Acts 13:1 to 13:12 The Holy Spirit calls and sends his servants on mission, giving power to overcome spiritual opposition and proclaim Christ. Observe the worship and fasting of the multi-ethnic leadership team in Antioch. Hear the Holy Spirit speak: 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Witness the confrontation with Elymas the sorcerer and the proconsul Sergius Paulus believing the gospel. The church in [Antioch](/bible/explorer/place/antioch) had become a thriving missionary hub where believers were first called 'Christians.' Worship and Fasting in Antioch In the vibrant church at [Antioch](/bible/explorer/place/antioch), prophets and teachers gathered together to minister to the Lord and fast. While they were worshiping, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly: 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' The church did not hoard their best leaders; they fasted, prayed, laid hands on them in blessing, and sent them out. Sailing to the Island of Cyprus Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul traveled down to Seleucia and sailed across the blue Mediterranean Sea to the island of Cyprus. They walked across the whole island, proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues from Salamis all the way to Paphos. Confronting Darkness and a Governor Believes At Paphos, the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent ruler, summoned Barnabas and Saul, seeking to hear the word of God. But a false prophet named Elymas the sorcerer opposed them, trying to turn the governor away from the faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul (now called [Paul](/bible/explorer/person/paul)) looked directly at him and declared God's judgment: a mist of darkness fell on Elymas. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, astonished at the teaching of the Lord! While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Acts 13:2 What was the church in Antioch doing when the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul? Sleeping Worshiping the Lord and fasting Arguing about buildings Trading merchandise Worshiping the Lord and fasting While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit gave clear direction. To what island did Barnabas and Saul sail on their first missionary journey? Malta Cyprus Crete Patmos Cyprus They sailed across the Mediterranean Sea to the island of Cyprus. What did the Roman governor Sergius Paulus do after seeing God's power? He drove them out He believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord He put Paul in prison He ignored them He believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord Seeing God's power and hearing the truth, the proconsul believed in Jesus. Pray this week for Christian missionaries who have traveled to other countries to share the love of Jesus. Lord God, you are the Lord of the harvest! Thank you for sending missionaries like Paul and Barnabas. Empower missionaries around the world today with your Spirit, and use us right where we are to share your good news. Amen. Why is it important for churches to pray and send missionaries to other places? How does the Holy Spirit give courage when someone tries to oppose God's truth? Instill a missionary heart in children by studying the launch of the first missionary journey from Antioch. Show a suitcase or backpack and discuss what you would pack if God called you to travel across the sea for Jesus. Why was Saul called Paul? Saul was his Hebrew name, while Paul was his Roman name, used as his mission expanded among Gentiles. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes narrative, 10 minutes discussion, 10 minutes prayer.