
Lessons Every Ministry Leader Has to Learn
Acts 13:3-13
Matthew 24:32 reads, “Now learn a lesson from the fig. When its branches bud and leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.” (NLT) This verse records words from Jesus to his disciples regarding the Lord’s return and the end of the world. No one, regardless of their educational level, is ever beyond learning something new. Individuals who possess leadership positions in local churches should take every opportunity they can to grow as a kingdom influencer. This lesson is designed to share common encounters for ministry leaders.
Breakdown of Acts Chapter 13
1. The
2. The
3. The
Verses 1-3 “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2) 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.” 3)So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (NIV)
Verses 6-8
“They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7) who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8) But Elymas the sorcerer (for that
is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.” (NIV)
Verse 13
“From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left
them to return to Jerusalem.” (NIV)
Verses 42-44
“As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43) When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” (NIV)
Verses 45, 49-50
“When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. 49) The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50) But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.” (NIV)