Paul's First Mission Trip.
- Antioch in Syria
- goes towards Seleucia, sailed to Cyrus Island,
- at Salamis,
- going through until reaching Paphos,
- sailed to Perga in Pamphylia (where John Mark deserted them),
- to Antioch in Pisidia,
- to Iconium,
- fled to Lystra
- and Derbe,
- and the surrounding country in Lycoania,
- back to Derbe,
- back to Lystra,
- back to Iconium,
- back to Antioch in Pisidia,
- back to Perga,
- over to Attalia,
- and sailed back to Antioch in Syria (Acts 13:1-6, 13-14, 51; 14:6, 19-21, 24-26).
Paul's First Mission - Acts 13-14
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 (Acts 13:1).
- Holy Spirit called out for Saul and Barnabas to go preach (Acts 13:2). (John went with them (Acts 13:5b).
- They set out, guided by the Holy Spirit, to Seleucia (Acts 13:4).
- Then sailed to Cyprus, arriving at Salamis, where they proclaimed the Word of God in Jewish synagogues (Acts 13:4-5).
- Traveled entire island of Cyprus, until coming to Paphos, where they met Bar-Jesus, the sorcerer and false prophet (his name was Elymas), who was an attendant to Sergius Paulus, the proconsul (sorta like a Governor). (Acts 13:6). Sergius called for Paul and Barnabus because he wanted to hear the word of God, but Elymas contented with them to try to dissuade Sergius from the faith. And Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked at him and said he was child of the devil, and that the hand of the Lord was against him therefore he would become blind, and he did (Acts 13:7-12).
- They sailed to Pamphylia, where John deserted them (Acts 13:13).
- They went to Pisidian, Antioch. They went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, where they were asked to speak. Paul gives a long exhortation (Acts 13:14-41).
- The people asked for them to speak at the next Sabbath and many followed them to hear more (Acts 13:42-43).
- The next Sabbath, they talk boldly and many heard and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:44-52).
- At Iconium they spoke so effectively at the synagogue that a great number believed, but the non-believing Jews stirred up trouble with the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against them; so they stayed a considerable time there speaking boldly and affirming the message of grace by performing signs and wonders. The people were divided: some sided with the Jews and some with Paul/Barnabas. These non-believing Jews and Gentiles had a plot to kill/stone Paul, but he got away (Acts 14:1-6).
- They fled to Lycaonian cites of Lystra and Derbe and surrounding country (Acts 14:6-7).
- NOTE: Timothy was from Lystra (This is all Asia Minor).
- In Lystra, Paul healed the lame man from birth, who followed after him then. When the people saw, they shouted, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" To which they tore their clothes and reasoned with them (Acts 14:8-17).
- Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and won the crowd over and they stoned Paul and drug him outside the city, thinking he was dead (Acts 14:18-20).
- They went to Derbe, the next day, winning a large number of disciples.
- They returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strength and encourage new believers (Acts 14:21-22).
- They appointed elders in each church (Acts 14:23).
- They went through Pisidia, to Pamphylia, to Perga, to Attalia, then sailed back to Antioch (Acts 14:24-26).
- In Antioch, Certain people came down from Judea teaching believers they had to be circumcised according to the customs of Moses to be saved, entering into sharp debate with Paul and Barnabas. Paul, Barnabas and some other believers were appointed to go to Jerusalem on this matter (Acts 15:1-2).
The Jerusalem Council - Acts 15
Paul is Greeted in Jerusalem. The people are so troubled, they want for Paul to meet with the apostles and the elders to confirm that his doctrines are true (Acts 15:2-3). They backtrack their journey and head towards Jerusalem, by way of Phoenicia and Samaria. Upon arrival at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the apostles, elders and the church (Acts 15:3-4). Paul explains, false brothers secretly brought in - who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so they might bring us into slavery Galatians 2:4). He continues how they came from Judea to Antioch proclaiming gentiles need to be circumcised to be saved, and the disciples were deeply concerned about their salvation so they wanted him to verify the truthfulness of his doctrines with the apostles in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1-2; Acts 15:1-3, 31).
The Apostolic Council of Jerusalem. While at Jerusalem, they all meet to discuss the doctrine of being free from the law while under grace. Even at Jerusalem, while discussing it, some Pharisees rose us and said, It is necessary to circumcise them (gentiles) and to order them to keep the law of Moses (Acts 15:5). So now they lay claim that a gentile must become as a Jew and keep the entire law, not just one aspect of it. This is a critical matter, which needed resolved, early in church history. The apostles, elders, Paul and Barnabas gathered to resolve this matter (Acts 15:6), which is The Apostolic Council of Jerusalem, the first ecumenical council to occurred around 50 AD. True to Peter's character, he stood up first and declared himself a witness to truth, as God previously used his mouth to teach that gentiles would be included to hear the word, believe and receive the Holy Spirit with their hearts being cleansed by faith (Acts 10:9-48; Acts 15:7-9); while adding it i not wise to put God to the test on this issue, adding we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will (Acts 15:10-11). After this all the assembly fell silent, then Paul and Barnabas began tells them of the many signs and wonders of their 14 year ministry (Acts 15:12).
The Trustworthiness of Paul's Ministry. At the Council meeting, Paul explained how he was given inspired revelation from Jesus Christ, not trained by the apostles, in order to establish his credibility (Galatians 1:11-12). Adding that after his conversion, he initially went to Arabia then Damascus; then he went to Jerusalem to join the apostles but they were afraid of him for they didn't believe in his conversion, even though Barnabas told them how boldly he preached at Damascus after his conversion, so he never saw any of them except James the brother of Jesus, but he preached among them disputing with the Hellenists, until they sought to kill him, and we know he only visited with Cephas for 15 days so he got out quickly, with him and Barnabas departing for Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:15-23; Acts 9:19-30). We also know from a letter to the Philippians, that Paul is absolutely confident in his ministry of grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, apart from the law, for he stated if anyone has a reason to boast in the flesh, he has more, for he was circumcised on the eighth day, a pure-blood citizen of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a real Hebrew of Hebrews meaning upstanding, was blameless in the righteousness under the law, even being a Pharisee with the strictest observance of the law, and having such a zeal for the law that he harshly persecuted the church (Philippians 3:4-6). But he states that this is nothing to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ, the Lord (Philippians 3:7-8). So Paul was a top-notch Jew living under the law, but he left it, by faith, to enter into God's grace, where he is free.
James Concludes the Council Meeting with His Comments. The apostles, elders and the church saw what God had done through Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:4; Galatians 2:7). After Paul finished speaking, James concludes the meeting by reminding them of Simeon's prophecy, at the temple, spoken over Jesus at the time of Mary's purification and his dedication when Simeon said, that a light of revelation would go to the gentiles (Acts 15:13-17). James concluded with his judgment being that gentile believers should not be troubled with the Law of Moses, but they are to keep a few ordinances: to abstain from things polluted with idols, sexual immorality, strangled meat and blood (Acts 15:19-20). In conclusion, it was accepted that gentiles do not have to live under the Law of Moses, the Torah, and do not require circumcision. Paul states, when the pillars, James and Cephas and John, perceived the grace given to him, they extended a right hand in fellowship to him and Barnabas; stating they should continue to go to the gentiles, while they go to the circumcised (Galatians 2:9).
The Written Letter to Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. (Acts 15:23-29 ESV).
They Are Sent With the Good News. Paul was found to be trustworthy in his teachings. The apostles, elders and the whole church choose, Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, from among them to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, to proclaim their finding of gentiles not being yoked by the law, in a written letter for the gentiles at Antioch and Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:22-23, 27; Galatians 2:9-10). They took the letter and read it, and the people rejoiced greatly (Acts 15:30-31). Judas and Silas, who were prophets, encouraged and strengthened the people (Acts 15:32), before Judas went on his way (Acts 15:33-34). Paul, Barnabas and Silas remained, in Antioch, awhile before departing (Acts 15:34-36). Having the good news, Paul wanted to go back and strengthen the faith of all the church plants he established.
The Apostolic Council of Jerusalem. While at Jerusalem, they all meet to discuss the doctrine of being free from the law while under grace. Even at Jerusalem, while discussing it, some Pharisees rose us and said, It is necessary to circumcise them (gentiles) and to order them to keep the law of Moses (Acts 15:5). So now they lay claim that a gentile must become as a Jew and keep the entire law, not just one aspect of it. This is a critical matter, which needed resolved, early in church history. The apostles, elders, Paul and Barnabas gathered to resolve this matter (Acts 15:6), which is The Apostolic Council of Jerusalem, the first ecumenical council to occurred around 50 AD. True to Peter's character, he stood up first and declared himself a witness to truth, as God previously used his mouth to teach that gentiles would be included to hear the word, believe and receive the Holy Spirit with their hearts being cleansed by faith (Acts 10:9-48; Acts 15:7-9); while adding it i not wise to put God to the test on this issue, adding we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will (Acts 15:10-11). After this all the assembly fell silent, then Paul and Barnabas began tells them of the many signs and wonders of their 14 year ministry (Acts 15:12).
