Paul's First Journey

Topic Choices (Choose One)

Choice 1: Acts 13–14. Paul’s First Mission

1.   Using the map “Paul’s 1st Journey” found in the map section of the institute student manual (p. 218), list the name of the place Paul started this mission and four other cities he taught in.

Paul started his mission in Antioch and from there went to

Salimas, Paphos, Iconium and Lystra.

2.   Review Acts 13:1–5 and outline in writing three points that could help a missionary who is discouraged.

Fasting, prayer, and listening to the Holy Ghost will allow missionaries the ability to have their hearts and mind open to the Lord. They can be directed to those who are ready to learn of the gospel.

3.   Read the Bible Dictionary entry for “Barnabas” and the institute student manual commentary for Acts 9:27, “Who Was Barnabas?” (p. 259). Write a paragraph describing Barnabas. What blessings and advantages do you see for the Lord sending missionaries out two by two?

Barnabas was a loyal member of the church and faithfully serving God during this time.  He wasn’t one of the twelve but was considered an apostle. He sold his home and his possessions to fulfill the law given to them to all be equal and continued to support himself, not relying on the Church for assistance.  He was “a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and faith.”

4.   Review Acts 14:8–18. Explain in writing what happened to Paul and Barnabas. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to this praise and attention?

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra

Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra and saw a man who was lame since birth. They healed him based on his faith and the people praised them. The people said they were gods and called them Jupiter and Mercurius. The people wanted to make sacrifices to them but Paul and Barnabas stopped them and gave all of the credit to the Lord. They used it as a teaching opportunity.

5.   Review Acts 14:19–22 and compare in writing the way the people treated Paul in these verses with how he and Barnabas were treated in Acts 14:8–13. How did Paul say we would enter the kingdom of God? How are both these experiences examples of the principle Paul taught in verse 22?

In verses 8-13 they were praised and respected whereas in verses 19-22 Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city. They wanted him dead! He wasn’t dead and went on teaching the word of the Lord. He went to other cities then came back to the one he was stoned in and told the disciples that they would enter the kingdom of God after “much tribulation.” In both examples they exercise faith in the Lord. When we have faith in God we can make It through our trails and return to live with him.