Coachlight Bible Study - Acts
Chapter 13 &14
The Mystery of Broken Branches
and Wild Olive Trees
So far in the book of Acts, we have not seen
the spreading of the Gospel to the Gentiles in the proportion of Christ's
words:
Matthew 28:19 Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {teach: or, make disciples, or,
Christians of all nations}
3100 mayhteuw matheteuo math-ayt-yoo’-o
from 3101; TDNT-4:461,552; v
AV-teach 2, instruct 1, be disciple 1; 4
1) to be a disciple of one
1a) to follow his precepts and instructions
2) to make a disciple
2a) to teach, instruct
The door was opened in the baptizing of Cornelius and his house;
but since then we had the gospel preached to the Jews only,
Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that
arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
But in chapter 13, we begin to see the Jews having the Gospel
offered to them first, and begin to see God's mystery revealed
The first seven chapters of Acts could be named, The Church among the Jews; the next five (chapters eight through
twelve), The Church in Transition from
Jews to Gentiles; and the last
sixteen (chapters thirteen through twenty-eight), The Church among the Gentiles
In chapters 13 and 14 we have Paul' and Barnabas' first Missionary
Journey. They will witness miracles,
opposition, and disciple many converts.
I. State of the Church at Antioch in Syria - Planted in
Acts 11 - Prophets & Teachers – (Vs. 1-2)
A. As Barnabas.
B. Simeon, or
Simon, who for distinction-sake was
called Niger, Simon the Black, from the colour of his hair not much more is
known of him.
C. Lucius of Cyrene - mentioned in letter to Romans as one of
Paul's kinsman
Romans 16:21 Timotheus my
workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you..
D. Manaen - or Menahem, the name of one of
the kings of Israel II Kings 15:14 - Foster brother of Herod Antipas: Herod the tetrarch - that is, Antipas, who
was himself "brought up with a certain private person at Rome" JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 17.1,3. How different did these two foster
brothers turn out - Herod, given to a life stained with the blood of the most
distinguished of God’s prophets, though not without his fits
of reformation and seasons of remorse; the other, a devoted disciple of the
Lord Jesus and prophet of the Church at Antioch! The nobelman, whose son, at
the point of death, was healed by Christ (John 4:46) was of Herod’s establishment, while Joanna, who ministered to Christ, was his
steward (Luke 8:3)
E. And Saul - last of all, but the Book of Acts
switches from Peter's ministry to Paul's
II. Divine
Commission of Paul and Barnabas – (Vs. 3-4)
A. They ministered unto the Lord - (prayer, exhortation, fasting, studing the Word)
3008 leitourgew leitourgeo li-toorg-eh’-o - The word
liturgy grows out of this use.
AV-minister 3; 3
1) to serve the
state at one’s own cost
1a) to assume an
office which must be administered at one’s own expense
1b) to discharge
a public office at one’s own cost
1c) to render
public service to the state
2) to do a
service, perform a work
2a) of priests
and Levites who were busied with the sacred rites in the tabernacle or the
temple (Luke 1:23)
2b) of Christians
serving Christ, whether by prayer, or by instructing others concerning the way
of salvation, or in some other way
2c) of those who
aid others with their resources, and relieve their poverty
Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their
debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their
spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal
things.
But in the same
chapter, Paul used the word 1247 diakonew diakoneo dee-ak-on-eh’-o when he was ministering to the saints of
Jerusalem Romans 15:25
Romans 15:25 But now I go
unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
B. As they ministered to the Lord, the Holy Ghost separated
them for the work
C. The Holy Spirit has the nomination of his ministers -
Afterwards the church:
1. Fasted
2. Prayed
3. Layed hands
on them
III. Preachng in
the Synagogues – With John Mark (Vs. 5)
A. Barnabas and Saul went to the famous island of Cyprus,
probably because Barnabas was a native of that country
Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed
Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
1. They went to
Seleucia, - sea port town opposite to
Cyprus,
2. They crossed
the sea to the island of Cyprus
3. They went to
the first city they came to, Salamis, a city on the east side of the island
4. They preached
to the Jews
B. They had also John for their minister
5257 uperethv huperetes hoop-ay-ret’-ace
from 5259
and a derivative of eresso (to row); TDNT-8:530,1231; n m
AV-officer 11,
minister 5, servant 4; 20
1) servant
1a) an
underrower, subordinate rower
1b) any one who
serves with hands: a servant
1b1) in the NT of
the officers and attendants of magistrates as-of the officer who executes
penalties
1b2) of the
attendants of a king, servants, retinue, the soldiers of a king, of the
attendant of a synagogue
1b3) of any one
ministering or rendering service
1c) any one who
aids another in any work
1c1) an assistant
1c2) of the
preacher of the gospel
{As their
attendant} Literally,
"under-rower" Probably here minister or assistant in the
synagogue as when Jesus was in the synagogue:
Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down.
And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
John Mark was evidently selected by Barnabas as
his cousin. He may have helped in the
baptizing. The "also" may mean that Mark did some preaching. Barnabas
was probably the leader in the work in these Jewish synagogues.
C. They went on to the western coast of Cyprus to Paphos
IV. Controversy
with Bar-jesus at Paphos – (Vs. 6-13)
A. The Governor lived at Paphos
B. Paphos famous for a temple built to Venus
C. The deputy wanted to hear Paul & Barnabas
D. Bar-jesus - a Jew,
a sorcerer, did all he could to obstruct their progress -
keep the depty from the faith
E. Saul also called Paul - his Roman name - a Hebrew of the
tribe of Benjamin- filled with the Holy Ghost describes Bar-jesus
1. Full of
subtilty and all mischief
2. Child of the
devil
3. Enemy of all
righteousness - perverting the ways of the Lord
F. The deputy believed after he saw the Lord strike the
sorcerer blind.
G. Paul went to Perga in Pamphylia -
1. Known for a
temple to goddess Diana
2. Doesn't say
Paul did anything there except leave
H. John went to Jerusalem - without the consent of Paul and
Barnabas; some say he did not like the work, or he wanted to go and see his
mother. It was his doing, and we will
see this controversy again in chapter 15.
V. Paul Preaches on the first Sabbath at Antioch of Pisidia
– (Vs. 14-33)
A. They went to another Antioch - in Pisidia, different from
Antioch in Syria from which they were sent out.
B. Pisidia was a province of the Lesser Asia, bordering on Pamphylia
C. This city of Antioch was the main city of Pisidia and had
many Jews - to them the gospel was to be
first preached;
D. The invitation given the apostles to preach.
- the word exhortation - 3874 paraklhsiv paraklesis par-ak’-lay-sis
E. Who was Paul Speaking to - men of Isreal and those that
fear God
F. He preached to the Jews to receive and embrace Christ as
the promised Messiah.
1. The God of
the world was the God of Isreal - He called them
2. That He had chosen their fathers to be His friends - Abraham was called the friend of God;
3. He had
delivered the captives out of Egypt
4. He had given
them land
5. He had
governed them with judges- until Samuel
6. He governed
them by the prophet, Samuel, a man divinely inspired to govern
7. He governed
them with a king when they wanted one
a. First of all
Saul of the tribe of Benjamin
b. Then David of
the tribe of Judah - whose seed would lead to Christ
8. John the
Baptist preceded Him with baptism of repentance
9. Jesus brought
the plan of salvation to the Jews
10. They saw no
reason to kill him, but desired Pilot to do it.
