Paul’s First Missionary Journey & the Jerusalem Council

1. Paul’s First Missionary Journey& the Jerusalem Council Acts 13-15 A.D. 47-49

2. First Missionary Journey Acts 13 - 14

3. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Discussion Questions for Acts 13 -14 • Who was selected by the church for the first missionary journey? • Where was the center of mission activity? • Who indicated that someone should be selected for the mission work?

4. First Missionary Journey Map – A.D. 47-48

5. Many Jews and Gentiles believe at Iconium; opposition from disbelieving Jews (Acts 14:1–5) • Apostles preach in Pergathen sail to Antioch from Attalia (Acts 14:25–26) • Cripple healed; Barnabas & Paul call Zeus & Hermes & people try to worship (Acts 14:6–18). Paul stoned but survives then goes to Derbe to teach (Acts 14:19–20) • Many converted at Derbe; apostles visit the new churches, appointing elders (Acts 14:21–23) Paul and Barnabas chosen by Holy Spirit to go from church in Antioch to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2–3) Apostles return to the Antioch church; report on mission to Gentiles (Acts 14:26–28) John Mark leaves and returns to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13) • Pisidian Antioch Paul preaches to Jews and Gentiles; persecution rises (Acts 13:14–52) Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark sail to Perga (Acts 13:13) Conflict with Elymas; SergiusPaulus converted (Acts 13:7–12) Paul, Barnabas and John Mark sail for Cyprus (Acts 13:4–5)

6. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • First mission to the Gentiles begins in Antioch (13:1-3) • Prophets and teachers in the church • Barnabas, Simeon (Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod and Saul • Holy Spirit told them to set apart Barnabas and Saul • For a work for which "I have called them." • Fasted and prayed, laid their hands on them, sent off.

7. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Cyprus (13:4-12) • Sailed from Seleucia to Cyprus. • Preached in the synagogue in Salamis proclaimed the word of God with the help of John Mark. • Went across the island to Paphos • Magician named Bar-Jesus, a false prophet. • Proconsul SergiusPaulus summons Barnabas and Saul to hear the Word of God but Simon the sorcerer was opposing them to keep Proconsul from believing (8) • Saul - now know also a Paul (9) • Paul points out the magicians wickedness, full of deceit and fraud, son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness and perverting the way of the Lord. • Paul says he will not see the sun for a time and the magician becomes blind. • Proconsul believed, being amazed at the teachings of the Lord.

8. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Pamphylia, the city of Perga (13:13) • John Mark returned to Jerusalem.

9. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Southern Galatia Cities (13:14 – 14:24) • Pisidian Antioch (13:14-52) • Preached in the synagogue (13:14-41) • After the reading of the law and Prophets the synagogue official ask them for a word of exhortation. • Paul preached discussing salvation from Egypt to King David. • Preached from king David came the Savior Jesus. • Preached about John the Baptist pointing to the Savior (13:26) • Preached about how Jesus was put to death • Preached on how God raised Him from the dead – quotes Ps. 16:10 • Through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed (13:38) • Freed from what the Law of Moses could not free you, sin (13:39)

11. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Southern Galatia Cities (13:14 – 14:24) • People of Pisidian Antioch asks them to speak again on the next Sabbath (13:42-43) • Many of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas. • Jewish opposition begins, filled with jealousy (13:44-45) • Began blaspheming and contradicting Paul. • Paul’s response to the unbelieving Jews (13:46-52) • Since the Jews refuse to believe they are turning to the Gentiles. • The Lord command to go to the Gentiles (quotes Isa. 49:6) • Gentiles rejoice and glorified the word of the Lord. • They were driven out of the district, shook the dust off their feet and went to Iconium. • The disciples continued to be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

12. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Two important things in Chapter 13. • Preaching a Paphos to SergiusPaulus • Preaching in synagogue at Pisidian Antioch and then to Gentiles

13. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Iconium (14:1-7) • Went to the synagogue of the Jews first • Great many Jews and Greeks believed (1) • Jews disbelieved and stirred up Gentiles against them (2-5) • Paul and Barnabas continued for a long time to speak boldly relying on the Lord. • Bearing witness to the word of grace with signs and wonders by their hand. • City became divided, some following the apostles and others the Jews – Barnabas referred to as an apostle (4) • Apostles become aware of a plot to kill them (5-6) • Fled the city to Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and surrounding region. • They continued to preach the gospel (7)

14. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Ministry in town of Lystra in Lycaonia district (14:8-20a) • Lame man from birth is healed by Paul (8-10) • Had faith to be made well and stood upright on his feet • People of Lystra reaction to the healing (11-13) • People of Lystra began proclaiming that the gods had come to earth as men. • Mythology in Ovid’s Metamorphosis (8.611-735) records visit of Zeus & Hermes to this area – this may partly account for their reaction • Called Barnabas Zeus (Jupiter) and Paul Hermes (Mercury) because he was the chief speaker. • Priest of the temple of Zeus. • Came with ox and garlands to the gate to offer a sacrifice to them with the people.

15. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Ministry in town of Lystra in Lycaonia district (14:8-20a) • Paul and Barnabas' teaching (14-18) • Tore their robes, show their distress at being considered gods • Tell them they are men like themselves. • Paul’s teaching to those at Lystra (14:15-18) • They must turn from the vain worship of the gods. • Turn to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. • Previous time nations went their own way • God did not leave himself without a witness. • He did good and provided rain and fruitful seasons. • It was still difficult to keep them from offering sacrifices to them. • 5) Jewish leaders come to Lystra from Antioch and Icomium (19-20a). • a) Won over the multitude. • b) Stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city thinking he was dead. • c) Paul gets up and goes back into the city.

16. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Ministry in town of Lystra in Lycaonia district (14:8-20a) • Jewish leaders come to Lystra from Antioch and Iconium (19-20a) • Jewish leaders incited the people against them • Stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city thinking he was dead • Paul gets up and goes back into the city

17. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Ministry in Derbe (14:20b-21a) • Paul went with Barnabas to Derbe • Preached and made many disciples • Return travel to Antioch (14:21b-26) • Return to the city of Lystra, Iconium & Antioch (21b-23) • Strengthen and encouraged the new Christians • Encouraging them to continue in the faith • Warning that through many tribulation would the enter the kingdom of God • Appointed elders in every church • Prayed and fasted • They commended them to the Lord

18. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Return travel to Antioch (14:21b-26) • Pamphylia to Attalia on to Antioch (14:24-26) • Spoke the word in Perga • Went to Attalia and set sail for Antioch • The church that had commended them for the work • Report to the church in Antioch (14:27-28) • Gathered the whole church to report all God had done • How God had open the door of faith to the Gentiles • They stayed a long time with the disciples (~A.D. 48-49)

19. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Two important events in chapter 14 • Preaching in Iconium where many believed • Barnabas and Paul called gods in Lystra

20. The Jerusalem Council Acts 15:1-35

21. Paul’s First Missionary Journey – Acts 13-14 • Discussion Questions for Acts 15 • Why is the discussion over how Gentiles become Christians important and why is important today? • Who raised the issue about Gentiles becoming Christians?

22. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • Problem over whether Gentiles had to keep the Law of Moses (15:1-5) • Men from Judea came to Antioch teaching Christians that they must be circumcised according to the law of Moses. • Without it they cannot be saved. • Great debate between the Judean Christians and Paul and Barnabas ensued. • Decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to discuss the issue with the leaders there. • Talked with the apostles and elders. • Went to Jerusalem by way of Phoenicia and Samaria describing the conversion of the Gentiles that Christians took great joy in.

23. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • Problem over whether Gentiles had to keep the Law of Moses – A.D. 49 (15:1-5) • Arrived in Jerusalem (15:4-5) • Received by the apostles, elders, and church. • Related to them what God had done among the Gentiles. • Pharisees who had believed said the Gentiles must: • Be circumcised. • Keep the law of Moses

24. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • Peter's description of how God indicated the Gentiles also are saved (15:6-11) • Apostles and elders looked into the matter • Peter describes what God showed him about Gentiles • In the early days God chose Peter so the Gentiles would hear the gospel and believe. (about 8 years earlier) • God, knowing their hearts, bore witness that the Gentiles may also be saved by giving them the Holy Spirit as he did on them. • No distinction was made between Jews and Gentiles they were also cleansed by faith. • Peter ask them why they are testing God, when he has already made his will known. • A yoke they cannot bear, that their fathers or they are able to bear. • Peter points out that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by grace of our Lord Jesus.

25. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • Barnabas and Paul relate God's work through them to the Gentiles (15:12) • Related the signs and wonders God did through them for the Gentiles. • Signs and wonders indicated God agreed with their preaching to the Gentiles • Gentiles put their faith in Christ

26. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • James, the brother of Jesus, gives his judgment on the matter (15:13-21) • James points out that the prophets agree with what Peter has told them – Amos 9:11-12 • Prophet points to a time where the tent of David will be restored (David's reign). • So the rest of humanity may seek the Lord and all the Gentiles who are called by His name.

27. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • James, the brother of Jesus, gives his judgment on the matter (15:13-21) • James judgment is that they not trouble those who are turning to God from the Gentiles. • Should write a letter to them to: • Abstain from things contaminated by idols. • Abstain from fornication. • Abstain from what is strangled and from blood. • Moses has from ancient time had people preach Him. • Because he is read in the synagogue every Sabbath. • Abstaining from those things above allows fellowship with the Jews.

28. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • Letter sent to Antioch about the matter (15:22-29) • Jerusalem church chooses men to send with Paul and Barnabas with a letter. • Sent Barsabbas and Silas (First mention of Silas) • The Letter - addressed to the Gentile brethren in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. • Note some of the Judean brethren have taught things they were not instructed to teach which caused them problems. • They have come to one mind (agreement) on the matter • Selected men who have risked their lives for Jesus to deliver an oral report as well as a letter. • Sent Barnabas, Paul, Judas, and Silas. • Not burden them with anything but a few essentials (listed above) • If they keep themselves free from these things they do well.

29. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • Response to the letter in Antioch (15:30-35) • Gather the church together to hear the report • People were encouraged by the report and rejoiced. • Judas and Silas were prophets so they delivered a lengthy message. • They stayed some time there before they sent them back to Jerusalem. • Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch preaching and teaching with many others the word of the Lord.

30. Jerusalem Counsel – Acts 15 • Two important events in chapter 15:1-36: • Paul and Barnabas defend the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles. • Jerusalem counsel decision not to bind the law of Moses on the Gentiles.