The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

The Encouragement of Genuine Faith

Tom Graves

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August 23, 2026

 The encouragement of genuine faith is critical for every believer, especially during difficult seasons of ministry, as we see in the story of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:1At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.[1] This moment reminds us that God’s Word is never wasted. Even when conditions seem uncertain, soil is always ready to receive the truth. The success in Iconium was not accidental; it was evidence of God’s ongoing work.

For anyone who has shared their faith and felt discouraged, this is a powerful encouragement. You may not always see immediate results, and rejection can feel louder than acceptance. Yet, as people came to faith, as described in Acts 14, this assures us that God is always at work beneath the surface. Even a few who believe represent a miracle of grace. 

Paul and Barnabas also remind us of the importance of partnership. They went together, strengthening one another in their mission. When discouragement comes, having someone alongside you can make the difference between pressing on and giving up.

Opposition Does Not Stop God’s Work

As the story of Paul and Barnabas’ ministry in Iconium unfolds, opposition quickly arises. Acts 14:2 Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.[2] This pattern is familiar! Wherever God’s truth advances, resistance often follows. The presence of conflict does not mean failure; in fact, it often confirms that something significant is happening.

It can be disheartening when others twist your message. Yet Paul and Barnabas did not retreat. Instead, they stayed and continued to speak boldly. This challenges us to reconsider how we interpret resistance. The same message that some accept, others may oppose. Our responsibility is not to control the response but to remain faithful in sharing.

Boldness Bears Witness to Grace

Instead of leaving immediately, Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time in Iconium, boldly proclaiming the Lord. God confirmed their message with signs and wonders, demonstrating His power and grace. Yet despite such clear evidence, the city remained divided.

This teaches an important truth: not everyone will be convinced, even when the evidence seems undeniable. Faith is ultimately a work of the Holy Spirit, not the result of perfect arguments or dramatic displays. Our role is to speak boldly and live faithfully, trusting God to do the rest.

The division in Iconium reveals both the reality of human choice and the persistence of God’s work. Some believed, while others rejected it; yet, the Gospel still advanced. That is the encouragement of genuine faith. We don’t measure success by universal acceptance but by faithful witness and transformed lives, however few they may be. And wherever we find faith, God is at work.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/strength-in-the-midst-of-suffering

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Ac 14:1). (1984). Zondervan.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 14:2). Tyndale House Publishers.

A Light to the Gentiles

Paula K. Graves

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August 22, 2026

Even though the Jews resisted the Gospel message, Paul and Barnabas continued to be a light to the Gentiles. Acts 13: 46 Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. 47 For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’” [1]

Paul quoted Isaiah 49:6 here. From this, we can see that God’s desire was for the nation of Israel to include the Gentiles in the faith. They had refused, and it took a remnant of one, Jesus, to begin to reach out beyond the Jewish nation. Now His followers, Paul and Barnabas, are continuing His mission.

Rejection to Redirection

Often, closed doors can lead to new, unexpected opportunities for ministry. The Jews pushed back against Paul’s message, but the Gentiles received it with joy. Acts 13: 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. 49 So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region…52 And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. [2]

This shows that as we share the Gospel with those around us, we must be open to God’s leading. Paul, as a zealous Jew, desired that other Jews come to know Jesus. But when they refused to listen, Paul took the message to those who would listen. Even in adversity, Paul found courage and hope to continue to preach the Gospel. But he had to preach to a different audience. We, too, must be willing to adapt our sharing of Jesus to those who are open to receive His message.

A Joyful Community

The Gospel’s transforming power left a group of Gentile believers filled with joy, empowered by the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the Jewish believers in the upper room, the Book of Acts gives us other examples of the Spirit falling on believers. The Samaritan believers received the Holy Spirit when the apostles laid hands on them (Acts 8:17). Cornelius and friends, Gentiles, received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44).

The Gospel doesn’t leave things the same; it is a message that both divides and delivers. The Jews who refused to believe became angry and aggressive. But the message is a light to the Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch, and they become a community of joyful, Spirit-filled people. Paul and Barnabas escaped the persecution and hurried on to the next town.

We should expect both acceptance and rejection when we share the message of Christ. Our joy is to be rooted in the Holy Spirit and not our circumstances. Even when our initial efforts seem to fall short, God can redirect us to more fruitful areas. There is fulfillment and joy in witnessing lives changed by Jesus.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-message-that-divides-and-delivers

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Gospel is Received and Rejected

Paula K. Graves

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August 21, 2026

The Gospel is received and rejected in Pisidian Antioch. Paul’s first sermon had sparked curiosity, and by the second week, the synagogue was filled to overflowing. More than likely, the unusual turnout was due to an influx of curious Gentiles. The Jewish attendance would have been fairly constant.