11. Jesus was
burried
12. God raised
Him from the dead - seen by many witnesses - proof He is the Son of God
13. By Him you
could have justification which the Law could not give
14. That they
did not have to perish
G.When the Jews left the synagogue, the Gentiles asked to
have this message preached to them
V. Paul Preaches on the Second Sabbath - great attendance -
almost the whole city of Antioch – (Vs. 44-50)
A. The Jews were envious and opposed Paul and Barnabas
1.Contradicted
Paul
2. Blasphemed
God
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said,
It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but
seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,
lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
B. The Gentiles heard this
1. They were
glad
2. They
glorified the Word of God
C. The Word of God was published throughout all the region
D. Jews kicked out Paul and Barnabas - Jews stirred up other
devout Jews in area
1. They kicked
off the dust of their feet against them
2. They went to
Iconium
3. They were
filled with joy
4. They were
filled with the Holy Ghost
VI. The Ministry at
Iconium - Jews and Greeks together in the synagogue – (Vs. 13:51-14:5)
A. Paul and Barnabas spent a long time speaking in the Lord
1. Gave
testimony of His grace
2. Granted signs
and wonders from their hands
3. Many Jews and
Greeks believed
B. The unbeliving Jews stirred up the Gentile in opposition to
the apostles
C. The Jews plan to stone the aposles - they knew it and
went to Lystra and Derby of Lycaonia
VII. A Lame Man Is Healed at Lystra – (Vs. 6-10)
A. The Apostles preached the gospel in the area of Lystra
B. A man crippled so that he had never walked heard Paul
speak
C. Paul saw he had faith, and told him to stand up - he did
VIII. The Apostles Refuse To Be Worshiped – (Vs. 11-18)
A. The people mistake the apostles for their pagan gods
1. They called Barnabas
Jupiter
2. They called
Paul Mercury because he was the chief speaker
3. The priest of
Jupiter tried to get the people to do sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas
B. The apostles tear their clothes and preach
1.We also are
men like you
2.You should
turn from Idols to the living God
3. God created
everything
4. In times past
let people do their own thing - but left a witness of himself - Natural
Theology
a. He did good
b. He gave rain
from heaven
c. He gave us
fruitful seasons
d. He filled our
hearts with food and gladness
e. Paul teaches
Natural Theology in Romans 1:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God
revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is
manifest in them; for God hath shewed it
unto them. {in them: or, to them}
20 For the invisible things of him from the
creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and Godhead;
so that they are without excuse: {so…: or, that they may be}
21 Because that, when they knew God, they
glorified him not as God, neither
were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they
became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible
God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted
beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own
bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and
worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen. {more: or, rather}
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile
affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is
against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the
natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men
working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of
their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God
in their knowledge, God gave them
over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; {to
retain: or, to acknowledge} {a reprobate…: or, a mind void of judgment or, an
unapproving mind}
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness,
fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder,
debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,
proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers,
without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: {without natural…: or
unsociable}
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they
which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have
pleasure in them that do them. {have…: or, consent with}
5. This almost
didn't stop the sacrifice
IX. Paul Is Stoned By Jews from Antioch and Pisidia – (Vs.
19)
A. They sturred up the people against Paul
B. They stoned Paul
C. Thinking Paul dead, they took him out of the city
D. The apostles around him, Paul rose up and went back to
the city
X. Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe and preached and taught
many – (Vs. 20)
Again:
3100 mayhteuw matheteuo math-ayt-yoo’-o
from 3101;
TDNT-4:461,552; v
AV-teach 2,
instruct 1, be disciple 1; 4
1) to be a
disciple of one
1a) to follow his
precepts and instructions
2) to make a
disciple
2a) to teach,
instruct
A. Confirmed the souls of the disciples
1991 episthrizw episterizo ep-ee-stay-rid’-zo
from 1909
and 4741; TDNT-7:653,1085; v
AV-confirm 3,
strengthen 1; 4
1) to establish
besides, strengthen more
2) to render
more firm, confirm
B. Exhorting them to continue in the faith
3870 parakalew parakaleo par-ak-al-eh’-o
from 3844
and 2564; TDNT-5:773,778; v
AV-beseech 43,
comfort 23, exhort 21, desire 8, pray 6, intreat 3, misc 4, vr besought 1; 109
1) to call to
one’s side, call for, summon
2) to address,
speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation,
entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.
