Broadcast Word: Lesson 8

Set Apart for Ministry

What does it mean to be “set apart?”  It could mean several things, like singled out by a certain visual appearance or perhaps to be put aside for a particular mission.  Acts 13:2 tells us that Barnabas and Saul were set apart by the Holy Spirit for a purpose.    Before we read about Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13, let’s see what the Bible says about being “set apart.”

To Set Apart. . .

  1. Genesis 21:28___________________________________
  2. Numbers 3:13 ___________________________________
  3. Numbers 31:28 __________________________________
  4. Deuteronomy 10:8 ________________________________
  5. Deuteronomy 15:19 _______________________________
  6. Judges 16:17 ____________________________________
  7. Psalm 4:3 ______________________________________
  8. John 10:36 _____________________________________
  9. 1 Peter 3:15 _____________________________________

Read Acts 13

  • The beginning verses set the stage for what we are about to witness. Several men in the church at Antioch have been leading the people in study. None of the men listed here was native to Antioch. One man was from Cyrene. Remember, several missionaries came from Cyrene to preach the Good News to the Greeks in Antioch. Who set apart Barnabas and Saul for their work?
  • Describe the commissioning beginning in verse three?
  • Barnabas and Saul take off on their first missionary journey trip. They set sail from the seaport just a few miles from Antioch. Where was their first stop?
  • Describe the even in verses 6-12.
  • The great enemy of the church was present in none other than a sorcerer. God blinded the sorcerer and made him ineffective. What words dies Luke use to describe his blindness?
  • Remember what the Lord said to Ananias? Go to Acts 9:15. (Note: a proconsul was a king-like figure)

Proconsul

An office in the Roman system of government. Proconsuls oversaw the administration of civil and military matters in a province. They are responsible to the senate in Rome. The New Testament refers to two proconsuls: Sergius Paulus in Cyprus (Acts 13:7 NRSV) and Gallio in Achaia (Acts 18:12 NRSV).

Cyprus Background

Cyprus is first mentioned in the New Testament as the birthplace of Joseph surnamed Barnabas, a Hellenistic Jewish convert who later accompanied Paul (Acts 4:36-37). As a result of the persecution associated with the martyrdom of Stephen in Jerusalem, Jewish Christians journeyed to Cyprus and preached the gospel to the Jewish community on the island (Acts 11:19-20). In A.D. 46 or 47, Paul undertook his first missionary journey accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark (Acts 13). Arriving at Salamis on the eastern side of Cyprus, the group crossed the island to Paphos preaching the new faith. The reference to Paphos is to Neapaphos, “New Paphos,” founded in the fourth century B.C., and the center of Roman government in Cyprus. The conversion of the deputy, Sergius Paulus, was brought about in part by the blinding of the magician Bar-jesus. Whether Paul visited Paleapahos, “Old Paphos,” is unclear; Paleapaphos was an ancient city associated with the worship of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who reputedly emerged from the foam of the sea nearby.

John Mark and Barnabas returned to Cyprus a second time after parting company with Paul (Acts 15:39). Later, Paul twice passed by the island on voyages, once on a return to Jerusalem (Acts 21:3) and finally while traveling to Rome (Acts 27:4).

  • Cyprus was important as a source of timber used in shipbuilding and copper, both vital commodities in the ancient world. The strategic position of Cyprus just off the coasts of Asia Minor and Syria coupled with the presence of favorable currents and reliable summer winds, encouraged wide-ranging trad contacts. From the Cyprus background above, how many times did missionaries visit the people of Cyprus?
  • Acts 13:13 tell us that Barnabas and Saul left Cyprus on their journey. They landed on the continent of Asia. Pisidia, a city in Asia Minor near Iconium, was their first recorded stop where missionary activity is mentioned. First, notice the subtle change from Saul to Paul. And Paul is now further “set apart” as the spokesperson in the group.
    • What strategy did Paul use to preach his sermon?
    • To whom does he address his remarks according to verse twenty-six?
  • Acts 13:38-39 echo that famous word, therefore suggesting something very important is about to be said. “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the Law of Moses.”
    • Using the verses above, explain this “new covenant.”

Heavenly Father, thank you for providing missionaries to make known the Good News of salvation, first to the Jew and then to the Greek.  The Good News tells me that I have been justified (made right) that the law failed to do.  Jesus is the only answer for He alone can forgive sins and set me apart for salvation.  Help those who have not heard to believe in Jesus.  Send them your Spirit of Truth.  In your precious name, Amen.