The Trustworthiness of Paul's Ministry. At the Council meeting, Paul explained how he was given inspired revelation from Jesus Christ, not trained by the apostles, in order to establish his credibility (Galatians 1:11-12). Adding that after his conversion, he initially went to Arabia then Damascus; then he went to Jerusalem to join the apostles but they were afraid of him for they didn't believe in his conversion, even though Barnabas told them how boldly he preached at Damascus after his conversion, so he never saw any of them except James the brother of Jesus, but he preached among them disputing with the Hellenists, until they sought to kill him, and we know he only visited with Cephas for 15 days so he got out quickly, with him and Barnabas departing for Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:15-23; Acts 9:19-30). We also know from a letter to the Philippians, that Paul is absolutely confident in his ministry of grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, apart from the law, for he stated if anyone has a reason to boast in the flesh, he has more, for he was circumcised on the eighth day, a pure-blood citizen of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a real Hebrew of Hebrews meaning upstanding, was blameless in the righteousness under the law, even being a Pharisee with the strictest observance of the law, and having such a zeal for the law that he harshly persecuted the church (Philippians 3:4-6). But he states that this is nothing to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ, the Lord (Philippians 3:7-8). So Paul was a top-notch Jew living under the law, but he left it, by faith, to enter into God's grace, where he is free.
James Concludes the Council Meeting with His Comments. The apostles, elders and the church saw what God had done through Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:4; Galatians 2:7). After Paul finished speaking, James concludes the meeting by reminding them of Simeon's prophecy, at the temple, spoken over Jesus at the time of Mary's purification and his dedication when Simeon said, that a light of revelation would go to the gentiles (Acts 15:13-17). James concluded with his judgment being that gentile believers should not be troubled with the Law of Moses, but they are to keep a few ordinances: to abstain from things polluted with idols, sexual immorality, strangled meat and blood (Acts 15:19-20). In conclusion, it was accepted that gentiles do not have to live under the Law of Moses, the Torah, and do not require circumcision. Paul states, when the pillars, James and Cephas and John, perceived the grace given to him, they extended a right hand in fellowship to him and Barnabas; stating they should continue to go to the gentiles, while they go to the circumcised (Galatians 2:9).
The Written Letter to Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. (Acts 15:23-29 ESV).
They Are Sent With the Good News. Paul was found to be trustworthy in his teachings. The apostles, elders and the whole church choose, Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, from among them to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, to proclaim their finding of gentiles not being yoked by the law, in a written letter for the gentiles at Antioch and Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:22-23, 27; Galatians 2:9-10). They took the letter and read it, and the people rejoiced greatly (Acts 15:30-31). Judas and Silas, who were prophets, encouraged and strengthened the people (Acts 15:32), before Judas went on his way (Acts 15:33-34). Paul, Barnabas and Silas remained, in Antioch, awhile before departing (Acts 15:34-36). Having the good news, Paul wanted to go back and strengthen the faith of all the church plants he established.
Paul's 2nd Mission - Acts 16
A Dispute Enables Two Voyages on the 2nd Journey. Paul and Barnabas discussed their second journey to confirm the truth to the other churches they established. However, a sharp disagreement arose, between Paul and Barnabas, concerning John Mark, for he was a fellow helper (Acts 13:5) who deserted them upon arrival at Perga (Acts 13:14), and Paul would not travel with him again to the same places from where he defected (Acts 15:38). These were perilous voyages for Paul tells us how he was beaten with rods, stoned and shipwrecked as he traveled in weariness and painfulness, in hunger and thirst, often fasting, and in cold and nakedness; while being subjected to the perils of water and sea, robbers and heathens, even fellow countrymen and city folk, and false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:25-33). But we know that John Mark (who wrote the Gospel of Mark) is Barnabas' cousin (Colossians 4:10). So Barnabas and John Mark sailed for Cyprus (Acts 15:39), while Paul and Silas went to Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:40-41). So the beauty is that what the enemy intended for evil, God used for good for now there are two voyages setting sail to strengthen the body of believers. Of which we can rejoice, because that message would later crossed yet another sea and made it all the way to us.
