Chapter at a glance
In Antioch, as prophets and teachers worship and fast, the Holy Spirit instructs the congregation to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which they have been called. After fasting, prayer and the laying on of hands, they are sent. In Cyprus, they encounter a Jewish false prophet called Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas, who tries to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith. Saul, also called Paul, confronts the deception. Elymas is struck with temporary blindness, and the proconsul believes, astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Paul and his companions continue to Pisidian Antioch. In a synagogue, Paul recounts how God chose Israel's ancestors, delivered the people from Egypt, cared for them in the wilderness, gave them the land, raised up judges and appointed David. He announces that God has brought Israel a Savior from David's descendants: Jesus. Although Jesus was condemned and executed, God raised Him from the dead. Paul explains this proclamation using the Psalms and prophetic writings and announces forgiveness through Jesus. The listeners react differently. Some are eager to hear more; others oppose the message. Paul and Barnabas say they will also speak to the Gentiles, citing the mission of being a light to the nations. Despite opposition and expulsion from the region, the word spreads, and the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Read the chapter
Read the complete chapter in the Bible
Read Acts 13 in full. Identify who sends Barnabas and Saul and how the congregation participates through worship, fasting and prayer. Notice that Paul's encounter with Elymas is an extraordinary account, not permission to curse people who disagree with you. In Pisidian Antioch, trace Paul's sermon from Israel's ancestors and the Exodus through David to Jesus' death and resurrection. Observe which passages he quotes directly and which earlier events he summarizes. Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3 and Psalm 16:10 appear in Paul's argument about the fulfilled promise and the risen Messiah; Habakkuk 1:5 supplies a warning against dismissive unbelief. Some translations number Psalm 89 differently, and the wording of Habakkuk in Acts reflects the Greek tradition. In verse 47, read Isaiah 49:6 in its own setting before considering how the apostles apply its mission. Distinguish individual listeners who receive the message from those who oppose it, without generalizing about Jewish people.
Key Scripture connections
- Acts 13:1–4 — Worship, fasting, and the Spirit's direction precede the sending of Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 13:5–12 — Elymas opposes the proclamation to Sergius Paulus; the temporary judgment is described, not presented as a pattern for ordinary disputes.
- Acts 13:16–25; Exodus 6:6; Judges 2:16; 1 Samuel 13:14 — Paul places Jesus within the history of Israel; these are historical connections and allusions.
- Acts 13:26–37; Deuteronomy 21:23; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; Psalm 16:10 — Paul announces Jesus' death and resurrection and appeals to Scripture; the original setting of each passage must be respected.
- Acts 13:38–41; Habakkuk 1:5 — Paul announces forgiveness and warns against dismissing God's work; Acts cites a Greek-scriptural form of Habakkuk's warning.
- Acts 13:42–52; Isaiah 49:6 — Paul and Barnabas explain their mission toward the Gentiles; they apply the light-to-the-nations passage without erasing its Servant context or Israel.
Respond to the Word
Acts 13 calls us to a mission shaped by God rather than personal ambition. The congregation does not manufacture a calling for Barnabas and Saul; it responds to the Holy Spirit in prayerful community. Paul's message is grounded in Israel's Scriptures. He does not dismiss the Torah or treat the Messiah as disconnected from God's promises to Israel. His proclamation centers on Jesus, His death, resurrection and the forgiveness offered through Him. A faithful witness explains Scripture carefully, preserves the context of quotations, and speaks to people with respect. Opponents do not justify contempt, and extraordinary judgments are not a pattern for personal retaliation. Paul and Barnabas continue when some reject their message. Their perseverance is not stubborn self-promotion; it is faithfulness to the good news entrusted to them. Ask whether you are willing to listen before speaking, let the Scriptures correct your assumptions, and serve without controlling another person's response.
Prayer for this chapter
Father, make me attentive to Your direction and faithful to the work You place before me. Help me understand Your promises through the Scriptures and speak clearly of Jesus, His resurrection and the forgiveness offered in His name. Guard my words from exaggeration and my heart from pride. When others disagree, give me patience, courage and compassion instead of resentment. Teach me to support people who carry the good news and to serve the people I meet with practical love. Let Your word shape both my message and my conduct. In Jesus' name, amen.
Continue walking
Read Acts 13:16–41 and 46–49 once more. Write down the main claim Paul makes about Jesus and three passages of Scripture he uses in his explanation. Check each passage in its original context. Identify one person who may welcome a respectful conversation about faith. Listen first, share one relevant Scripture, and allow room for questions and disagreement. Encourage someone who serves others at personal cost. Carry the Lamp. Continue Walking.