Barnabas and Paul first Missionary journey.

  

The passage is from Acts 13, which describes a pivotal moment in early Christian history: the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul) for their first missionary journey. Here's a summary of the key points and the role of the Holy Spirit: 

The Role of the Holy Spirit 

• Initiation: The Holy Spirit directly initiates the mission. While the church in Antioch was "serving the Lord and fasting," the Holy Spirit spoke to them, saying, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" (Acts 13:2). This demonstrates that the mission was not a human idea but divinely ordained. 

• Direction: The Holy Spirit guides their steps. Verse 4 states, "So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to the island of Cyprus." The Holy Spirit's direction is explicit. 

• Empowerment: The Holy Spirit empowers Paul to confront opposition. When Elymas the magician opposed Paul and Barnabas, Saul "filled with the Holy Spirit," rebuked Elymas, and pronounced judgment on him (Acts 13:9-11). This shows the Holy Spirit providing supernatural power to carry out God's work. 

Summary of the Story 

The passage describes the following events: 

1. Commissioning: The Holy Spirit instructs the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. 

2. Sending: The church, after fasting and prayer, lays hands on Barnabas and Saul and sends them off. 

3. Journey to Cyprus: Guided by the Holy Spirit, they travel to Cyprus. 

4. Ministry in Salamis: They preach the word of God in the synagogues at Salamis. 

5. Encounter with Elymas: They travel across the island to Paphos, where they meet a magician named Elymas (Bar-Jesus), who opposes their message. 

6. Confrontation and Miracle: Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebukes Elymas and causes him to become blind. 

7. Conversion of the Governor: The governor, Sergius Paulus, is astonished by what he sees and believes. 

Moral Lessons 

Here's a summary of the moral lessons you provided, with some additional context: 

1. The Importance of Fasting and Prayer: You rightly point out that the church was fasting and praying when the Holy Spirit gave them direction. This highlights the importance of seeking God's will through these practices. 

2. Discernment and Power: Fasting and prayer can lead to discernment and power. Paul was "filled with the Holy Spirit" and could discern and rebuke the evil influence of Elymas. 

3. Opposition to the Word: There will be opposition to the preaching of the gospel. Elymas actively tried to prevent the governor from hearing the word of God. 

4. Prayer for Leaders: Praying for those in authority is crucial. You suggest that many leaders desire to hear God's word but face opposition. 

5. Exposure of Deception: False prophets and those who deceive should be exposed. Paul exposes Elymas's true nature. 

6. The Filling of the Holy Spirit: Believers need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to effectively serve God and overcome opposition.