In the city of Antioch there were a number of Gentile believers who met for prayer and ministry. One day, as they were thus occupied, the Holy Spirit told them that He had a work for Barnabas and Saul to do. The others laid hands on them in fellowship, prayed and then let them go. These two then departed to the isle of Cyprus in the Mediterranean. They met a prudent man named Sergius Paulus whose desire was to hear the Word of God. The devil does not like it when we want to hear God’s Word, and he will try to hinder, oppose or occupy us with many other things.
After leaving the island, they went to Antioch in Pisidia and entered into a synagogue on the Sabbath day. After the reading of the law and the prophets, Paul spoke to them. He told them that the voices of the prophets, which were read every Sabbath, were fulfilled when they condemned Christ. How solemn it is to know the Scriptures and yet not believe them! Many who can quote Bible verses are lost. The gospel brings good news to poor sinners. Paul wanted all the men in that synagogue to know that through the Man Christ Jesus they could have the forgiveness of sins and be justified from all things. Again, Satan raised opposition to the good news of salvation to the Jews. Paul said, “Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord by believing. They were then filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
1. Who said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them”? __________ Acts 13:___
2. What did Sergius Paulus desire from Barnabas and Saul? __________ Acts 13:___
3. How did the rulers of Jerusalem fulfill the voices of the prophets? __________ Acts 13:___
4. What did Paul want his Jewish brethren to know was being preached about this Man (Jesus)? __________ Acts 13:___
5. When the Gentiles heard Paul’s preaching, they were glad and __________. Acts 13:___