Discussion Guide - Acts 12:25-13:3

[ICE BREAKER] If you could change places with a Bible character, who would you choose? Why?

[SET UP] What’s your understanding of the word “commission?” What were some of your takeaways from this past weekend? Acts 12:25-13:3, read it aloud…

[DIGGING DEEPER] From 12:25 onward, Paul will be the primary figure in Acts. The last time Paul was mentioned was in Acts 9. Paul had arrived in Jerusalem and the disciples were all absolutely terrified of him and they didn’t believe that Paul had really become a disciple. Barnabas took Paul in and expressed to the disciples how Paul on his journey had seen and spoken to the Lord on the road to Damascus. From this point on, Paul had been fearlessly preaching in the name of Jesus. Having arrived in Jerusalem, the disciples took Paul in and he began to move about speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. In Acts 12:25, we read that Barnabas and Paul had finished this particular mission and returned to Antioch from Jerusalem with Mark accompanying them. After returning from Jerusalem, Luke describes the situation happening at the church at Antioch. In this church, there were both prophets and teachers. Teachers were there to provide basic information for living the Christian life and the prophets provided inspired words from God. The prophets would speak in response to the moving of the Holy Spirit. In verse 13:1, Luke names the five prophets and teachers in Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been raised with Herod) and Saul. Paul is mentioned last by Luke, and he continues to use the Jewish form of his name, Saul up until 13:9. Why mention the different names? Their names show that they come from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds. The message of the Gospel is for all nations. Following in verse 2, the group receives a message from the Holy Spirit and likely through one of the prophets. This message would propel Saul and Barnabas into a new period of missions work. They receive this message “while they were worshipping the Lord and fasting.” It’s interesting to note that the Lord revealed himself during a time of prayer and fasting. The church’s prayer was accompanied by fasting, both when the church received the message from the Holy Spirit and when they sent Paul and Barnabas off for missions. This idea of fasting creates an atmosphere of serious desire within the church as they seek God. Their desire is to share the message of Jesus Christ with all nations.  What are some ways you can develop a practice of prayer and fasting? For more Scripture on fasting, read Matthew 6:16-18 and Isaiah 58:3-7.

In verse 3 we read about the commissioning ceremony. The church gathered together, fasted and prayed, then laid their hands on Saul and Barnabas before sending them off. They were commissioned, appointed, sent for the work of the ministry. Being key leaders, they were set apart for a purpose, for missions. It appears the church acted out in obedience and commissioned Saul and Barnabas with no hesitation. In faith, the church would release Saul and Barnabas for the work for the ministry. Now Luke doesn’t define the “work” that Barnabas and Saul are sent off for, but from further reading through Acts, it is clear that it has to do with missions to the Gentiles. It’s important to note that Luke wants us to understand that it is the Holy Spirit that initiates and directs the movement of the church. It’s a good reminder that the church as a whole was directed by the Holy Spirit. The community and the leadership worked together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to send Paul and Barnabas out for missionary work. The Holy Spirit was the initiating factor. We have been called to join God in His mission in this broken world. We are the ambassadors of Christ, bringing His hope and peace, His rescue and deliverance. We are called to do the good that needs doing. As Christians, we need to love the ones who need loving. Every Christian who has said “Jesus I’m yours,” is on a mission from God. The commission must define our lives. Does it define yours?  What is our commission as believers?  How has God called you to join Him in His mission to the world?

“God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours.” - David Livingstone