Introduction

Comment on how Acts 13 begins a new section of the book and review what has come before. What is the plan of Jesus which he is working to accomplish? What are the means which Jesus will use to accomplish his plan?

Gospel to the ends of the earth through ordinary means

• Explain: Why do Saul and Barnabas take John Mark to Antioch?

• Explain: What happens in Antioch? Does the guidance of the Spirit come during a public worship service or during a church council meeting?

• Explain: Why do Saul and Barnabas choose to go to Cyprus?

• Explain: What do Saul and Barnabas do when they get to Salamis? How do they go about the work of sharing the gospel?

• Explain: Why do Saul and Barnabas go to Paphos? How do they end up speaking in front of the Roman proconsul?

• Apply: What kind of plans should the church of Jesus Christ be making today? How can church members get behind and support these plans?

Jesus Christ has more power than any earthly king

• Explain: Why can we be confident that we are not wasting our time and energy when we make sacrifices to support the ministry of God’s Word?

• Explain: What happened to Elymas when he stood against the plans of Jesus? What does this show about the power of Jesus?

• Explain/Apply: Has Jesus promised that all the plans we make to advance his kingdom will always bear fruit?

• Explain/Apply: Why should we persevere in seeking to advance the kingdom of God even if we might not see immediate fruit?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you that you are building your church to the ends of the earth and that you have made us to be part of it. We praise you for the work of Jesus Christ and ask that you will help us by your Spirit to seek his kingdom above our own. Please bless the plans we have made to share your Word and care for us as we seek to serve you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.