The Bible contains many superlative inflection points but Acts 13 is the most important for the church. Before Acts 13, most of the great commission happened in Jerusalem and Samaria, but it had not spread very far in a global sense. But at this great inflection point, in Acts 13, the gospel starts to spread throughout the world. And it is still spreading.
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3 WEB)
The church began in Jerusalem and then spread to other cities including Samaria, Damascus, Caesarea, and Antioch in Syria. At least forty different cities are named in Acts. From Antioch, Paul and his helpers carried the gospel throughout the then-known world. In fact, the record given in Acts 13–28 is almost a review of ancient geography. About the year 56, the apostle Paul was able to write, “So that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 15:19). What a record! –Be Daring (Acts 13-28): Put Your Faith Where the Action Is (The BE Series Commentary) by Warren W. Wiersbe
Acts 13 is when Saul stopped using his Hebrew name and started using Paul, his Greek name. This is a metaphor of the inflection point as God turns from the unbelieving Jews to the believing Gentiles throughout the book of Acts.
The commissioning of the missionaries took place while the church was worshiping and fasting. The Holy Spirit gave divine authorization for the first missionary journey by directing the church to set apart (dedicate) Barnabas and Saul for the first missionary journey.
The church recognized the divine commission of Barnabas and Saul by the “laying on of hands” (for which, see the comments on 6:5-6). After more fasting and prayer, the men were sent out under the authority of the church.
The description of the commissioning of the missionaries suggests a twofold responsibility for the church—worship and mission. Both are essential. The church should meet to worship and also to witness to the world. –The Moody Bible Commentary
Acts 13 records the first sermon by the Apostle Paul, which is one of the greatest sermons ever given, including: Moses (Deuteronomy), Solomon (2 Chronicles 6), Jesus (Matthew 5), Peter (Acts 2), Stephen (Acts 7), and Paul (Acts 17; Acts 26).
Acts 13 is the most important inflection in the great commission: most of the Jews rejected the gospel of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ but many of the Gentiles begged to hear the saving message.
So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:42-43 WEB)
The next Sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed. Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:44-46 WEB)
For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.'” (Acts 13:47 WEB)This starts a pattern that continues throughout the rest of Acts:
- Acts 14:19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds.
- Acts 17:5 The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers
- Acts 18:6 from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
- Acts 20:21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord
- Acts 26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light
- Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
- Map of Paul’s First Missionary Journey
And in the midst of religious persecution, Acts 13 records the disciples being filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. I hope and pray that you are living one of the infinite sequels to the book of Acts that God is recording in heaven.
- 7 things that changed the world forever – The world around us is very different than it was thousands of years ago. Much has changed. And, it’s going to change a lot more soon.
- What is the most important day in the Bible? – Today is the most important day in the Bible. It is the day of salvation, the day of rest, and the day God is working in your life.
- What is the most important thing in the Christian life? – The most important thing in the Christian life is to love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind, And to love your neighbor as yourself.
Lest anyone get the wrong impression, I have a deep and abiding love for Israel and the Jews. And the Bible is very emphatic about the past, present, and future plans of God for the Jews.
- Eternal covenant promises for Israel from the Bible – A comprehensive list of the eternal covenant promises Almighty God has made to Israel and Jerusalem
- Chronological study of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – Who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Here is a chronological review of God’s plan through the ages as revealed by scripture.
- Jesus Christ is the Messiah – Christianity and Judaism are eternally bonded through the Messiah who is the root (Almighty God) and offspring of King David
- Jesus Christ is the redeemer – Jesus Christ is the redeemer of Israel. He purchased our salvation with his death on the cross. Then he redeemed us by his resurrection.
- Jesus Christ is the Rock of Israel – Jesus Christ is the Rock of Israel. The Old Testament prepared the way, Gospels revealed his person, and New Testament finished truth. He is the cornerstone
- Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb of God sacrificed for the sin of the world – Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb of God has been consistently preached throughout the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation
- How to share the gospel to Jews – I worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and love their Messiah so it is a pleasure to share my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with Jews
- Three important New Testament passages for every Jew to read – Three passages in the New Testament that trace my faith through the Tanakh to the Torah and the creator of the universe that I wish every Jew would read