THE PRIORITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Barnabas and Saul [note the order of names at the beginning] were set apart for a special work by the Holy Spirit by the Antioch church’s prophets, teachers and people. After laying their hands on them, these two men [and a younger man, John Mark] were sent out by the Holy Spirit. [Acts 13:1-4] [All quotes from the CEV unless otherwise noted]

They went to Seleucia [due east of Antioch on the Mediterranean], and from there sailed to the island of Cyprus. When they came to a city named Salamis, they preached the Good News of God in the synagogues [v.5]. Then, they went across the whole island to Paphos where they met a magician named Bar-Jesus. He was a false prophet who always stayed close to Sergius Paulus, the governor and a smart man. [vs.6-7]

Sergius Paulus invited Barnabas and Saul to come to him, because he wanted to hear the message of God,… Elymas…tried to stop the governor from believing in Jesus. [v.8]

But Saul, who was also called Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked straight at Elymas and said, “You son of the devil! You are an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of evil tricks and lies, always trying to change the Lord’s truth into lies. Now the Lord will touch you, and you will be blind  [vs.9-10].

Then everything became dark for Elymas and he tried to find someone to lead him by the hand. When the governor saw this, he believed because he was amazed at the teaching of the Lord. [vs.11-12].

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OBSERVATIONS

1.    During the first stop on their mission, Paul emerges as the leader. 

Verse 4 – Barnabas and Saul

Verse 13 – Paul and Barnabas

 

2.    This mission team is clearly being directed by the Holy Spirit who seems to tell them where to go and how to proceed.

 

3.    Paul is no longer going by his earlier name – Saul [see v.9]. Apparently, he uses the name change to signify his heart change!

 

4.    Paul is given boldness in standing up against the evil in Elymas which was surely due to his dedication to serving demonic forces that had enabled him to do magic [see v.8].  Paul demonstrates – under the leadership of the Holy Spirit – that the power of God is far more significant than the power that was directing Elymas!  Elymas went from walking in spiritual darkness to walking in actual darkness!

 

5.    The governor – Sergius Paulus – believed because he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord [v.15]. 

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LORD GOD: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

 

Raise up Spirit-filled and Spirit-led leaders for Your American Church!

Leaders who are willing to make sacrifices [such as going without food] to be enabled to hear from and follow You!

 

Help us – as Your people – to discern genuinely committed leaders from those who may be simply seeking a following that gives prestige and wealth!

 

Keep us mindful that we live in the age of the Spirit!

His power has not diminished!

What He did 2.000 years ago – He is still capable of doing TODAY!

 

Move your Church from nonchalance to fully engaged,

from tepid to boiling,

from aimlessly wandering to being led by the Spirit!

 

And start this work in ME!

 

AMEN!