“SENT BY GOD’S SPIRIT”
(Acts 13:1-16:40)
“And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.’” – Acts 16:31
The book of Acts traces the unstoppable advance of the gospel—from Jerusalem to Judea, through the villages of Samaria, and now, through Paul and Barnabas, toward the ends of the earth. Acts 13–16 marks this new stage in God’s mission, as the church in Antioch becomes the launching point for global evangelism.
In Acts 13:2–3, the Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas and sent them out — a divine commissioning that birthed the first missionary journey (Acts 13:4–14:28). From city to city, they proclaimed the word of God with boldness, facing opposition, rejection, and even persecution. Yet every hardship became an opportunity for the gospel to take root and spread. They returned to Antioch declaring all that God had done and how He had opened “a door of faith to the Gentiles.” (Acts 14:27)
When Paul and Barnabas parted ways in Acts 15:39, Paul’s second missionary journey began with Silas and later Timothy joined their team, while Barnabas teamed up with John Mark — proving that God’s mission is never dependent on one person, but carried forward by many obedient hearts.
Once you receive and believe on the Lord Jesus, you are not only recipients of the gospel – you are to become bearers and declarers of it!
“The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions, and the nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we must become.” (Henry Martyn)
Simple Truth:
God’s spirit compels believers to live as “sent” people – carrying the good news of Jesus to others.
Reflections:
- How does the inclusion of the Gentiles show the fulfillment of God’s ancient promise that His salvation would reach the nations?
- How does the sending of Paul and Barnabas challenge your understanding of what it means to live “sent” by the Spirit?
Application:
- Pray for missionaries who are serving in difficult or unreached areas. One such missionary supported by our church greeted us via video during a service a couple of months ago (name and country location withheld from this devotional for their safety). Ask God to strengthen and protect these missionaries as well as for open doors for the gospel in the hearts of those they meet.
- Identify at least one person in your daily life who needs to know Jesus. Pray for their heart to be open like Lydia and the Philippian jailor, and for God to give you opportunities to share the gospel through love, service, and truth.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love for all people. Thank you that You loved us so much that You gave Your one and only son Jesus to die on the cross, bearing our sins and Your justice. Transform us by the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit so that we love others enough to share the good news of your redemption as You open their hearts to the truth of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Marcia Rainey is a wife, mother, Nana, and retired educator who served eight years as principal and 11 years as a middle school Bible and science teacher at Hawthorne Christian Academy. She now spends her days with her grandson and enjoys baking, long walks with her husband, and the view from any mountain or beach. She is thrilled to be part of the TLC family serving with the children’s, life group, and women’s ministry teams.
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