Lessons from Paul’s First Journey
Just as Jerusalem has been the
center for Jewish evangelism,
so Syrian Antioch becomes the
center for Gentile evangelism.
Peter who has played leadership
role in the first 12 chapters, now
gives up the spotlight to Paul,
whose travels & trials will dominate
the last 16 chapters of the book.
Acts 13 marks the start of Paul’s
missionary career, initiated not by
personal choice but divine calling.
Returning to Antioch at the end
of their first missionary journey,
Paul and Barnabas report to their
home church and seek to resolve
the issue of including Gentiles in
the previously all-Jewish church.
Lord, Paul’s missionary adventures
show us the gospel should not be
confined to one corner of the world
but the hope be offered to all people.
Help us Lord not have silo mentality
with interest only in self and family;
but instead venture forth to witness
for Christ and further Your kingdom.
Lord, we Seek Your Purpose;
Lord, we Seek Your Empowerment;
Lord, we Seek Your Restoration.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, we Seek Your Purpose:
As they ministered to the Lord
and fasted, the Holy Spirit said:
Now separate to Me Barnabas
and Saul for the work to which
I have called them. Then having
fasted and prayed and laid hands,
they sent them away (Acts 13:2-3).
Lord, I learn my calling is revealed
in prayer; and I know it is defined
within a church body of believers
with whom I can grow with others.
Revealed to me the role in the
church body You want me to be
so that I can minister with others in
unity and be refined by Your Spirit.
And enable me to be set apart for
the work You have for me. Amen.
Lord, we Seek Your Empowerment:
Paul & Banabas returned to Lystra,
Iconium and Antioch, strengthening
the souls of the disciples, exhorting
them to continue in the faith… So
when they had appointed elders
in every church and Prayed With
Fasting, they commended them
to the Lord (Acts 14:21-23).
Lord, I realise whenever important
decisions had to be made, prayer
are often accompanied by fasting.
Lord, I know when I fast and pray
my prayers can gain new power.
Help me Lord to do that whenever
I have to make important decisions
and need to have Your guidance.
Help me to restart the discipline of
fasting & make me ready to handle
the opportunities ahead. Amen.
Lord, we Seek Your Restoration:
This conversion of Gentiles is
exactly what the prophets predicted.
As it is written: Afterwards I will
return and restore the fallen house
of David. I will rebuild its ruins
and restore it, so that the rest
of humanity might seek the Lord,
including the Gentiles – all those
I’ve called to be mine (Acts 15:15-17)
Lord Jesus, You came into the world
and began the restoration process
by calling a believing remnant
of Israel to Himself and sending
them out to invite the Gentiles in.
Gracious God, You are still at work
reclaiming Your people from ruins.
Come into our ruins Lord, and do
Your work of rebuilding & restoring.
And may Your gracious renovation
of our lives be a light to those around
us in need of Your restoration. Amen.