Relaying gospel to Antioch
Key Verses: 2-3, 11, 15, 27, 32-33, 38-39, 46
The first missionaries are chosen and commissioned. This happened after worship and fasting by a group of believers in Antioch. The Holy Spirit speaks to them. We don’t know what method He used to speak, but we know they obeyed. Barnabas and Saul are sent off to spread the Gospel as a team. They sail to Cyprus and end up preaching to the ruler of the Island. He becomes a Christian after his servant is converted. An opponent is struck blind for his rebellion.
Paul and Barnabas continue in their journey, stopping at the Jewish synagogues as their first stops. He shares an account of Jesus’ mission that was rooted in Israel’s history and completed in Jesus’ death and resurrection. But he also tells them what it means for their lives. Jesus brought forgiveness, freedom from sin and a new start with God. Many who hear the message believe and are further encouraged by Paul and Barnabas.
But just as before, there were those who did not want things to change and they began persecuting Paul and Barnabas. They foolishly thought they could stop the Gospel. As the disciples are expelled from their region they shake the dust off their feet and continue. Their lives are filled with two things: persecution and joy.
When the LORD is working, these two seem to go hand in hand. When the Holy Spirit is working, no one can stand in the way. No amount of persecution can stop the joy. Do you have joy today? When the Gospel is being shared, the Holy Spirit present, and God’s people gathering, joy is present. Difficult times will come, but that does not mean the LORD has abandoned us. Difficult times are an opportunity for God to show Himself great.
REVIEW: Run the spots in John that you get stuck on, just the rough spots.
The Arnold Journey 