In Acts 13, we witness a pivotal moment in the early church’s mission. Paul and Barnabas, set apart by the Holy Spirit, embark on a journey to preach the gospel. Their journey is marked by divine calling, faithful obedience, and inevitable opposition. As they travel, they encounter a false prophet named Bar-Jesus, a sorcerer who attempts to hinder the faith of Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul seeking the truth. This account serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual warfare that exists in gospel ministry and the unwavering faithfulness required of God’s people.
Children in Worship: A Picture of Faithfulness
The sermon begins with an invitation for children to come forward, a small but profound moment. It reminds us that faith is something we pass down, not just through teaching but by example. When children see their parents and church members worshiping with joy, it plants seeds in their hearts. They begin to ask, Why do we sing? Why do we pray? Why do we gather? These questions lead to discipleship.
Yet, the world often views children as burdens rather than blessings. The Bible tells us otherwise: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3). They are gifts from God, meant to be nurtured in the faith. When we include them in worship, we show them the beauty of praising and serving the Lord.
God’s Call and the Church’s Affirmation
Acts 13 introduces us to the church in Antioch, a thriving community of believers committed to prayer and fasting. The Holy Spirit speaks, setting apart Paul and Barnabas for missionary work. The church affirms this call, lays hands on them, and sends them out.
This pattern is significant. God calls individuals, but the church plays a role in recognizing and affirming that call. Just as Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas, so too should our churches be places where we recognize God’s calling in people’s lives and support them in their mission.
Paul and Barnabas were not self-appointed. They were called by God, confirmed by the church, and obedient in faith. This serves as a model for how we approach ministry today. Whether we are pastors, deacons, or faithful church members, we are all called to serve, and that calling must be met with faithfulness.
Opposition and the Reality of Spiritual Warfare
As Paul and Barnabas travel, they encounter opposition almost immediately. In Paphos, they meet Bar-Jesus, also called Elymas, a sorcerer and false prophet who attempts to turn Sergius Paulus away from the gospel.
Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts him directly:
“O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness! Will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10)
These words may seem harsh, but they reveal a crucial truth—spiritual warfare is real. The gospel always meets resistance. There are forces that seek to distort the truth, deceive seekers, and obstruct the work of God. In this case, Bar-Jesus was not just misleading people; he was actively working to prevent someone from coming to faith.
Paul does not back down. He rebukes the sorcerer, and God’s judgment falls—Bar-Jesus is struck with blindness. This moment showcases the superiority of God’s power over falsehood and deception. It also reminds us that when we stand firm in faith, God fights the battle for us.
The Impact of Faithfulness
Sergius Paulus, witnessing this event, believes in the gospel. He is astonished, not just by the miracle but by the doctrine of the Lord (Acts 13:12). This tells us something important: while miracles may draw attention, it is the truth of the gospel that saves.
Paul and Barnabas did not allow opposition to deter them. They stayed faithful to their calling, and their perseverance bore fruit. This is a lesson for us—when we face resistance in our faith, whether from skeptics, spiritual opposition, or personal trials, we must remain steadfast. Our faithfulness matters. What we do and how we live as believers impacts those around us.
Living with Grit in the Christian Walk
The Christian life is not always easy. There will be struggles, opposition, and moments of discouragement. But as this passage shows, we are called to grit—a perseverance rooted in faith.
Jesus Himself was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Yet, He pressed on, enduring the cross for our salvation. Likewise, Paul and Barnabas endured long journeys, opposition, and hardship for the sake of the gospel.
Today, we may not be called to walk 150 miles like Paul and Barnabas, but we are called to faithfulness in our daily lives. Whether it’s standing firm in biblical truth, sharing the gospel with others, or simply living a Christ-centered life in a fallen world, our perseverance matters.
Word and Deed: The Christian Witness
Sergius Paulus believed not just because of what he saw but because of what he heard. Our actions and our words must align. The world is watching how we live. A Christian who professes faith but lives in disobedience tarnishes the testimony of Christ. As James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
If we claim to follow Christ, it should be evident in our lives. This is true for adults and children alike. Young people who profess faith should seek to honor God in their behavior, obedience, and integrity. Our lives should reflect the reality of our salvation.
Conclusion: The Mission Continues
The story of Acts 13 is more than just an account of early missions. It is a call to every believer—stay faithful, stand firm in the face of opposition, and trust that God will use your obedience for His glory.
Spiritual warfare is real, but so is the victory we have in Christ. We are called to fight the good fight, knowing that our faithfulness has eternal significance. Whether in our homes, our workplaces, or our churches, let us be steadfast, unwavering, and bold in our witness.
As Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the Holy Spirit and affirmed by the church, may we also be found faithful in the work God has called us to do.
“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Check out the full sermon that this blog is based on below and also look at the 5 Day Devotional Based on the Sermon