Acts Chapter 13 – Sent by the Spirit, Bold in the Word
Acts Chapter 13 marks the official beginning of Paul’s missionary ministry. Set apart by the Holy Spirit in the church at Antioch, Paul and Barnabas travel to Cyprus and beyond. In this chapter, Saul begins being called Paul, and the focus of the Gospel shifts toward the Gentile world. Divine commissioning, bold preaching, spiritual warfare, and prophetic fulfillment highlight this powerful chapter.
Commissioning, Confrontation, and Conversion
✔ Paul and Barnabas are sent by the Holy Spirit.
✔ They preach on Cyprus and confront opposition.
✔ Saul becomes Paul and silences a sorcerer.
✔ Paul preaches in Antioch of Pisidia, tracing salvation history.
✔ The Gospel is joyfully received by Gentiles—and rejected by many Jews.
📖 Acts 13:2 – “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.“
🔎 Ministry doesn’t begin with ambition—but with Spirit-led calling.
Acts Chapter 13 - Overview
Acts 13:1–12 – Sent and Empowered
📖 Acts 13:2–3 – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
🔎 The Spirit doesn’t call the idle—He calls those already serving. These leaders were not plotting mission strategies; they were ministering, worshipping, and fasting. It was in the posture of reverence that God gave direction.
📖 Acts 13:4–5 – “So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia… and they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.”
🔎 This wasn’t man’s mission—it was Spirit-initiated and Spirit-led. The Word remained central. Even when sent to Gentiles, they honored God’s order by preaching first to the Jews. This continued Christ’s pattern (Romans 1:16).
📖 Acts 13:6–8 – “They found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus… who sought to turn the deputy from the faith.”
🔎 Opposition arises not just from outsiders—but even those who claim spiritual authority. Barjesus was religious, yet resisted truth. True spiritual warfare often disguises itself as light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
📖 Acts 13:9–11 – “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said… Thou child of the devil… now behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee.”
🔎 Paul’s confrontation wasn’t harshness—it was holy authority. The same Spirit that sent him now empowered him to silence deception. Blindness became a sign to expose darkness.
📖 Acts 13:12 – “Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”
🔎 Miracles may capture attention—but doctrine must anchor belief. It wasn’t just the sign that moved Sergius Paulus—it was the truth Paul declared.
💡 Reflection: This first missionary moment sets the tone: Spirit-led, Scripture-rich, and unafraid to confront opposition. Paul and Barnabas weren’t just going to proclaim peace—they would also battle darkness wherever it tried to resist light.
➡️ Spiritual opposition is inevitable when the Gospel is advancing. But so is supernatural victory—when we walk in step with the Spirit and stay anchored in the Word.
Acts 13:13–43 – The Gospel in Antioch of Pisidia
📖 Acts 13:16–25 – Paul recounts Israel’s history: Egypt, wilderness, judges, kings, and finally, David.
🔎 Paul builds a foundation from shared heritage. His audience, steeped in Scripture, hears that Jesus is the promised Son of David.
📖 Acts 13:26–31 – “To you is the word of this salvation sent… they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.“
🔎 Paul centers the message on Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The Gospel is always personal—it is for you.
📖 Acts 13:32–39 – “We declare unto you glad tidings… by him all that believe are justified.“
🔎 This is grace unfiltered. Through Jesus, all who believe are justified from things the Law could never cleanse. This would have been shocking to those tied to tradition.
📖 Acts 13:42–43 – “The next sabbath day came almost the whole city together… to hear the word of God.“
🔎 The Gospel drew massive interest. The hunger of the Gentiles contrasted the jealousy of the Jews.
➡️ The message of Jesus is both a dividing line and a drawing call.
Acts 13:44–52 – Turning to the Gentiles
📖 Acts 13:44–46 – “Seeing ye put it from you… lo, we turn to the Gentiles.“
🔎 Rejection always precedes redirection. When the Gospel is refused, it doesn’t stall—it spreads.
📖 Acts 13:47 – “I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles… that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.“
🔎 Paul quotes Isaiah to affirm their mission. This is not plan B—it’s prophetic fulfillment.
📖 Acts 13:48–49 – “As many as were ordained to eternal life believed… and the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.“
🔎 God’s sovereign hand and man’s faithful witness work together. The result? A Gospel wildfire.
📖 Acts 13:50–52 – “They stirred up persecution… but the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.“
🔎 The Holy Spirit brings joy even in rejection. Their boldness did not shrink—it multiplied.
