Acts 13 – 14

Verse 13:2 is one of those events I wonder about how it “went down”:

 Once they were engaged in a time of worship and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke to them, “Commission Barnabas and Saul to a project I have called them to accomplish.”

When things like this are written it sounds like the group suddenly had the consensus of what should be done. Did everyone have the same though or did someone say “Commission Barnabas and Saul” and it sounded right to the group? Things like this often get interpreted by us as an event we have not experienced. We expect some mystical and magical event when it is really just that thought that popped into your head. I would love to say I had a clear booming voice talking to me but through my chatter I get a prompt that I seem to need to follow. Nothing more, just a thought that is out of the blue that it’s clear the source.

Verse 13:9 is where Saul becomes Paul:

Saul, who is also known as Paul, was suddenly full of the Holy Spirit. He stared directly into Elymas’s face.

I find it odd that prior to this point this man is referred to as Saul, but after this point he is now referred to as Paul. There are a few other points were his story is being told and when referring to events prior to now he is Saul. It was not like many who just get new names; Paul was known as Saul and Paul prior.

Verse 13:39 is a key verse when thinking about how we need to respond to the Law:

Through Jesus, everyone who believes is set free from all sins—sins which the law of Moses could not release you from.

Now we are taught we are free from the Law, yet we need to tithe. You quickly see the conflict that many get with how we need to respond to the Law. I believe the Law is twofold, one is rules to honor God and the other is guides for a better life. If we tithe and save we see time and time again that money does not have a hold on those who obey and they appear to be blessed. When in reality they just spend less than they make and have reserves to handle rough times. Food laws are the same, those who follow tend to be healthier not because God blesses them but because they are eating the best food for them.

Verse 14:19 shows how evil is like a pit-bull:

Then unbelieving Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and incited the crowds against the Lord’s emissaries. The crowds turned on Paul, stoned him, dragged him out of the city, and left him there, thinking he was dead. 

Those who are against God are driven to fight and argue. I see this every time I mention that evolution has flaws and the data could also point to creation. The gates of hell open when I say this and the attacks from “enlightened” scientists flow with venomous vitriol against my comment. God wants everyone to join his family as does Satan, the difference is love of others and love of self. Those driven by self will crush those in their way where those drive by others will stop and care for those who need it. Hence why unbelieving Jews would follow and torment Barnabas and Paul.