paul’s first missionary journey & the jerusalem council

Paul’s First Missionary Journey& the Jerusalem CouncilActs 13-15

A.D. 47-49

First Missionary JourneyActs 13 - 14

• Discussion Questions for Acts 13 -14−Who was selected by the church for the

first missionary journey?−Where was the center of mission

activity?−Who indicated that someone should be

selected for the mission work?

Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14

First Missionary Journey Map – A.D. 47-48

Paul and Barnabas chosen by Holy Spirit to go from church in Antioch to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2–3)

Paul, Barnabas and John Mark sail for Cyprus (Acts 13:4–5)

Conflict with Elymas; Sergius Paulus converted (Acts 13:7–12)

Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark sail to Perga (Acts 13:13)

John Mark leaves and returns to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13)

Many Jews and Gentiles believe at Iconium; opposition from disbelieving Jews (Acts 14:1–5)

Cripple healed; Barnabas & Paul call Zeus & Hermes & people try to worship (Acts 14:6–18).

Paul stoned but survives then goes to Derbe to teach (Acts 14:19–20)

Many converted at Derbe; apostles visit the new churches, appointing elders (Acts 14:21–23)

Pisidian Antioch Paul preaches to Jews and Gentiles; persecution rises (Acts 13:14–52)

Apostles return to the Antioch church; report on mission to Gentiles (Acts 14:26–28)

Apostles preach in Perga then sail to Antioch from Attalia (Acts 14:25–26)

• First mission to the Gentiles begins in Antioch (13:1-3)−Prophets and teachers in the church

• Barnabas, Simeon (Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod and Saul

−Holy Spirit told them to set apart Barnabas and Saul• For a work for which "I have called them."• Fasted and prayed, laid their hands on them, sent

off.


• Cyprus (13:4-12)−Sailed from Seleucia to Cyprus.

• Preached in the synagogue in Salamis proclaimed the word of God with the help of John Mark.

−Went across the island to Paphos• Magician named Bar-Jesus, a false prophet.• Proconsul Sergius Paulus summons Barnabas and

Saul to hear the Word of God but Simon the sorcerer was opposing them to keep Proconsul from believing (8)

• Saul - now know also a Paul (9)• Paul points out the magicians wickedness, full of

deceit and fraud, son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness and perverting the way of the Lord.

• Paul says he will not see the sun for a time and the magician becomes blind.

• Proconsul believed, being amazed at the teachings of the Lord.


• Pamphylia, the city of Perga (13:13)−John Mark returned to Jerusalem.


• Southern Galatia Cities (13:14 – 14:24)−Pisidian Antioch (13:14-52)

• Preached in the synagogue (13:14-41)• After the reading of the law and Prophets the

synagogue official ask them for a word of exhortation.

• Paul preached discussing salvation from Egypt to King David.

• Preached from king David came the Savior Jesus.• Preached about John the Baptist pointing to the

Savior (13:26)• Preached about how Jesus was put to death• Preached on how God raised Him from the dead –

quotes Ps. 16:10• Through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed

(13:38)• Freed from what the Law of Moses could not free

you, sin (13:39)


• Southern Galatia Cities (13:14 – 14:24)−People of Pisidian Antioch asks them to

speak again on the next Sabbath (13:42-43)• Many of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul

and Barnabas.• Jewish opposition begins, filled with jealousy

(13:44-45)• Began blaspheming and contradicting Paul.

−Paul’s response to the unbelieving Jews (13:46-52)• Since the Jews refuse to believe they are turning to

the Gentiles.• The Lord command to go to the Gentiles (quotes

Isa. 49:6)• Gentiles rejoice and glorified the word of the Lord.• They were driven out of the district, shook the dust

off their feet and went to Iconium.• The disciples continued to be filled with joy and

the Holy Spirit.


• Two important things in Chapter 13.−Preaching a Paphos to Sergius Paulus−Preaching in synagogue at Pisidian Antioch

and then to Gentiles


• Iconium (14:1-7)−Went to the synagogue of the Jews first−Great many Jews and Greeks believed (1)−Jews disbelieved and stirred up Gentiles

against them (2-5)−Paul and Barnabas continued for a long time

to speak boldly relying on the Lord.• Bearing witness to the word of grace with signs

and wonders by their hand.−City became divided, some following the

apostles and others the Jews – Barnabas referred to as an apostle (4)• Apostles become aware of a plot to kill them (5-6)• Fled the city to Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and

surrounding region.−They continued to preach the gospel (7)


• Ministry in town of Lystra in Lycaonia district (14:8-20a)−Lame man from birth is healed by Paul (8-10)−Had faith to be made well and stood upright

on his feet−People of Lystra reaction to the healing (11-

13)• People of Lystra began proclaiming that the gods

had come to earth as men.• Mythology in Ovid’s Metamorphosis (8.611-735)

records visit of Zeus & Hermes to this area – this may partly account for their reaction

−Called Barnabas Zeus (Jupiter) and Paul Hermes (Mercury) because he was the chief speaker.

−Priest of the temple of Zeus.• Came with ox and garlands to the gate to offer a

sacrifice to them with the people.


• Ministry in town of Lystra in Lycaonia district (14:8-20a)−Paul and Barnabas' teaching (14-18)

• Tore their robes, show their distress at being considered gods

• Tell them they are men like themselves.−Paul’s teaching to those at Lystra (14:15-18)−They must turn from the vain worship of the

gods.−Turn to a living God who made the heaven and

the earth and the sea and everything in them.−Previous time nations went their own way

• God did not leave himself without a witness.• He did good and provided rain and fruitful seasons.

