The Christian Missionary Journey Acts 13:1 – 12 JSS3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY JOURNEY SETTING ASIDE BARNABAS AND PAUL [ACTS 13:1-12]

By the direction of the Holy Spirit, Paul, and Barnabas were sent to preach to the Gentiles at Paphos, the capital of Cyprus. While in Paphos, they met a Jewish sorcerer (magician) called Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas. This sorcerer was closely associated with Sergius Paulus, a very intelligent governor.

Meanwhile, Sergius Paulus had invited Paul and Barnabas to preach to him. While they preached to the governor, the sorcerer tried to discourage him from listening to the sermon. Paul sternly looked at the sorcerer and said, “You son of the devil, full of deceit, fraud, and an enemy of all good! Watch now, the Lord’s hand is against you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sun for a time.”

Immediately, the sorcerer became blind and began begging for someone to lead him by the hand. Seeing this, the governor was amazed and believed instantly in the message of Jesus Christ that Paul and Barnabas had brought to him.

MORAL LESSONS

1. Just as Bar-Jesus distracted and discouraged the governor from listening, so does the devil distract and discourage us too.
2. When two powers meet, the lesser one bows. God’s power is supreme.
3. Though they faced persecution in Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas were not discouraged and continued preaching.
4. It was in Paphos that the name Paul was officially introduced (Acts 13:9).

EVALUATION

1. What are the two names of the Jewish sorcerer Paul and Barnabas met at Paphos?
2. Why did Paul strike him with blindness?