Bible ReadingActs 13:6-13Verse 6: “When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.”
[59:02]Verse 7: “He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.”
[01:01:34]Verse 8: “But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.”
[01:01:15]Verse 9: “But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him.”
[01:07:21]Verse 10: “And said, ‘You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?’”
[01:07:33]Verse 11: “And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.’ Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.”
[01:07:42]Verse 12: “Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”
[01:19:51]Verse 13: “Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem.”
[01:24:00]Galatians 5:16, 25Verse 16: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
[48:11]Verse 25: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
[49:16]Matthew 16:16-17Verse 16: “Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”
[52:31]Verse 17: “And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’”
[53:00]Acts 13:1-3Verse 1: “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.”
[56:23]Verse 2: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
[56:45]Verse 3: “Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
[56:48]Observation questions- What spiritual practices were taking place in Antioch before the Holy Spirit directed the church to send Barnabas and Saul?
- What details in Acts 13 show that Sergius Paulus was sincerely interested in hearing God’s Word, while Elymas was trying to stop him from believing? [01:01:40]
- What does the passage specifically say Paul was filled with before he confronted Elymas, and what words did Paul use to describe Elymas’ actions?
- After Elymas was struck blind, what does Acts 13:12 say amazed Sergius Paulus most: the miracle itself or the teaching of the Lord? [01:20:30]
Interpretation questions- Paul says believers should “walk by the Spirit” and “keep in step with the Spirit.” What does that suggest about the difference between receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation and depending on the Spirit in everyday choices? [49:18]
- Peter’s confession of Jesus came through revelation from the Father rather than “flesh and blood.” How does this help explain why spiritual discernment requires more than strong feelings, personal opinions, or natural ability? [53:42]
- Elymas was not merely disagreeing with Paul; he was actively seeking to turn Sergius Paulus away from faith. How does that specific danger help explain Paul’s unusually strong response?
- John Mark’s departure came in the middle of a difficult mission and later contributed to conflict between Paul and Barnabas. What does this reveal about how God continues His work through imperfect people and difficult relationships? [01:30:30]
Application questions- What is one area of life where it is easy to rely mainly on personal feelings, fears, or logic—such as work, money, family, relationships, or a major decision? How might keeping in step with the Holy Spirit change the way that area is approached? [01:34:52]
- Prayer, Scripture, fasting, worship, fellowship, and waiting on the Lord help develop spiritual sensitivity. Which of these practices has been neglected lately, and what simple step could help rebuild that habit this week? [01:33:40]
- God often works supernaturally in ordinary moments, including conversations, convictions, and open doors. Has there been a recent opportunity to encourage someone, speak about Jesus, or serve someone that may have been easy to overlook? [01:34:07]
- Opposition often appears where God is opening a door. When discouragement, temptation, conflict, or distraction comes after a step of obedience, what is the usual response: panic, retreat, compromise, prayer, or deeper dependence on God? [01:03:25]
- Speaking truth in love requires discernment. Is there a relationship where patience and gentleness are needed, or a situation where silence may be allowing confusion or sin to go unchallenged? What would a truthful and loving response look like? [01:13:33]
- Sergius Paulus was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. What would it look like to make God’s Word a greater source of faith this week instead of waiting for a dramatic sign or emotional experience? [01:22:03]
- John Mark left when ministry became difficult and uncomfortable. When following Jesus becomes inconvenient, tiring, or outside a comfort zone, what helps a person remain faithful rather than quietly stepping back? [01:28:27]
