What is JUSTIFICATION?
Justification is the act whereby God declares people "not guilty!" (because of what Christ has done) the moment they put their faith in him.
William H. Willimon wrote…
If we or the world could be saved through human kindness or clear thinking, Jesus either would have formed a sensitivity group and urged us to share our feelings or would have founded a school and asked us to have discussions. But knowing the ways of God, the way of the world, and the persistence of human sin, he took up the cross, called disciples, gathered the church, and bade us follow him down a different path of freedom.
Who is William Henry Willimon (born May 15, 1946) is a bishop in the United Methodist Church in the U.S., currently serving in North Alabama. He is best known as a theologian, writer, former Dean of the Chapel at Duke University, and as one of America's best known preachers.[citation needed] A Pew Foundation Survey said he was one of the two most frequently read writers by pastors in mainline Protestantism (Henri Nouwen also noted). His books have sold over a million copies.
Acts 13:42
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.
After the sermon the reception must have been positive, for Paul and Barnabas were invited back to speak further . . . on the next Sabbath. But this warm welcome would not last long.
Paul weaved the stories of the Old Testament (Acts 13:16 – 42)with the salvation caused by the death of Jesus the Christ to his Jewish and God fearing Gentle listeners. Was that only important in first century Christianity or is it important today as well?
When might you use an Old Testament event, person
Is the past important to us or just since Christ?
Acts 13 44 to 52
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
What had we read in verse 42 and 43/ what caused the changed of heart?
Acts 13:42-43
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made youg a light for the Gentiles, that youh may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"i
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
PAUL TURNS TO THE GENTILES
Overview of 44 to 52
Declaring boldly the death and resurrection of Christ and the forgiveness that is possible only through him (see 13:38-39), Paul and Barnabas drew huge crowds on their second Sabbath in Antioch of Pisidia. Among those gathered were a number of jealous Jewish leaders (13:45). Despite efforts by these leaders to discredit Paul and his message, the assembled Gentiles eagerly embraced the gospel. This further enraged the Jewish leaders, who were eventually able to stir up a mob that ran Paul and Barnabas out of town.
These events serve as a kind of microcosm of the entire ministry of Paul: stiff opposition from most Jews and joyous acceptance of the gospel message by many Gentiles.
Acts 13:44-45
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
Would you say the Jewish leaders were envious of Paul and Barnabas and why?
-- Frederick Buechner wrote regarding envy…
Envy is that consuming desire to have everybody else as unsuccessful as you are.
(Carl) Frederick Buechner is one of America’s foremost writers and theologians. Born July 11, 1926 in New York City, he is an ordained Presbyterian minister and the author of more than thirty published books thus far.
He also wrote…
Neither the hair shirt nor the soft berth will do. The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
Acts 13:46-47
Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
Why was it necessary for the gospel to go first to the Jews?
God planned that through the Jewish nation, all the world would come to know him (Gen 12:3). Also, the message of Jesus is basically a Jewish one, steeped in Old Testament prophecy and promises directly made to the Jews. They, of all people, should have been the most ready for the fulfillment that had come in Christ.
BEWARE OF JEALOUSY
The Jewish leaders attacked Paul and Barnabas on "theological grounds," but Luke wrote that the real reason for their hostility was that "they were filled with jealousy" (13:14). When we see others succeeding where we haven't or receiving the affirmation we crave, it is hard to rejoice with them. In fact, jealousy is a more common reaction. But how tragic it is when our own jealous feelings cause us to try to stop God's work. If a work is God's work, and lives are being impacted for Christ, rejoice -- no matter who is in the spotlight.
Can jealousy affect the growth of a church, of an individual?
Acts 13:48
When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were appointed to eternal life became believers.
How did the Gentiles respond?
Contrast this Gentile response to that of the Jews. They were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message.
A pattern is set up in this chapter regarding the Jews and Gentiles what is that pattern?
Thus was set the pattern that would surface again and again -- the Jews reject, the Gentiles respond in great numbers, and, in turn, the Jews become belligerent and often physically violent against the Christians.
What does it mean “appointed to eternal life became believers?”
In a strong statement about the sovereign hand of God, Luke wrote: and all who were appointed to eternal life became believers. The Greek verb for "appointed" is tetagmenoi from tasso, a military word meaning to "arrange" or "assign." Various people were "assigned" to eternal life by him (the unmentioned "Appointer"). The significance, of course, is the fact that these "appointed" were Gentiles.
Acts 13:49-50
Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region.
Who were these “women of high standing and the leading men of the city”?
Again, Luke noted the spread of the word of the Lord despite the Jews who stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas. The Jews used their contacts in high places -- women of high standing and leading men -- to drive Paul and Barnabas out of their part of the country. The "women of high standing" were probably Gentile women from the upper class who were proselytes and attended the synagogue. The "leading men" were city magistrates. Christianity was not an official religion like Judaism, and these women and men may have feared that Paul would disturb their fragile relationship with the Roman government.
Acts 13:51
So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium.
Where did the custom of shaking the dust off one’s shoes come from?
Often, Jews would shake the dust off their feet when leaving a Gentile town, on the way back to their own land.
What were Paul and Barnabas demonstrating by doing this?
For Paul and Barnabas to do this to Jews demonstrated that Jews who reject the gospel are not truly part of Israel and are no better than pagans. It was a gesture of utter scorn and disassociation. Jesus had told his disciples to shake from their feet the dust of any town that would not accept or listen to them (Mark 6:11). This symbolized cleansing themselves from the contamination of people who did not worship God. The disciples were not to blame if the gospel was rejected, as long as they had faithfully presented it.
Where did this show up in scriptures?
Mark 6:8-11
8 These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff — no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."
Acts 13:52
And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
What was the Gentiles reward?
In contrast with the paranoid, politicking Jews, working hard to rid themselves of the gospel messengers, the believers, most of whom were Gentiles, were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Like the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem at Pentecost (2:3-4), in Samaria at the laying on of the apostles' hands (8:17), and in Caesarea during Peter's preaching (10:44-46), the believers here were "filled with joy" -- the kind of inexplicable and overflowing joy of one freshly filled with the loving, forgiving Spirit of God.
