Paul and Barnabus, having been sent on their first ministry tour, have set the tone for the Lord’s commanded ministry by shutting down an enemy of the Lord named Elymus. From this point on the world would not be the same as God’s men spread His gospel and displayed His power throughout the known world.

Verses thirteen through forty-one: Having left Paphos, Paul and Barnabus came to Pamphylia where John decided to return to Jerusalem. Young John Mark, having joined them at Salamis (vs 5), had become part of the ministry team. The reason for his departure at this time is not known. What is known is that it angered Paul greatly. As would become their routine when they entered a city, Paul and Barnabus, upon arriving in Antioch, went directly to the local synagogue on THE (7th day-Saturday) Sabbath. The church kept God’s commanded 7th day Sabbath until 326 A.D. when Pope Silvester I changed it to Sunday so as to coincide with the sun worshipers’ sabbath–SUNday–“the venerable (holy) day of the sun.” Upon entering the synagogue and hearing the reading of the Law and the prophets, the apostles were asked if they had any word for the (Jewish) congregation. Taking the opportunity, Paul spoke at length from the Old Testament–the only Scriptures in existence at that time. In his sermon he told the people about Jesus of Nazareth Who was written about by both Moses and the prophets. In verses 38,39 he explained that: “… through this Man (Jesus of Nazareth) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified (forgiven) of all things (sins) ….” Paul then warned them about the consequences of rejecting the Lord’s Messiah–refusing to believe and obey His Words: “Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken (written) of by the prophets, ‘Behold you despisers, and wonder and perish. For I (God) work a work in your days, a work which you will not believe ….'” Paul was warning the Jews not to reject the Lord’s Christ.

Verses forty-two through forty-four: Outside of each synagogue was an area where Gentiles could gather and hear the reading of the Tora and the prophets every Sabbath. On this particular Sabbath a number of them had heard Paul speak to the Jews inside. Following his sermon, the Gentiles asked if he would teach them God’s Word the following Sabbath. If, as we have been told repeatedly by false prophets, Jesus had changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, this would have been a good time to tell those Gentiles. But you will notice that Paul did not, nor did he ever, nor did any of the Biblical writers. Why? BECAUSE THEY KNEW THE TRUTH. Following the meeting in the synagogue, some Jews and proselytes (converted Gentiles) followed Paul and Barnabus who persuaded them to continue in the grace of God by believing and obeying His Word. The following Sabbath nearly the entire city gathered to hear the apostles speak the Word of God. Once again Paul and Barnabus failed to tell the people about the supposed change in Sabbath observance. See The Mark of the Beast.

Verses forty-five through forty-nine: As would be true throughout the ministries of all the apostles, Paul and Barnabus were stirring up trouble. The True Word of God is always rejected by religious people whose darkness is exposed by it. Such was the case in Antioch as the Jews, jealous of the apostles’ popularity and fearful of their message, came out full-force against them. The apostles, operating under the power of the Holy Spirit, came back equally hard with the Word of God. Using the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word), they exposed the errors of the Lord’s enemies. Having done so, they then warned the Jews that, because they had rejected the Lord’s Word, He was sending them (the apostles) to the Gentiles. Upon hearing this the Gentiles rejoiced.

Verses fifty through fifty-two: As is always the case where God’s Word is exalted in the presence of religious people, persecution soon followed. As was the case anciently, those living in darkness today (Catholics and Protestants) hate the Lord’s light as well as those who bring it. Because of the problems created by Paul and Barnabus, they were soon forced to leave Antioch. Shaking off the dust of the city, they were off on another mission, leaving behind a number of people who were “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” L.J.