MONDAY - JULY 27

Read. Acts 13:1-12
The church at Antioch included prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (nicknamed Niger), Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen (a childhood friend of Herod the ruler), and Saul. 2 As they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake.” 3 After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on these two and sent them off.

4 After the Holy Spirit sent them on their way, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 In Salamis they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their assistant. 6 They traveled throughout the island until they arrived at Paphos. There they found a certain man named Bar-Jesus, a Jew who was a false prophet and practiced sorcery. 7 He kept company with the governor of that province, an intelligent man named Sergius Paulus. The governor sent for Barnabas and Saul since he wanted to hear God’s word. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer[a] (for that’s what people understood his name meant) opposed them, trying to steer the governor away from the faith. 9 Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Saul, also known as Paul, glared at Bar-Jesus and10 said, “You are a deceiver and trickster! You devil! You attack anything that is right! Will you never stop twisting the straight ways of the Lord into crooked paths? 11 Listen! The Lord’s power is set against you. You will be blind for a while, unable even to see the daylight.” At once, Bar-Jesus’ eyes were darkened, and he began to grope about for someone to lead him around by the hand. 12 When the governor saw what had taken place, he came to believe, for he was astonished by the teaching about the Lord.

Reflect. This begins a new stage in the story of Acts. Paul now becomes the more central figure as he goes on three missionary journeys. This is his first journey. To view a map of this journey, visit: https://media.freebibleimages.org/stories/FB_BJ_Paul_Maps/overview-images/003-bj-paul-maps.jpg?1538663124. 

• Prior to this point, Paul has been known by Saul. There have been many ways of understanding this change, but the most basic understanding is that, since Paul is a Roman citizen he has a Jewish name (Saul) and a Roman name (Paul). As Paul begins his mission to the Gentiles, Luke (the author) drops his Jewish name and refers to him only as Paul. 
• The first part of this missionary journey was full of success. Paul rebuked Bar-Jesus and the Roman governor came to faith in Christ. How do you think this early success might have influenced Paul and Barnabas? Can you think of a time when you have encountered much success? How did/does this influence you in your life? Are there any downsides to this success when you encounter seasons of setbacks in life? 
• Pray. God of Paul and Barnabas, you led these two faithful people to share your love and grace with others. Help me to be an agent of your love; mold and shape my life into a life that shares about your life changing love. Amen. 

​COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow.