Bible Study - Acts 13: 1-12
- Read Acts chapter 13 verses 1-12
- Acts is very factual and here we are given many names, places and
facts, as the early church is built up. In Luke 24 v4-9 Jesus gives
the disciples a promise of the presence of the Holy Spirit and in our
passage we see the working of the Holy Spirit.
- A group of very different people meet - from different backgrounds,
with different gifts, knowledge and insights, but with one aim, to
build up the Church. We might think about this group in relation to
today's church. We live with people from very different
backgrounds. Is God asking us to come together with a common aim and
goal? Do we need to unite, support and understand others in order to be
in a position to serve the Lord?
- The Holy Spirit was present - and set apart Barnabas and Paul who
were sent off to Cyprus. Do we put enough emphasis on the power of
prayer? This group were worshipping, fasting and praying and they are
not alone for Should we be praying with Jews, Muslims etc. especially
in these times of mistrust and ignorance? Are we aware of the presence
of the Holy Spirit guiding us in our lives? Or do we think we can do
God's work on our own.
- From this passage we see how God knows how to put people together
to be effective e.g. in the Old Testament - Moses and Aaron. God knows
we need support - think of people you know who support you.
- Finally we see how the Holy Spirit, having guided Paul than fills
him with power to overcome the evil of Elymas. The proconsul who was an
influential person could see the truth by Paul's miracle and
preaching. God used a negative and bad experience to his glory. Think
of bad situations in our world today. Can we see God working in these
situations? Can we see how God works in bad and negative situations in
our own personal lives?
- Prayer
- Heavenly Father, We thank you that through your Son Jesus Christ we
have the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide, to protect us and to empower
us, that together your Church may be built up in the world Amen.
Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone:
0161-483 8640