Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
The missionary journey to Cyprus, as recorded in Acts chapter 13, serves as a poignant reminder of our call to mission as contemporary followers of Christ. This journey encapsulates several key themes that resonate deeply with our call to mission today. Let’s delve into the exegesis of verses 1-12, highlighting these themes and their relevance for contemporary followers of Christ.
Divine Calling:
The journey to Cyprus didn’t stem from mere human initiative but was a response to a divine call. Saul and Barnabas, leaders in the church at Antioch, were set apart for this task by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2). Their fasting and prayer exemplified their dependence on divine guidance, signaling the sacred nature of their mission.
Guided by the Spirit:
Throughout their journey, Saul and Barnabas were led by the Holy Spirit. From the outset, they surrendered their plans to the Spirit’s leading, sailing to Cyprus under divine direction. This reliance on the Spirit ensured that their steps were ordered by God, and their efforts bore eternal significance (Acts 13:4).
Sent by the Church:
The church in Antioch played a crucial role in commissioning Saul and Barnabas for their mission. Recognizing the Spirit’s call upon these two men, the church affirmed their calling, prayed for them, and sent them out (Acts 13:3). This act underscores the unity and cooperation within the early Christian community, as they actively participated in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Experiencing Opposition:
Upon arriving in Cyprus, Saul and Barnabas encountered opposition in the form of Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas, a sorcerer who sought to hinder their ministry. This opposition serves as a reminder that spiritual warfare accompanies the proclamation of the gospel. Yet, the missionaries faced this challenge with courage, knowing that they were empowered by the Spirit (Acts 13:6-8).
Authority over Opposition:
In the face of opposition, Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted Elymas, pronouncing temporary blindness upon him. This decisive action not only demonstrated the authority vested in the missionaries by God but also validated their message. Through this miraculous intervention, God affirmed His sovereignty over all opposing forces (Acts 13:9-11).
Salvation of Souls:
The climax of the journey to Cyprus is marked by the conversion of Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of the island. Witnessing the power of God manifested through the confrontation with Elymas, Sergius Paulus embraced the faith, becoming a follower of Christ. This transformation illustrates the impact of faithful obedience to the Great Commission, as souls are won for the kingdom of God (Acts 13:12).
Life Application: Embracing Our Call to Mission Today
As we reflect on the missionary journey to Cyprus, it’s essential to draw practical applications for our lives today. Here are key insights to consider:
- Divine Guidance: Like Saul and Barnabas, we are called to seek divine guidance in our mission endeavors. Through prayer and fasting, we can discern the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will direct our steps and empower our efforts (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Obedience to the Call: The obedience of Saul and Barnabas challenges us to respond obediently to the call of God in our lives. Whether it’s through local outreach, missions abroad, or everyday acts of kindness, we can fulfill the Great Commission by stepping out in faith and obedience (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Confronting Opposition: Just as Saul and Barnabas faced opposition from Elymas, we will encounter resistance as we share the gospel. However, we can take courage knowing that we have authority over all the powers of darkness, and through prayer and reliance on the Spirit, we can overcome every obstacle (Ephesians 6:12).
- Unity in the Church: The sending of Saul and Barnabas by the church in Antioch underscores the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ. By supporting and sending out missionaries, participating in mission activities, and praying for one another, we can advance the kingdom of God together (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
- Reaching the Unreached: The destination of Cyprus symbolizes the diverse and unreached people groups to whom we are called to proclaim the gospel. Whether it’s in our own communities or in distant lands, we are commissioned to share the love of Christ with those who have not yet heard (Romans 10:14-15).
- Salvation of Souls: The ultimate purpose of our mission endeavors is the salvation of souls. As we faithfully proclaim the gospel, may we witness the transformation of lives and the expansion of God’s kingdom, just as Sergius Paulus embraced the faith and became a follower of Christ (Luke 15:10).
In conclusion, let us embrace our call to mission with unwavering faith and obedience, trusting in the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. As we heed the lessons from the missionary journey to Cyprus, may we actively engage in fulfilling the Great Commission, knowing that God goes before us, leading us to victory in His name.