But the people’s response may not have been what Paul and Barnabas expected. Acts 13:44 The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. 45 But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said.[1]

Jealousy is a dangerous emotion and can lead down a deadly path. The Jewish leadership was so busy arguing against Paul that they missed the message about Jesus. Acts 13: 46 Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.[2]

To the Jews First

God had made promises to the Jews through the Old Testament prophets. They, of all people, should have recognized Jesus was the fulfillment of these promises. That is why Paul always took the Gospel message to the Jews first. In each city, Paul began his preaching in the synagogues.

But instead of understanding this, the Jew’s jealousy caused them to try to stop God’s message. When they rejected Jesus as Messiah, they brought judgment upon themselves. Thus, as Paul said, they judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. If one doesn’t want a relationship with Jesus in this life, God will not force that on anyone eternally.

This incident in Pisidian Antioch serves as a microcosm of Paul’s ministry. The Gospel is received and rejected at the same time. Often, the Jews rejected the message, and the Gentiles accepted it with joy. When God’s work stirs hearts, there will be resistance, often from unexpected people.

Keep Preaching Boldly

Paul kept preaching boldly; he didn’t change his message to gain popularity. This boldness irritated the Jews, and they continued to use every pressure they could to push Paul and Barnabas out of town. Acts 13: 50 Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium.[3]

Jews would shake the dust off their feet as they left pagan lands. When Paul and Barnabas do this, they are saying that the Jews who refused the message were no better than pagans. They had preached the Gospel, but could not make anyone believe. So it is with us. We are responsible for telling the Gospel message, but we can’t make anyone believe. We must turn the results over to the Holy Spirit because God has given us free will. Some will refuse to believe. Yet, God calls us to witness because that may plant a seed that will grow at a later date. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-message-that-divides-and-delivers

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Hunger for God

Tom Graves

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August 20, 2026

A hunger for God is a true blessing. It reflects a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit and receptive to His Word. The ministry of Paul and Barnabas beautifully illustrates this. During this trip, something remarkable began to unfold. Acts 13:42 As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week. 43 Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God. [1]

As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue, the people urged them to return the next Sabbath and speak more about these things. This moment reveals a powerful spiritual hunger. They longed for more truth, more understanding, more of God.

Their response challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we approach God’s Word with that same eagerness, or has familiarity dulled our appetite? When we truly hunger for God, we begin to prioritize time in His presence. We want to listen carefully and respond willingly. Like those in Antioch, we should cultivate a desire that says, “Tell me more. I want to know Him better.”

Responding to God’s Grace


Verse 43 tells us that many of the Jews and devout converts followed Paul and Barnabas. They, in turn, urged them to continue in the grace of God. Hunger alone is not enough; it must lead to a response. These individuals did not merely feel inspired but acted. They followed, listened, and committed themselves to growing in grace.

This is the natural progression of a heart that truly seeks God. When we encounter His truth, He invites us to remain in it and to let it shape our lives daily. Continuing in grace means living with ongoing dependence on God, recognizing that our spiritual growth is sustained not by our effort alone, but by His power at work in us. Hunger leads us to the table, but grace sustains us there.

Encouragement in a Receptive Moment


This passage provides an uplifting reminder: hearts are prepared to accept the message of life. Although Paul and Barnabas probably faced rejection in many locations, they found acceptance and enthusiasm here. Instances like these are blessings from God, pushing us to continue sharing, teaching, and trusting His Spirit to act. Not every response will be positive, but some will be highly receptive, and those moments are significant.

For believers today, this serves as both a comfort and a calling. It reminds us that God is already working in others’ hearts, igniting their hunger even before we speak. Our job is to share faithfully and nurture that hunger for God whenever we observe it.

Reflecting on this passage encourages us to both examine and accept spiritual hunger in ourselves and others. Pray to God to deepen your desire for Him, reignite your passion for His Word, and help you notice those quietly yearning for truth. Hunger for God should not be suppressed or ignored; instead,  pursue and nourish it. Embrace it with joy.Top of Form

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-message-that-divides-and-delivers

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 13:42–43). Tyndale House Publishers.

