From Saul to Paul to "Point"

This is the study page for the Thursday night study on December 13.  The passage is as much of Acts 13 as we can get through.

Read the chapter through a few times.  It might be good to read on to 14 as well, but at least several times through 13 will be helpful.  As you read, look for incongruities, odd wording or sentence structures, things that aren't explained, or are explained but not as expected.  Write these things down and also questions you have as you read.

As you read through a final few times, consider the questions below:

• It says these were "prophets and teachers" but who does which?
• Who is first? Who is last?
• What does "Niger" mean?  (G3526)
• Who is "Herod the Tetrarch"?
• If Manaen was raised with this Herod, where was he raised?
• Why is it fitting that Barnabas would sail first to Cyprus?
• What does Bar-Jesus (G919) mean? How is that ironic?
• What does "Paulus" (G3972) mean?
• What does Elymas (G1681) mean? How is that a translation/interpretation of Bar Jesus?
• Saul, aka "Paul" (also G3972) has the same name as the Proconsul.  How might that be significant?
• What amazed Sergius Paulus, Proconsul of Cyprus?
• Now who is first? Who is last?
• What happened to "John"?
• Where is Pisidian Antioch? Why would this be a good place to start a church?  What about the people might have made it difficult?  What about them might have made it easier?
• Paul gives a short account of Israel's history, then notes John the Baptist.  Why mention him?
• Paul quotes a few Psalms and some prophets.  Look up the references.  How does he do with the meaning of those passages?
• As Paul and Barnabas leave, how do the people respond?
• Look up "God-Fearing" or "devout" (G4576) - what does that tell you about these "proselytes"?
• What happens the next Sabbath? What does that tell you/confirm to you about these people?
• Why are the Jews upset?  Why be jealous?
• What is Paul and Barnabas' response to the "blaspheming Jews"?
• So, which group seems to respond the most to the gospel?
• Yet, who do the religious leaders stir up against Paul and Barnabas? Again, the (G4576) word is used.
• Now where are they off to?

That should be enough for us.  Remember to use any maps you have access to, and any other references you find helpful.  This is just the start of a new aspect to the work of the Holy Spirit recorded in Acts.  We will see much more of this in the coming weeks.

Consider for next week, what do you think about switching to a study of Jesus' birth until New Years'?  That could be fun, and certainly timely.  Let me know what you think.