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Paul's First Journey and Jerusalem Council

May 9, 2025

Acts, Paul's First Journey, Jerusalem Council

Overview

  • Map: Details Paul's First Missionary Journey (AD 46-48) and the Council at Jerusalem.
  • Key Locations: Cyprus, Asia Minor, Antioch, Jerusalem.

Barnabas & Paul in Cyprus

  • Journey: Sent by the Holy Spirit from Syrian Antioch to Seleucia, then to Cyprus.
  • Key Event: Conversion of Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, despite opposition from Elymas the magician.

Paul and Companions in Asia Minor

  • Perga to Pisidian Antioch: John Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas.
  • Paul's Sermon in Synagogue:
    • Recaps Israel's history and Jesus's life.
    • Introduces doctrine of justification by faith.

Response to Paul's Message

  • Positive: Interest and acceptance by Gentiles.
  • Negative: Rejection by Jews; Paul decides to preach to Gentiles.

Travels to Iconium, Lystra, Derbe

  • Iconium: Mixed reception, eventual departure due to threats.
  • Lystra: Healing of a lame man leads to Paul and Barnabas being mistaken for gods. Jews from Antioch and Iconium incite hostility, leading to Paul being stoned.
  • Derbe: Continued preaching and disciple-making.

Return Journey and Establishment of Churches

  • Paul and Barnabas return through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, encouraging and appointing elders.
  • Return to Syrian Antioch, reporting on Gentile conversions.

The Jerusalem Council

  • Controversy: Judaizers insist on circumcision for salvation.
  • Council Decision: Led by Peter and James; a letter is sent to Gentile Christians with minimal requirements.

Aftermath and Continuing Ministry

  • Paul and Barnabas separate over disagreement about John Mark.
  • Paul forms new team with Silas to continue missionary work.