Don’t Miss What God is Doing

Tom Graves

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August 19, 2026

Paul concluded his message in Pisidian Antioch with a sobering caution: Don’t miss what God is doing in your midst. Acts 13:40 Be careful! Don’t let the prophets’ words apply to you.[1] He then quoted Habakkuk, a prophet in the Old Testament who warned God’s people that judgment was coming, yet they refused to believe it. Acts 13:41 ‘Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’” [2]

They saw the signs, heard the truth, and still missed what God was doing right before them. Paul’s audience now stood in a similar place. God was doing something even greater. Jesus died for our sins and fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, yet the danger of unbelief persisted.

  This reminds us that spiritual blindness isn’t always due to a lack of information but to a hardened heart. One can hear the Gospel clearly and still dismiss it. Paul’s words urge us to examine our hearts: are we attentive to God’s work or drifting into indifference? The warning isn’t just for them but for us, too.

The Tragedy of Missing God’s Work


The prophet’s words carry a striking phrase:Acts 13:41“Look, you mockers, be amazed and die!” [3] This tension between amazement and unbelief persists today. Jesus Himself experienced this division. Some followed Him in faith, while others mocked, doubted, or walked away. The same Gospel can soften one heart and harden another. This should sober us, not surprise us. God’s work goes on regardless of response, but individuals can miss out on its blessings.

There is also a personal dimension to this warning. Sometimes we expect God to work in certain ways, and when He moves in a different way, we fail to recognize Him. We may overlook His hand, dismiss His prompting, or resist His calling because it doesn’t align with our expectations. Missing what God is doing is rarely dramatic; it often happens quietly, through neglect or unbelief.

A Call to Faithful Response


Paul’s warning is not meant to paralyze but to awaken. It calls us to respond with faith, humility, and attentiveness. God is always at work, drawing people, transforming lives, and advancing His kingdom. The question is whether we will recognize it and join Him.

This also strengthens us as we share our faith. Not everyone will respond positively, but this does not mean God is absent or inactive. On the contrary, He is working even amid mixed reactions.

So we ask ourselves: Are we open to what God is doing right now? Are we listening, watching, and responding with faith? Or are we at risk of missing His work because of doubt or distraction? Let this passage stir us to stay spiritually alert. Our Lord is moving in His Word, in our lives, and in the world around us. Don’t miss what God is doing in your life.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-message-that-divides-and-delivers

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Forgiveness Through Jesus

Tom Graves

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August 18, 2026

Forgiveness through Jesus is the heart of the Gospel and the message Paul preached. Paul delivered a clear and powerful message: Acts 13:38 “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.[1]This is not a distant promise or a complicated path, but a present reality. Forgiveness is not earned through effort, nor delayed until we prove ourselves worthy. It is available now through Jesus Christ.

Paul spoke with urgency because this message lies at the heart of the Gospel. Humanity’s greatest need is forgiveness. Sin separates us from a holy God, and no amount of striving under the law can bridge that gap. Yet through Jesus, forgiveness is not only possible but also freely given. This truth invites us to lay down the burden of guilt and receive the grace God extends. The message is simple yet life-changing: in Christ, forgiveness is not merely a hope; it is a reality we can step into today.

Freedom Beyond the Law


Paul continued with an explanation. Acts 13:39Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do. [2] Here, he highlighted a profound theological truth: the law, though holy and good, could never declare us innocent. It could reveal sin, but it could not remove it.

Through the death of Jesus, something radical has occurred. His sacrifice on the cross satisfied the justice of God, and His resurrection confirmed the acceptance of that sacrifice. Paul later clarified  Romans 4:25Jesus was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. [3]

Because of this, those who believe are declared righteous, not because of their own merit, but because of Christ’s finished work. Jesus paid it all, and through Him, we stand forgiven when we place our faith in Him as our Savior.

The Invitation to Believe


Paul’s message ultimately calls for a response: belief. Forgiveness and justification are available to all, but they are received through faith. This echoes the words of Jesus Himself. John 3:16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [4]

This invitation is deeply personal. It is not only for Paul’s audience in the synagogue but also for us today. The promise of new life, freedom from guilt, and reconciliation with God is extended to “everyone who believes.” There are no exclusions based on past failures or present struggles.

Through Christ, the slate is wiped clean, and God offers us a new beginning. The question is not whether forgiveness is available, but whether you will receive it. Will you trust in Jesus’ sacrifice? Will you rest in His finished work? The good news of the Gospel is that forgiveness through Jesus is here, now, and for you. In Christ, there is not only pardon but also a transformed life rooted in grace.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-message-that-divides-and-delivers

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Promises Fulfilled in Christ

Paula K. Graves

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August 17, 2026

Paul’s sermon in Antioch of Pisidia shows God’s promises fulfilled in Christ. It was the custom of the synagogue leader to invite visiting rabbis to speak. Paul took advantage of this invitation, and Luke recorded what was probably the usual teaching about Jesus to a Jewish audience.