2a) to admonish,
exhort
2b) to beg,
entreat, beseech
2b1) to strive
to appease by entreaty
2c) to console,
to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort
2c1) to receive
consolation, be comforted
2d) to
encourage, strengthen
2e) exhorting
and comforting and encouraging
2f) to instruct,
teach
C. Told them to continue in the faith
D. When they choose Elders in every church
4245 presbuterov presbuteros pres-boo’-ter-os
comparative of
presbus (elderly); TDNT-6:651,931; adj
AV-elder 64, old
man 1, eldest 1, elder woman 1; 67
1) elder, of
age,
1a) the elder of
two people
1b) advanced in
life, an elder, a senior
1b1) forefathers
2) a term of
rank or office
2a) among the
Jews
2a1) members of
the great council or Sanhedrin (because in early times the rulers of the
people, judges, etc., were selected from elderly men)
2a2) of those
who in separate cities managed public affairs and administered justice
2b) among the
Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches) The NT uses
the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably
2c) the twenty
four members of the heavenly Sanhedrin or court seated on thrones around the
throne of God
E.
They
had prayed with fasting, commending them to the Lord
XI. They returned to Perga, Attalia, preaching
the Word.
XII.Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch in Syria and give a
report – (Vs. 26-28)
A. All that God had done with them
B. How God opened the door of faith to the Gentile
XIII. To Find
the Mystery of the Ages we must go to Genesis:
A. Can We Find Out In
Genesis?
First
Clue...Christ is called the "Second Man"
(I
Corinthians 15:47), and "Last Adam" (I Corinthians 15:45)
A
beautiful picture in Genesis
2:21 And the
LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and
he slept:
and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh
instead
thereof;
Adam slept - God created from his wounded
side a wife -
part of himself - He paid for her by the
shedding of blood.
When Adam woke up he said:
2:23 And
Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of
my flesh:
she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of
Man. 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father
and his mother,
and shall
cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
A dim picture - Let Paul shed some
light. Speaking of the
union of believers in Christ he says in the
book of Ephesians:
5:31 For this
cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall
be one flesh.
5:32 This is
a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and
the church.
Now all is clear - Adam is a picture of
Christ, who left His
Father's
house to gain His bride, at the price of His own life.
Jesus, the Last Adam, like the first, must
be put to sleep to
Purchase
His bride, the church, and Jesus died on the cross and
Slept for three days in the tomb. His side too, was opened
After He had fallen asleep, and from that
wounded side
redemption flowed.
The church
- His body also purchased. The church,
like Eve,
was a new
creation, not by a natural birth, but by a supernatural operation by God.
XIV. If the Gosel was Sent to the Jew By God, Why Did They
Oppose It – Mystery Revealed
Romans 11:7-29
7 What then? Israel hath
not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and
the rest were blinded {blinded: or, hardened}
8 (According as it is
written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not
see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. {slumber: or, remorse}
9 And David saith, Let
their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence
unto them:
10 Let their eyes be
darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
11 I say then, Have they
stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall
salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them
be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the
Gentiles; how much more their fulness? {diminishing: or, decay, or, loss}
13 For I speak to you
Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may
provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away
of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be,
but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit
be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive
tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and
fatness of the olive tree; {among them: or, for them}
18 Boast not against the
branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The
branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
20 Well; because of
unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded,
but fear:
21 For if God spared not
the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the
goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut
off.
23 And they also, if they
abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them
in again.
24 For if thou wert cut
out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to
nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural
branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren,
that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own
conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of
the Gentiles be come in. {blindness: or, hardness}
26 And so all Israel shall
be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and
shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant
unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the
gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are
beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
29 For the gifts and
calling of God are without repentance.
