Peter's Kingdom Gospel To Paul and Barnabas Gospel of Grace

“Believe” in Acts - Part 9 - Occasions 13 & 14:

Our last study examined a series of four events in Acts that picture the transition from the Gospel of the Kingdom that God promised Israel in the Old Testament, taught by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry and presented by Peter and the 12 Apostles at Pentecost --- to the Gospel of the Grace of God that the Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven committed to the Apostle Paul for Gentiles as well as Jews. The last of the four events we examined in the last study involved the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem contending with the Apostle Peter because he ate with the Gentile Cornelius but after Peter explained to them how the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his household, they “held their piece and glorified God,” Acts 11:11 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

-18. The 13th occasion of the word “believe” occurs in the next event recorded in Acts, involving the Jews who escaped Jerusalem upon the persecution that occurred after the stoning death of Stephen. They scattered as far as Phenice, Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the word to none but “Jews only,” Acts 11:1919 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

. The “Jews only” to whom they preached were offspring of forefathers who had settled in those regions many years prior, after Nebuchadnezzar conquered and carried Israel into captivity. They generally spoke Greek and were called “Grecians,” i.e., they were Greek speaking Jews.

On the other hand, the Jews who lived in Galilee/ Jordan/ Jerusalem during Christ’s time were offspring of those who had returned from captivity; they were called “Hebrews.” The Pentecost celebration in Jerusalem after Christ’s ascension into heaven was attended by Jews from every nation as well as those living in the Jerusalem environ and when the Holy Spirit came upon them they were all miraculously enabled to understand what was being said in languages other than their own, Acts 2:1 - 131 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

. It is obvious that many Jews who had lived in other countries (Grecians) who attended the Pentecost celebration in Jerusalem joined themselves with that assembly: “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” Acts 6:11 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

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The Apostle Peter is prominent in the first chapters of Acts with the presentation of the Kingdom message to Israel; that message being encapsulated in his sermon to the Jews in the Temple: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:19 - 2119 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

. The 12 Apostles and the believing Jews in the Pentecostal church in Jerusalem were waiting for those promised times of restitution of all things, that is, the Kingdom of God on earth, i.e., they anticipated it, Acts 1:66 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

. Note that even after the believing Jews in the Pentecostal church in Jerusalem fled to other countries at the stoning of Stephen, the 12 Apostles remained in Jerusalem, Acts 8:11 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

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The book of Acts records only Jews or proselytes (i.e., Gentiles who became Jews, Acts 6:55 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

) as believing and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Pentecostal church or assembly in Jerusalem up until when Philip preached to Samaritans (who were actually half breed Jews) as recorded in Acts 8:4 - 84 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

. When word reached the 12 Apostles in Jerusalem that Samaritans believed in response to Philip’s preaching, they sent Peter and John to minister to them, Acts 8:14 - 2414 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

. This is the first occasion in Acts that mentions any of the 12 Apostles leaving Jerusalem to preach. Peter and John then returned to Jerusalem, Acts 8:2525 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

. Peter is next mentioned as being in Lydda, which was about a day’s journey west of Jerusalem where he was used to heal Aeneas, Acts 9:32 - 3532 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

; he then went to Joppa where he was used to raise Dorcas from the dead, Acts 9:36 - 4336 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

; and then to Caesarea where he ministered to the Gentile Centurion Cornelius who was saved along with those in his household, Acts 10:1 - 481 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

. (Lydia, Joppa and Caesarea were in Jordan.) Cornelius and his household are the first Gentiles mentioned in Acts as becoming believers and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. (The Ethiopian eunuch was no doubt a proselyte to the Jewish religion prior to the time he became a believer, Acts 8:26 - 3926 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

.) Peter then returned to Jerusalem to report to the 12 about the salvation of Cornelius and his household, Acts 11:1 - 181 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

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As noted, the Jews who were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the word to none but “Jews only.” In turn, some Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and preached the Lord Jesus to the Grecians (Greek speaking Jews) who lived in Antioch and many of them believed “and turned unto the Lord.” Acts 11:19 - 2119 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

. (“Believed” in Acts 11:2121 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

is the 13th occasion of “believe” in Acts.) Note again that those who came to believe were Greek speaking Jews. When the church in Jerusalem heard about the Grecians in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to Antioch and when he arrived he exhorted the believers to stay the course, Acts 11:2222 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

-23. That they sent Barnabas was logical; he was a Jew and Levite (the priestly tribe of Israel) who had lived in Cyprus before going to Jerusalem and joining the Pentecostal church there. As was the custom of all the believers in that church, he had sold his land and given the proceeds thereof to the common treasury controlled by the 12 Apostles, Acts 4:66 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

&7.

Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith and many people were added to the Lord in Antioch, Acts 11:2424 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

and then Saul enters the picture again. Barnabas traveled from Antioch to Tarsus and brought him back with him to Antioch where the two of them taught for an entire year and the believers in Antioch were first called Christians, Acts 11:2525 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

-26. The precise Gospel they preached during that year is not revealed but Saul surely was aware of the mystery or secret of the Gospel of the Grace of God that the Lord Jesus Christ had revealed to him, Romans 16:2525 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

- 2625 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

, during the 3 years in Arabia and Damascus before he returned to Jerusalem, Galatians 1:1616 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

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A big famine was predicted and the believers in Antioch took up a collection, which Barnabas and Saul took to the Elders in Judaea, Acts 11:25 - 3025 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

. This was necessary because everyone in the Pentecostal church in Jerusalem had sold all they had and placed the proceeds into a common treasury from which they all lived, Acts 2:4444 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

-47. That treasury had obviously dwindled to the point they needed assistance; this being another sign that the Kingdom hope for Israel was fading at that time. (When Christ returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation and establishes His Kingdom on earth with the 12 Apostles siting as judges, there will be no want in Israel for anything because God will supply their every need.)

