Acts 13
Sent, Strengthened, and Set Free — Lessons from Acts 13
Introduction
In Acts 13, we find a powerful blend of worship, calling, confrontation, and freedom. As we read through this chapter together, we’re struck by how much it speaks to our moment today—both personally and as a church community. From fasting and discernment to bold truth-telling and the joy of salvation, this chapter is a rich reminder that the Holy Spirit is alive and moving.
Worshiping, Fasting, and Hearing God Together
At the very beginning of Acts 13, we find the early church worshiping and fasting together when the Holy Spirit speaks: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (v.2). What a beautiful picture—people worshiping together, fasting together, listening together.
This stuck out to us because it reminds us that hearing God is both personal and communal. The Spirit speaks to individual hearts, yes, but also within the collective. It's not one or the other—it’s both. It’s a spiritual rhythm we want to lean into more as a community.
And let’s talk about fasting. Often, fasting can feel like an outdated practice or something reserved for retreats. But it’s meant to be a regular rhythm in our spiritual lives. When we deny our flesh—whether it’s food, screens, or other comforts—we’re making room for God to speak and for our hearts to turn toward Him. And when we fast with purpose, interceding for others or seeking clarity, it becomes a holy, intentional space for breakthrough.
Fighting Evil with Truth and Courage
This chapter also reminds us that walking closely with God equips us for spiritual battle. Right after being sent out, Saul and Barnabas confront a sorcerer trying to oppose the gospel. Paul doesn’t hold back—he calls it like it is: “You are a child of the devil” (v.10).
That’s strong language, but it's also a wake-up call for us. We live in a world that often wants to soften or ignore evil, but Paul reminds us that truth matters. Injustice, harmful ideologies, and spiritual distractions still need to be called out. And we can't do that with human strength alone—we need spiritual preparation, time in worship, prayer, and yes, fasting. When we're “prayed up,” we’re reminded of truth, not just overwhelmed by what we’re facing.
Freedom in Jesus—for Every Sin
As Paul continues preaching, he lays out the full story—from Egypt to Jesus—and brings it to this climactic truth: “Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin” (v.39). Not some sin. Not just the little stuff. Every sin.
That word every stopped us in our tracks. Because let’s be honest—we all have parts of our story that feel too dark, too shameful, too much. Sometimes we can believe Jesus forgives us for the small stuff but not that one thing. But Acts 13 boldly declares otherwise. Jesus offers complete forgiveness and freedom.
This message hit home because most of us reading this are Gentiles. We’re part of this story because of this moment in Acts. The Gentiles heard this truth and responded with joy and honor (v.48). They couldn’t believe it was also for them. And neither can we, sometimes. But it is.
Grace for the Journey
Let’s not pretend that believing this truth is always easy. Sometimes we accept grace in a moment, but the next day we wake up heavy-hearted, still stuck in shame or doubt. That’s normal. Healing and freedom are often a process, not a light switch. And that’s why we need daily reminders of God’s mercy—new every morning.
If that’s you, hear this: You’re not doing it wrong. You’re human. And you have the Holy Spirit with you to keep lifting your eyes to Jesus, day by day. Sit with Him. Confess it all. Believe again today. And again tomorrow.
