mission to asia minor and its repercussions (acts 13:1-15:35) nt2 – study 6

Mission to Asia Minor and its repercussions(Acts 13:1-15:35)

NT2 – Study 6

Outline of this study

1. Barnabas and Saul: the first missionary journey (13:1-14:28)

2. The Jerusalem Council (15:1-35)

Source: David Cook, Teaching Acts (Christian Focus)

The ‘door of faith for the Gentiles’ cracked by Phillip the evangelist

(Ethiopian eunuch) and the apostle Peter (Cornelius’ household) and

pushed further ajar by missionaries in Antioch, is now flung wide open by

Saul and a variety of associates.Scott Spencer

Paul’s commission is a highly significant one but it is part of a

larger whole: he participates in a mission that began BEFORE him and

will end AFTER him

p. 78, NT2 notes

1. Barnabas and Saul: the first missionary

journey (13:1-14:28)

1. The 1st missionary journey (13:1-14:28)

• The call to mission (13:1-3)– 9:15 -> Paul as the Lord’s “chosen instrument”– 13:2 -> Set apart/called for a particular

“work”

Who sent Paul and Barnabas – the Antioch church or the Holy Spirit? What are some implications (cf. 14:26-27)?

• Evangelism in Cyprus (13:4-12)


Home of Barnabas! Opposed by Jewish false prophet Bar-

Jesus (a.k.a. Elymas).

Conversion of Sergius Paulus, the

proconsul.

• Evangelism in Pisidian Antioch (13:13-52)


John Mark backs out in Antioch. Showcases

Paul’s message to Jewish diaspora + typical pattern

of responses: general Jewish rejection ->

turning to Gentiles -> moving on because of

Jewish persecution.

• Evangelism in Pisidian Antioch – cont’d Paul’s preaching to Jews:


Israel’s history (Moses – David)

John’s testimony + Jesus’ death &

resurrection

BELIEVE IN JESUS

OT Gospels

• Evangelism in Pisidian Antioch – cont’d– Jewish opposition triggered by Gentile

interest!

– But Paul saw as fulfilment of task of “the Servant of the Lord” (13:47; cf. Isaiah 49:6)


JEALOUSY THEOLOGY

• Conflict in Iconium (14:1-7)


“as usual” (14:1) => typical pattern!

Opposition … does it mean STAY or

LEAVE?

• Evangelism of heathen in Lystra (14:8-20)


No synagogue => No OT quote!

Amazing turnaround of response => Paul stoned!

• The return trip (14:21-28)


‘strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith’ (v22)

‘reported all that God had done … how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles’ (v27)

In this urban age where cities are comprised of “nations”,

is there still a need for churches to engage in

overseas mission?


• The problem (15:1-5)

-> i.e. to be a real Christian, Gentiles must become Jews first!

‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you

cannot be saved.’ (15:1)


• The problem (15:1-5) – cont’d–What’s at stake according to Paul:

‘… some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.’

Galatians 2:4-5


• The problem (15:1-5) – cont’d–What’s at stake according to Paul:

Gospel = salvation through faith alone in Christ

alone? OR

faith in Christ + EXTRAs (circumcision and obedience to ‘the law of Moses’)?


• The debate (15:6-11)–Peter’s speech

REMEMBERCornelius!

Impose Law = TESTING GOD?

All saved by GRACE

NO DIFFERENCEJews or Gentiles


• The decision (15:12-21)Evidence from Barnabas & Paul

+Peter’s testimony

+OT prophecy (Amos 9:11-12)

=> James: “we should not make it difficult for Gentiles who are turning to God” (15:19)


• The decision (15:12-21) – cont’d–But refrain from practices that obstruct

fellowship (cf. Lev 17-19, incl. 18:6-18)

“a courteous and temporary concession to Jewish consciences, once circumcision had

been declared unnecessary” John Stott


• The result (15:22-35)–Decision circulated + gospel integrity upheld–Ministry to Gentiles validated + circumcision

party repudiated– though tension will still continue! (cf. Paul trial

in Jerusalem in chs 21-22)–note how Paul exercises “freedom” (16:3)!!

Questions & Answers

JUMPA LAGI !!!

mission to asia minor and its repercussions (acts 13:1-15:35) nt2 – study 6

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