- Paul wanted to go back and see how the churches were doing, but he and Barnabas split ways over the conflict of taking John Mark (Acts 15:36-38)
- Paul took Silas, and went through Syria and Cilica strengthening the churches (Acts 15:40-41).
- They came to Derbe then Lystra where Timothy lived, and the Lystra and Iconium people spoke well of him so took him along. As they traveled along Paul delivered the decisions reaching by the Jerusalem Council and they were strengthened and grew in numbers daily (Acts 16:3-5).
Conclusion. The gospel message is one of freedom from the curse of the law, which was instituted to bind us to God under wrath initially, so that He could bind us to Him in righteousness and eternal life. We have been set free from dead works of the law so now we are free to live righteously, while still having our sinful flesh, so God can be glorified by us denying ourselves and denying our sinful passions and choosing God's will instead of our own. If you have received Christ, then you've been set free. Do not go back into slavery, now that you've been set free.
Dear heavenly Father, we ask that You would allow these words to sink into the fertile soil of our hearts so it can be firmly planted for this is the gospel message that leads to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, our very salvation; led us Father from the curse of the law and protect our minds from the thoughts of chains that bind us to deed works of keeping the law; guide us into all truth and give us wisdom and discernment to keep and know Your truth. AMEN
Dear heavenly Father, we ask that You would allow these words to sink into the fertile soil of our hearts so it can be firmly planted for this is the gospel message that leads to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, our very salvation; led us Father from the curse of the law and protect our minds from the thoughts of chains that bind us to deed works of keeping the law; guide us into all truth and give us wisdom and discernment to keep and know Your truth. AMEN
ADDITIONAL STUDY
The Purification after the Birth of the Firstborn Son. The Law of Moses required a time of purification of a woman, with the birth of her firstborn, son or daughter, with only times varying based on sex. The tradition for a firstborn son, after the woman bears the child, she remains unclean for seven (7) days (Leviticus 12:1-2). On the eighth day, the child is to be circumcised (Leviticus 12:3). Then the mother continues in the blood of her purification, for an additional 33 days; she can't touch anything holy or go to the temple, until these days are complete (Leviticus 12:4-5). At the completion of these days, she is to take her child to the tent of meeting to make a sacrifice for her purification; which required a year old lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or turtledove as a sin offering (Leviticus 12:6-7), so she could take two turtledoves and two pigeons, if she couldn't afford the lamb (Leviticus 12:8). The priest offers the sacrifice to the Lord for her atonement, and she is then clean from blood flow (Leviticus 12:6-8).
The Consecration of the Firstborn. The Lord instructed Moses to have the firstborn consecrated to Him, saying, Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and beast, is mine. I am the Lord. (Exodus 13:1-2; 13:12-15; Numbers 3:13; 8:15-16); with God saying He will redemption them (Numbers 18;15); and with God saying specifically the firstborn son belongs to Him (Exodus 22:29; 34:19). They are to be considered holy (Luke 2:23).
The Time of Purification and Dedication, with Prophecy Spoken Over Jesus by Simeon (Luke 2:22-38). Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord in His dedication and to make a sacrifice for her purification at the appointed time (Luke 2:22-24). There was a righteous and devout man, named Simeon there, and the Holy Spirit was upon him (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would see the Messiah within his lifetime, before he died (Luke 2:26). When he saw Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God saying, Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:27-32). The texts states that Mary and Joseph marveled at his words (Luke 2:33). And Simeon blessed them and told Mary, Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:34-35).
The Consecration of the Firstborn. The Lord instructed Moses to have the firstborn consecrated to Him, saying, Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and beast, is mine. I am the Lord. (Exodus 13:1-2; 13:12-15; Numbers 3:13; 8:15-16); with God saying He will redemption them (Numbers 18;15); and with God saying specifically the firstborn son belongs to Him (Exodus 22:29; 34:19). They are to be considered holy (Luke 2:23).
The Time of Purification and Dedication, with Prophecy Spoken Over Jesus by Simeon (Luke 2:22-38). Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord in His dedication and to make a sacrifice for her purification at the appointed time (Luke 2:22-24). There was a righteous and devout man, named Simeon there, and the Holy Spirit was upon him (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would see the Messiah within his lifetime, before he died (Luke 2:26). When he saw Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God saying, Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:27-32). The texts states that Mary and Joseph marveled at his words (Luke 2:33). And Simeon blessed them and told Mary, Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:34-35).