Acts (12)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 13 (Lesson 12) by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 13.1-3.
The Holy Spirit is on a roll, and He’s just getting started. Having brought the Good News to Samaritans and Gentiles, the Spirit has opened all the doors to the Kingdom. Now He needs capable folks to serve as worthy heralds of and escorts into the Kingdom of God. So, since the work is to be expanded among Gentiles, where else to look but in the fastest-growing Gentile church in the Roman world, Antioch?

For reflection
1.  We note that it had pleased the Spirit to bring several teachers to serve the growing congregations in Antioch. We can see the wisdom in this, since the Spirit intends to send two of those teachers for a work elsewhere. Meditate on Titus 1.5-16. What qualifications should churches require of those who teach?

2.  How did the Spirit speak to the church in Antioch concerning Saul and Barnabas? We don’t know. It’s possible the church may have been seeking the Lord about His plan for them. Leaders may have been praying and fasting, seeking the Lord’s will, when the Spirit made His intentions known. Perhaps there was an audible voice. More likely, one or more of the leaders were “impressed” by the Spirit and shared their thoughts with the rest. How do the leaders of your church seek to determine the Lord’s leading? Ask a few.

3.  Neither Barnabas nor Saul were “locals,” and since Barnabas had been so helpful in getting the church organized in Antioch, and Saul was a Roman citizen, the leaders may have considered that they were the best choices for the Spirit’s mission. What qualifications should churches today be looking for in those they support for the work of missions?

4.  The decision having been made, and all agreed, the congregation entered into more prayer and fasting, laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, and sent them off. To where? We don’t know how complete their plans were at this stage, but we can imagine they probably followed existing trade routes and routines, since they would have required passage from Antioch to Cyprus and elsewhere. The Spirit would lead them, of this they had no doubt. Would you describe the church in Antioch as “missions-minded”? Why or why not? What does a church look like today that has this mindset?

5. In Jerusalem, the Spirit used persecution to jump-start the mission of the Church. In Antioch, He spoke to the congregation during worship. If our worship is focused on God, waiting on Him, listening for His voice, and seeking His will, He might be pleased to launch our church into some new and exciting Kingdom adventure. But if all we’re looking for in worship is something for ourselves, we’re not likely to hear the Spirit prompting us to greater challenges. What are some of the differences between worship focused on people and their needs and worship focused on God and His will?

Summary
A new stage in the ongoing work of Christ begins, as the church in Antioch sends off a missionary team to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom among Jews and Gentiles in far-off places. This was a risky enterprise. Communications would be difficult. Opposition was guaranteed. Resources would have to be secured along the way. Would you describe your church as a “risk-taking” church for the Kingdom? Why or why not?

Closing Prayer
Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!
For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!

Psalm 117

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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