Paul began with a sketch of God’s work in Israel’s history. He demonstrated how God was always working toward bringing the Messiah despite Israel’s sin and unfaithfulness. David was a key character in their history, and Paul connected Jesus with him. Acts 13:22 David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’ 23 “And it is one of King David’s descendants, Jesus, who is God’s promised Savior of Israel![1]

From History to a Warning

Then Paul drew on their history and applied its lessons to his audience. The Jews in Jerusalem had not recognized Jesus as the one the prophets spoke of. Because they did not think He was the Son of God, they killed Him. But God raised Jesus from the dead!

Acts 13: 35 Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.’ 36 This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. 37 No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay. [2]

The Jewish leadership expected a political Messiah who would free them from Roman rule. This was not the Messiah God sent. These Jews missed how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies because they could not adjust their image of the Messiah. Thus, Paul was warning his audience not to miss what God is doing through Jesus. Acts 13: 32 “And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, 33 and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus.[3]

The Importance of the Old Testament

Often, as twenty-first-century Christians, we focus only on the New Testament. When we do that, we miss why Jesus had to come and how God fulfills His promises. In story after story in the Old Testament, God remains faithful while the people sin and rebel. They fail to follow God time and time again.

We are much the same way; we can’t save ourselves by our good works. We need God’s help, as He repeatedly promised in the Old Testament. God wanted to save the Gentiles, but the Jews became proud and refused to reach out. Jesus came as a light to the Gentiles. As a result, now both Jew and Gentile can be saved by their faith in Jesus

The stories of the Old Testament also demonstrate God’s character. He is faithful to keep His covenantal promises because He loves us. The Lord gives us rules because He doesn’t want us to face the consequences of our rebellion. He knows what is best for us. This is still true today. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-message-that-divides-and-delivers

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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Grace for Those Who Fail

Tom Graves

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August 16, 2026

We all need to practice granting grace to those who fail, because at some point in our own journey, we will also fail. There is a quiet yet weighty moment during Paul’s first mission trip. Acts 13:13 Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.[1] No explanation is given, only the reality of withdrawal as Mark left his companions on their missionary journey.

After witnessing an intense spiritual confrontation in Paphos, he may have been overwhelmed by fear, discouragement, or the weight of ministry. Whatever the cause, he stepped away while others pressed forward. Failure often isn’t loud or dramatic; sometimes it’s simply leaving when we should stay. Yet Scripture does not erase Mark’s story here, nor does it condemn him outright. Instead, it leaves space for grace. When we falter, God does not discard us; rather, He works to restore us. This is why Jesus died for our sins.

God Can Work Through Failure


John Mark’s experience places him among a long line of imperfect servants. David fell deeply yet God restored him. Jonah ran from God’s call yet was recommissioned. Peter denied Christ yet became a bold witness. Failure is not the end of usefulness in God’s kingdom; often, it is part of the preparation. Seasons of struggle, rejection, and even retreat can become the soil in which humility and dependence take root.

For congregations walking through hardship, rejection, or discouragement, this truth is essential: human weakness does not hinder God. When doors close or opposition rises, it may feel like defeat. Yet God is often at work in unseen ways, refining hearts, redirecting paths, and preparing a greater testimony. What looks like failure can become the very means by which God’s redemptive work shines more clearly and draws others to Christ.

Restored to Faithfulness


John Mark’s story does not end in Acts 13. Later, we see a remarkable turn. Paul, who once refused to take Mark along because of his earlier departure, eventually speaks of him with respect and affection. In Colossians 4:10, Paul counted Mark among his trusted companions. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul wrote that Mark is “useful” to him in ministry.

Somewhere along the way through what must have been a difficult and humbling season, Mark was restored. He did not remain defined by his failure. Instead, he grew into faithfulness and became one of the Gospel writers, entrusted with proclaiming the life of Christ to generations. His life is a testimony that God’s grace not only forgives but also restores and reassigns.

For believers today, Mark’s journey offers both comfort and challenge. Comfort, because failure is not final. Challenge, because restoration calls for perseverance, repentance, and renewed faithfulness. When we face rejection or stumble under pressure, we are invited not to give up but to return because of God’s grace. In that grace, failure is not wasted; it becomes part of the story God is writing, a story that ultimately points others to His redeeming power.

