In Acts 13, the church in Antioch was filled with prophets and teachers, including Barnabas and Saul. As they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a special work. After fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off on their mission.
Barnabas and Saul traveled to Seleucia, then sailed to Cyprus. They proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of Salamis and traveled throughout the entire island, encountering various individuals. When they reached Paphos, they encountered a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus who opposed them. Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him and pronounced a temporary blindness on him as a sign of God's judgment.
Leaving Cyprus, Barnabas and Saul sailed to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath, they attended the synagogue, and after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders invited them to speak. Saul delivered a powerful sermon, recounting the history of Israel and proclaiming Jesus as the Savior promised to their ancestors. Many Jews and Gentiles responded positively to the message, but some opposed them, leading to a division.
Afterward, the Gentiles eagerly asked to hear more about the message of salvation, while the Jewish leaders stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas. As a result, Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet as a testimony against them and traveled to Iconium, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
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