Key Verse: "And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost."
- Acts 13:52 KJV
The gospel is spreading rapidly.After Paul preaches in Antioch of Pisidia, almost the entire city gathers the following Sabbath to hear the Word of God. What an incredible opportunity! Yet instead of rejoicing over so many people hearing the truth, some become jealous. Opposition begins.
Key Verse: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:" - Acts 13:38 KJV
Paul and Barnabas arrive in Antioch of Pisidia, and on the Sabbath they enter the synagogue. Paul is invited to speak, and he takes the opportunity to tell the story of God's faithfulness. His message begins with Israel's history. He speaks of Abraham, the Exodus, the kings, and especially David. But Paul is not simply giving a history lesson. He is showing how God's promises were leading to Jesus Christ.
Key Verse: "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." - Acts 13:2 KJV
The church at Antioch was growing and thriving, but God had something more in store. As the believers “ministered to the Lord, and fasted,” the Holy Ghost gave them a specific calling: Barnabas and Saul were to be set apart for a special work. Notice how this missionary journey began. It began with worship, prayer, fasting, and listening.
Key Verse: "And, behold, the angel of
the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote
Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his
chains fell off from his hands."
- Acts 12:7 KJV
As the church continued to grow, opposition intensified. King Herod began to persecute believers, even executing James, the brother of John. Seeing that this pleased certain groups, he arrested Peter as well, intending to put him on trial after the Passover. Peter was heavily guarded in prison, bound with chains and watched by soldiers, his situation seemed hopeless.
Key Verse: "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." - Acts 11:26 KJV
As persecution scattered the believers after Stephen’s death, what seemed like a setback became a powerful step forward. Those who were dispersed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, sharing the message of Jesus. At first, they spoke only to Jews, but soon some began preaching to Greeks also, spreading the good news beyond traditional boundaries.
Key Verse: "Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." - Acts 11:3 KJV
When Peter returned to Jerusalem after visiting Cornelius, news had already spread: Gentiles had received the word of God. While this was a remarkable development, it also stirred concern among some believers. They questioned Peter, saying, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
Key Verse: "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,"
- Acts 10:1 KJV
In Caesarea lived a Roman centurion named Cornelius, a Gentile, yet a devout man who feared God, gave generously, and prayed continually. One day, he received a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter, who was staying in Joppa.
Bible Reading: Acts 13:45-52 KJV Key Verse: " And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. " - Acts 13...
