Saturday, September 22, 2012

Paul's first mission with Barnabas


Choice 1: Acts 13–14. Paul’s First Mission

1.   Using the map “Paul’s 1st Journey” found in the map section of the institute student manual (p. 218), list the name of the place Paul started this mission and four other cities he taught in.
a.   Paul started his mission in Antioch and moved to places like Seleucia, Cyprus, Salamis, and Paphos.
2.   Review Acts 13:1–5 and outline in writing three points that could help a missionary who is discouraged.
a.   In Acts 13:2, the Holy Ghost is present with the missionaries and leads them.  This could help missionaries today knowing that the Holy Ghost is with them and leading their way.
b.   In Acts 13:2-3 the missionaries fasted and prayed and their prayers were answered.
c.    In Acts 13:5 They were led to Salamis by the Holy Ghost and were able to teach many people there.
3.   Read the Bible Dictionary entry for “Barnabas” and the institute student manual commentary for Acts 9:27, “Who Was Barnabas?” (p. 259). Write a paragraph describing Barnabas. What blessings and advantages do you see for the Lord sending missionaries out two by two?
a.   Barnabas was a good man.  I think that besides my family and Jesus Christ I want to meet Barnabas in Heaven.  He dedicated his whole life to the Gospel and furthering the work.  His first act of service to the church was when he sold his possessions and gave the proceeds to the apostles.  He was Paul’s companion on his first mission.  He took relief funds to Judea with Paul.  My favorite thing I read about Barbabas was in the Institute Manual and it says, “…he was a hard worker who supported himself rather than throw himself upon the church for support.”  
4.   Review Acts 14:8–18. Explain in writing what happened to Paul and Barnabas. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to this praise and attention?
a.   When they reached Lystra there was a crippled man there who never was able to walk.  Paul healed him and when the people saw what happened they sang praises that the gods have come down upon them.  Barnabas and Paul told them that were men just like them and implored them to get rid of their worldly possessions.  They left them is food and miracles. 
5.   Review Acts 14:19–22 and compare in writing the way the people treated Paul in these verses with how he and Barnabas were treated in Acts 14:8–13. How did Paul say we would enter the kingdom of God? How are both these experiences examples of the principle Paul taught in verse 22?
a.   These men tried to stone Paul and get him out of the city.  They did not want the gospel taught and the men tried to kill them.  Paul gathered the disciples and left the city.  Eventually they came back to preach the gospel again.  He said that we must go through tribulation in order to enter into the Kingdom of God.