Acts 13

Devotional: Called, Sent, and Strengthened — Acts 13
Scripture Reading

Acts 13:2–3 (NIV)
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

1. A Call in the Middle of Ordinary Worship

Paul and Barnabas were not in a special meeting or seeking a grand assignment—Scripture describes an ordinary gathering of believers worshipping together in Antioch. In that simple, everyday moment, the Holy Spirit spoke.

This reminds us:
God often calls us in the ordinary, not the spectacular.
The question is not whether we hear a dramatic voice, but whether our hearts are open and sensitive to the Spirit’s quiet direction.

Paul and Barnabas didn’t hesitate. They trusted the One who called them—and went.

Reflection:
Is my heart open to God’s direction during my ordinary, daily routines?

2. The Presence of Opposition

As the missionaries traveled across Cyprus, they encountered Elymas the sorcerer, who tried to turn the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, away from the faith (Acts 13:6–12). But God used this confrontation to reveal His power, and the proconsul believed.

Sometimes God allows obstacles or difficult people to appear on our path because He plans to use those moments to draw others—and even us—closer to Him.

Reflection:
How might God be using a difficult situation in my life to display His power or grow my faith?

3. When Others Do Not Follow

John Mark, likely a very young man, joined Paul and Barnabas on their journey—but left when they reached Perga (Acts 13:13). Scripture doesn’t give a reason, but later writings and historical research suggest the road ahead was dangerous and frightening.

Paul took this departure hard. Yet later in life, after years of growth on both sides, he would call Mark “useful to me in ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).

This reminds us:

Not everyone who starts with us will finish with us.

People grow, change, and return.

God is patient with us, and we should be patient with others.

Reflection:
Is there someone I need to extend grace to, remembering that God is still working in their story?

4. When the Message is Rejected

As Paul preached in Antioch of Pisidia, many of the Jews rejected the message of Jesus. Paul then turned to the Gentiles—opening the door of salvation to countless others (Acts 13:46–48).

Rejection did not stop the gospel. God used it to redirect the message to those ready to receive it.

Reflection:
How do I respond when I feel rejected or discouraged? Do I let God redirect me instead of stopping me?

5. God’s Call Is Always Accompanied by His Strength

From dangerous roads to spiritual opposition to relational conflict, Acts 13 shows that the call of God is not always easy. Yet every step is marked by His guidance and power.

Paul and Barnabas went because God sent them.
They endured because God strengthened them.
And fruit came because God prepared the way.

Prayer

Holy spirit Let us have ears that will listen for when you are speaking to us, even in the quiet simple moments help us to remember that you are not looking for a show or some type of spectator sport.What you are looking for are open hearts and willing feat to do your work.Guide us as we follow you amen.

Side note: I utilized an online system to format my writing for this devotion. I will not always do this and have not done this before, but for how long my original text was it seemed a good way to summarize it for easier reading.