The 12th chapter of Acts records King Herod having the Apostle James executed and Peter imprisoned. However, an Angel released Peter (Herod had the jailers put to death because of Peter’s escape), Acts 12:6 - 196 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

. Then Herod died ignominiously when he allowed himself to be set up as god. The Apostle Peter is prominent in the first chapters of Acts, his name appearing 58 times. But just as the Kingdom hopes for Israel fades, so does Peter as the last mention of him is in Acts 15:77 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

. There he settles a dispute within the Jerusalem Council about Paul and Barnabas preaching to the Gentiles. After that, Peter drops from the record and James (The Lord’s half-brother) becomes prominent in the Jewish church and it is he who issued the proclamation, referring to Peter as Simon and the fact Gentiles were saved, Acts 15:1414 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

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Barnabas and Saul, along with John Mark returned to Antioch after taking the offering from Antioch saints to Jerusalem, Acts 12:20 - 2520 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

, which leads into the 13th chapter. As we continue I’d like to point out the signs or significance of numbers in this Scripture. Twelve is the number for governmental perfection and is indelibly stamped on Israel, which God has always meant to be His perfect government on earth. It always failed in the past but someday will realize its perfection when the Holy Spirit fills Israel during Christ’s reign on earth after the Tribulation. There were 12 Patriarchs, 12 Tribes, the 12 Apostles, etc. Two in Scripture affirms a difference, that is, there is another than one. Two is the first number with which another can be divided and therefore in all its uses we may trace this fundamental idea of division or difference.* Thus, Barnabas’ name appears 24 times in Acts, which of course is two times 12. Barnabas is at first numbered with Israel’s Kingdom Pentecostal church in Jerusalem but then he transitions to an association with the Apostle Paul in his ministry of the Grace of God to Gentiles. Prior to Acts 13:4343 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

, Barnabas is mentioned as being associated with Saul six times and in all six his name appears first, i.e., Barnabas and Saul, Acts 11:25 & 3025 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

; 12:25; 13:1, 2 & 7. Saul was the future Apostle’s Jewish name, he was a Pharisee, a Jew through and through and thus is referred to as Saul up until the 13th Chapter of Acts where he then becomes known by his Roman or Gentile name Paul.

The 13th chapter begins listing five prophets and teachers: “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” Acts 13:11 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

. Five in Scripture is the number for Grace,** and thus was launched the Gospel of the Grace of God, which before had been a mystery or secret until it was revealed to Saul/Paul, Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1 - 111 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

. While the five prophets and teachers in Antioch ministered to the Lord and fasted, The Holy Spirit separated Barnabas and Saul to the work for which He had called them. Then Simeon, Lucius and Manaen laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them on their journey, Acts 13:2 & 32 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

. And so, while Jerusalem was the headquarters for the Kingdom church and the 12 Apostles, it was at Antioch, a Gentile city in a Gentile Nation, where the Gospel of the Grace of God to Gentiles as well as Jews comes into focus. Barnabas and Saul took John Mark with them and sailed to Cyprus (Barnabas’ prior home) and in Salamis, the Chief City of Cyprus on the east end of the Island, they taught in the Jewish Synagogues, Acts 13:4 & 54 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

.

From Salamis, Barnabas and Saul traveled through Cyprus to the city of Paphos, on the west side of the island and there, an incident occurred marking the crux of the transition. This incident is a picture or type of the blindness that fell on Israel, marking the abeyance of their Kingdom hopes and transitioning to the Gospel of the Grace of God that has brought salvation to the Gentiles, apart from Israel and the Law. Barnabas and Saul encountered a Jewish magician and false prophet named Barjesus or Elymas who was with the Gentile Sergius Paulus, the Roman Governor of the Island. Sergius Paulus is described as a “prudent” man who wanted to hear the Word of God while Barjesus/Elymas withstood Barnabas and Saul and tried to turn Sergious Paulus away from the faith. Acts 13:6 - 86 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

. It is here that we are introduced to Saul’s new name, Paul. And from here on out, Paul’s name usually, but not always, appears first when mentioned with Barnabas. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounced blindness on Barjesus/ Elyamas for a season while Sergius Paulus believed, being amazed or astonished at the doctrine or teaching of the Lord, Acts 13:9 - 129 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

. In the context of Sergius Paulus’ belief is the 14th occasion of the word “believe” in Acts. Fourteen in Scripture, being 2 times 7, combines the number for division or difference with 7, the number for Spiritual perfection.*** Thus, we see Spiritual perfection in the division of the Gospels of the Kingdom to that of Grace and from that point in time, although Paul continues to go to the Synagogues during his ministry, it is primarily Gentiles who come to believe the Gospel he preaches.

*Bullinger’s Book “Number in Scripture,” pages 92 & 253.

**Ibid, page 135

***Ibid, page 158 - 195; 256