➡️ When some close their ears, others open their hearts. The Gospel never fails—it finds those ready to receive.
Acts Chapter 13 - Deeper Study
Overview: A New Chapter in the Mission
🔹 Timeframe: The start of Paul’s first missionary journey.
🔹 Setting: Antioch (Syria), Cyprus, Perga, Antioch in Pisidia.
🔹 Theme: Spirit-led mission and Gospel expansion.
🔹 Connection to Future Events: Marks Paul’s rising leadership and growing opposition.
Why the Name Change?
Unlike name changes in the Old Testament (e.g., Abram ➝ Abraham, Jacob ➝ Israel) which were divinely assigned to reflect a new identity, Saul’s transition to Paul appears more practical and cultural than spiritual. Here’s the deeper insight:
1️⃣ Dual Names Were Common
Saul was his Hebrew name, while Paul was his Roman/Latin name (Paulus). It was normal for Jews in the Roman Empire to have two names—one for Jewish circles and one for Gentile interactions.
🔹 Saul honored his Jewish heritage (named likely after King Saul of Benjamin).
🔹 Paul (meaning “small” or “humble”) suited his mission to the Gentile world.
2️⃣ Paul Was Reaching a Roman Audience
Beginning in Acts 13, Paul embarks on his first missionary journey, primarily to Gentile regions. From this point forward, Scripture consistently refers to him as Paul—the name that resonated with the Greek- and Latin-speaking world.
➡️ His name change reflects his audience shift—from Jews to Gentiles.
3️⃣ Symbol of Humility and Mission
Some also see symbolic meaning:
🔹 Saul was a proud name, tied to a king.
🔹 Paul, meaning “small,” fits his role as a humble servant and missionary.
📖 1 Corinthians 9:22 – “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
➡️ Paul didn’t change his name as an act of conversion—he adapted for the sake of the Gospel. It was cultural wisdom, not a command from God.
Spirit-Sent, Scripture-Rich, and Bold
Acts 13 is a launching pad. Prayer gave birth to mission. Opposition refined their message. The Spirit didn’t just call Paul and Barnabas—He went with them.
Their preaching was filled with Scripture and power. They adapted to context but never compromised truth. And when rejected, they turned outward—not inward.
🔹 Missions must begin with prayer and the Spirit.
🔹 The Gospel is for all—but not all will receive it.
🔹 God uses confrontation to confirm His Word.
🔹 Joy can thrive amid persecution.
🔹 The Word multiplies when the workers are faithful.
➡️ The mission still continues. And the Spirit still sends.
Key Takeaways
🔑 Ministry is Spirit-led and Word-driven.
🔑 Rejection can lead to redirection.
🔑 God uses ordinary people to spark extraordinary movements.
🔑 Joy is found in obedience—not comfort.
🔑 The Gospel is unstoppable.
Prophetic Patterns & Dual Fulfillment
🔮 Isaiah 49:6 – A light to the Gentiles.
🔮 Psalm 2:8 – Ask of Me, and I will give the nations.
🔮 Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
🔮 Habakkuk 1:5 – I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe.
Historical & Cultural Context
📜 Antioch of Syria was a hub for early Christianity and multiethnic ministry.
📜 Cyprus was Barnabas’ home island and a strategic mission field.
📜 Roman proconsuls had authority over provinces—making conversions like Sergius Paulus highly influential.
📜 Jewish synagogues served as launching points in many Gentile regions.
💡 Final Reflection: Still Called, Still Sent
📌 Have you asked the Spirit where He wants to send you?
📌 Are you willing to speak truth where opposition may rise?
📌 Do you see rejection as a closed door—or redirection?
📖 Acts 13:2 – “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.“
🔥 The church is still called. The Spirit still speaks. And the Gospel still saves.
Barnabas and Saul Sent Off
Act 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Act 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus
Act 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Act 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
Act 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Act 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Act 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Act 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia
Act 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Act 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Act 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
Act 13:16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
Act 13:17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
Act 13:18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
Act 13:19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
Act 13:20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
Act 13:21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
Act 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
Act 13:23 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
Act 13:24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Act 13:25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
Act 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
Act 13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
Act 13:28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
Act 13:29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
Act 13:30 But God raised him from the dead:
Act 13:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
Act 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
Act 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Act 13:34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Act 13:35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Act 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
Act 13:37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Act 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Act 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Act 13:40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
Act 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Act 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
Act 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
Act 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
Act 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Act 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Date Written
Around 62-64 AD
Written By
Luke
Verses
52