Introduction

Acts 13:1–12: This chapter begins the account of the first of Saul’s (later known as Paul) three missionary journeys to spread the Good News to the Gentiles. Saul and Barnabas are chosen and sent to Seleucia (on the Mediterranean coast of Syria) and Cyprus. They encounter opposition from the governor’s magician, and the magician is struck blind.

Today’s Key Verse: Acts 13:2b GNT

The Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them.”

Read

13 In the church at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (called the Black), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (who had been brought up with Governor Herod[a]), and Saul. 2 While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them.”

3 They fasted and prayed, placed their hands on them, and sent them off.

4 Having been sent by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went to Seleucia and sailed from there to the island of Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues. They had John Mark with them to help in the work.

6 They went all the way across the island to Paphos, where they met a certain magician named Bar-Jesus, a Jew who claimed to be a prophet. 7 He was a friend of the governor of the island, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor called Barnabas and Saul before him because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But they were opposed by the magician Elymas (that is his name in Greek), who tried to turn the governor away from the faith. 9 Then Saul—also known as Paul—was filled with the Holy Spirit; he looked straight at the magician 10 and said, “You son of the Devil! You are the enemy of everything that is good. You are full of all kinds of evil tricks, and you always keep trying to turn the Lord’s truths into lies! 11 The Lord’s hand will come down on you now; you will be blind and will not see the light of day for a time.”

At once Elymas felt a dark mist cover his eyes, and he walked around trying to find someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the governor saw what had happened, he believed; for he was greatly amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Reflect

How did Saul and Barnabas and their supporters prepare for this journey (verse 3)? How does your community of faith prepare those who are called to serve the Lord? Why did the governor’s magician oppose Saul and Barnabas? What happened to him (verse 11)? If you were to encounter someone who sought to discourage people from following the Lord, what might you say to them?

Pray

Lord God, you continue to set apart those who are called to spread your Word. Help me to be an ambassador for sharing the good news of your love and salvation with those who do not know you, and strengthen me for this task. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

And now, join us in praising God for a historic milestone in Brazil. To you, O God, we give thanks and praise that the Bible Society of Brazil has printed 200 million Bibles and New Testaments in its 29 years. Thanks in part to the ongoing and generous support of Bible-A-Month Partners, these 200 million “seeds” are transforming lives and spreading across the world—a record-breaking achievement in human history. To God be the glory! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Acts 13:13–25: Paul preaches the message about God’s salvation.