ACTS CHAPTER 13

MAIN THINGS

Fasting and prayer seem to give direct insight from the Lord. It should probably be a more regular part of our lives. Bar-Jesus was not possessed by a demon, but he was an enemy of the Lord. Prayer and direction by the Holy Spirit are the only way to know the distinctions between the two. Prophecy is such an integral part of proving Christianity as truth. Paul uses it well here to help the Jewish people understand that Jesus is that fulfillment to their teaching. Satan only gets mad and stirs stuff up when he is losing his army. I am challenged by Paul’s courage and boldness in speaking in a Jewish synagogue and especially by the people’s response. Also, Paul and Barnabas gave up everything to go on their missionary journeys and many times they had no comfort, food, money, water, etc. It is awesome to see their sacrifice and how God continued to fill them with joy and the Holy Spirit.

QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS

-Fasting seems so valuable. When was the last time you fasted? When can you plan a fast to seek God’s direction for this year? What other scriptures point to fasting as an important discipline?

-It is so important to have brotherhood when going out for God. Paul and Barnabas were there for each other and the name Barnabas even means “Son of Encouragement”. Who can you partner with to keep pressing on and seeing God move?

-Are there any other prophecies that you have found that are helpful in proving Jesus as the Messiah to the Jewish people?

-How will you respond to opposition? Will it stop you? Will it encourage you to go further like Paul and Barnabas? In that moment God filled them even more with joy and the Holy Spirit.