To learn more about grace for those who fail, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-message-that-divides-and-delivers

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 13:13). Tyndale House Publishers.

Transformative Impact

Paula K. Graves

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August 15, 2026

While God can certainly transform people in an instant, there is often a progression that brings about transformative impact. The church in Antioch set apart Saul and Barnabas and then sent them out on a mission trip. But before this happened, they had sought God’s will through prayer and fasting. That was the foundation of the mission trip.

Acts 13: 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. [1]

Luke doesn’t specifically mention that prayer continued during the trip, but I think we are safe to assume it did. Today, prayer is still an important part of reaching people with the Gospel. Pastors desire it. Missionaries have churches that pray for them. Our Heavenly Father could certainly work without our help, but He desires that His kids join Him in the work. Not all of us are sent out, but we can all pray to support those who are.

Confrontation

Most of us avoid confrontation if we can; it’s unpleasant. Yet, as Jesus Himself demonstrated, there is no advance for the Gospel without opposition. When the good news of Jesus invades enemy territory, the enemy will push back. When God does a new thing, we should expect opposition, difficulties, and problems that must be confronted.

This is exactly what happened to Paul as he was trying to witness to the governor, Sergius Paulus. Elymas, who appears to be an advisor, tried to keep the governor from believing. The Holy Spirit enabled Paul to confront Elymas boldly.

Acts 13: 10 Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. [2]

Confrontation must be Holy Spirit-led as it was with Paul. We prefer gentle persuasion, but it often only helps someone a little bit rather than transforming them. The stories of Acts demonstrate world-changing transformation, which is still possible today.

Transformed to be a Believer

Paul’s bold confrontation allowed the governor to hear the Word of God and become a believer. Acts 13: 12 When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord. [3] Notice that it was the teaching, not the miracle, that astonished the governor. “Sergius Paulus is the highest-ranking converted official recorded in the New Testament.”[4]

As a new believer, the governor had transformative impact. He would be able to influence his citizens and allow the Gospel to be preached. His family also owned much land in Pisidian Antioch, thus influencing that area. Interestingly, Paul and Barnabas travel to that area next. We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we give witness to others. When we do, there will be amazing results. To learn more, listen here:

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[4] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts (p. 218). Tyndale House.

Spirit-Filled Authority

Tom Graves

no comments

August 14, 2026

Spirit-filled authority is available to every believer and demonstrated by Paul on the island of Cyprus. Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, wanted to learn more about the Gospel, but an advisor tried to distort its message.

Acts 13: 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. [1]

 When opposition arose, Paul did not shrink back; he allowed God to fill him with the Holy Spirit. This moment marks a turning point not only in the mission but also in Paul himself. Once known as Saul, a Hebrew name, he now primarily uses his Greek name, Paul, to lead a Spirit-guided mission to the Gentiles. The authority he displayed did not come from personality, intellect, or position. It came from the Spirit of God, who actively filled and guided him. This same Spirit is with and helping believers today.

Authority that Reveals

Paul’s words to Elymas were sharp: “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good!” [2] This wasn’t a personal insult; it was a spiritual diagnosis. Elymas had positioned himself against the Gospel, actively trying to turn others away from faith. By exposing him, Paul revealed the deeper reality behind the opposition: this was not merely human resistance, but spiritual rebellion.

Then came judgment: blindness. In a striking parallel, Paul pronounced the very condition he himself had once experienced. Elymas, who claimed spiritual insight, was shown to be blind. Sometimes God allows disruption to awaken truth. The law exposes our darkness so that we might seek the light.

Elymas groped for someone to lead him. That image is powerful. Left to ourselves, we all stumble in darkness. True guidance comes only through the Gospel. Spirit-filled authority doesn’t just confront evil; it reveals our need for rescue. It points beyond judgment to the possibility of redemption, if one is willing to see.

Power that Leads to Faith

While Elymas resisted, Sergius Paulus believed. The proconsul had invited Paul and Barnabas because he was curious about the word of God. What he witnessed confirmed what he heard. Yet Scripture emphasizes something crucial: Acts 13:12 he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord. [3] The miracle got his attention, but the message captured his heart.

The goal of Spirit-filled authority is not to impress, but to lead people to faith in Christ. The authority wasn’t his; it was Christ working through him. God’s work reaches both the resistant and the receptive. Elymas was stopped; Sergius Paulus was saved. The same Spirit moves in different ways, but always with purpose. As believers, God calls us to walk in that same Spirit, dependent, bold, and faithful. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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