−It was still difficult to keep them from offering sacrifices to them.

• 5) Jewish leaders come to Lystra from Antioch and Icomium (19-20a).

• a) Won over the multitude.• b) Stoned Paul, dragged him out of the

city thinking he was dead.• c) Paul gets up and goes back into the

city.


• Ministry in town of Lystra in Lycaonia district (14:8-20a)−Jewish leaders come to Lystra from Antioch

and Iconium (19-20a)−Jewish leaders incited the people against them−Stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city

thinking he was dead−Paul gets up and goes back into the city


• Ministry in Derbe (14:20b-21a)−Paul went with Barnabas to Derbe−Preached and made many disciples

• Return travel to Antioch (14:21b-26)−Return to the city of Lystra, Iconium &

Antioch (21b-23)−Strengthen and encouraged the new

Christians−Encouraging them to continue in the faith

• Warning that through many tribulation would the enter the kingdom of God

• Appointed elders in every church• Prayed and fasted• They commended them to the Lord


• Return travel to Antioch (14:21b-26)−Pamphylia to Attalia on to Antioch (14:24-

26)• Spoke the word in Perga• Went to Attalia and set sail for Antioch• The church that had commended them for the

work

• Report to the church in Antioch (14:27-28)−Gathered the whole church to report all God

had done−How God had open the door of faith to the

Gentiles−They stayed a long time with the disciples

(~A.D. 48-49)


• Two important events in chapter 14−Preaching in Iconium where many believed−Barnabas and Paul called gods in Lystra


The Jerusalem CouncilActs 15:1-35

• Discussion Questions for Acts 15−Why is the discussion over how

Gentiles become Christians important and why is important today?

−Who raised the issue about Gentiles becoming Christians?


• Problem over whether Gentiles had to keep the Law of Moses (15:1-5)−Men from Judea came to Antioch teaching

Christians that they must be circumcised according to the law of Moses.• Without it they cannot be saved.

−Great debate between the Judean Christians and Paul and Barnabas ensued.• Decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and others to

Jerusalem to discuss the issue with the leaders there.

• Talked with the apostles and elders.• Went to Jerusalem by way of Phoenicia and

Samaria describing the conversion of the Gentiles that Christians took great joy in.

Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15

• Problem over whether Gentiles had to keep the Law of Moses – A.D. 49 (15:1-5)−Arrived in Jerusalem (15:4-5)

• Received by the apostles, elders, and church.• Related to them what God had done among the

Gentiles.−Pharisees who had believed said the

Gentiles must:• Be circumcised.• Keep the law of Moses


• Peter's description of how God indicated the Gentiles also are saved (15:6-11)−Apostles and elders looked into the matter−Peter describes what God showed him about

Gentiles• In the early days God chose Peter so the Gentiles

would hear the gospel and believe. (about 8 years earlier)

• God, knowing their hearts, bore witness that the Gentiles may also be saved by giving them the Holy Spirit as he did on them.

• No distinction was made between Jews and Gentiles they were also cleansed by faith.

−Peter ask them why they are testing God, when he has already made his will known.• A yoke they cannot bear, that their fathers or they

are able to bear.• Peter points out that both Jews and Gentiles are

saved by grace of our Lord Jesus.


• Barnabas and Paul relate God's work through them to the Gentiles (15:12)−Related the signs and wonders God did

through them for the Gentiles.−Signs and wonders indicated God agreed

with their preaching to the Gentiles−Gentiles put their faith in Christ


• James, the brother of Jesus, gives his judgment on the matter (15:13-21)−James points out that the prophets agree

with what Peter has told them – Amos 9:11-12• Prophet points to a time where the tent of David

will be restored (David's reign).• So the rest of humanity may seek the Lord and all

the Gentiles who are called by His name.


• James, the brother of Jesus, gives his judgment on the matter (15:13-21)−James judgment is that they not trouble

those who are turning to God from the Gentiles.

−Should write a letter to them to:• Abstain from things contaminated by idols.• Abstain from fornication.• Abstain from what is strangled and from blood.

−Moses has from ancient time had people preach Him.• Because he is read in the synagogue every

Sabbath.• Abstaining from those things above allows

fellowship with the Jews.


• Letter sent to Antioch about the matter (15:22-29)−Jerusalem church chooses men to send with

Paul and Barnabas with a letter.• Sent Barsabbas and Silas (First mention of Silas)

−The Letter - addressed to the Gentile brethren in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.• Note some of the Judean brethren have taught

things they were not instructed to teach which caused them problems.

• They have come to one mind (agreement) on the matter

• Selected men who have risked their lives for Jesus to deliver an oral report as well as a letter.

• Sent Barnabas, Paul, Judas, and Silas.• Not burden them with anything but a few

essentials (listed above)• If they keep themselves free from these things

they do well.


• Response to the letter in Antioch (15:30-35)−Gather the church together to hear the

report−People were encouraged by the report and

rejoiced.−Judas and Silas were prophets so they

delivered a lengthy message.−They stayed some time there before they

sent them back to Jerusalem.−Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch

preaching and teaching with many others the word of the Lord.


• Two important events in chapter 15:1-36:−Paul and Barnabas defend the preaching of

the Gospel to the Gentiles.−Jerusalem counsel decision not to bind the

law of Moses on the Gentiles.


paul’s first missionary journey & the jerusalem council

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