Personal study: The numbers on the left side are verse numbers.

1 Note that the early church recognized people (prophets & teachers) based on their spiritual gifts. See Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:3-8

2 Who took the initiative in sending Paul & Barnabas?

What were they doing when the Spirit spoke to them?

How do you think the Spirit spoke to them?

What warning do we find in I John 4:1?

Dr. Art Vincent gives 7 tests we must pass before we would follow just any voice (ARM newsletter, June 2005)

1. Does it agree with Scripture? (2 Tim 3:15, Acts 17:11)

2. Does it fit the "mind of Christ" and glorify Him? (I Cor 2:10, Heb 10:16)

3. Does it edify you and others? (I Cor 14:26)

4. Does it fit the principle of God’s agape love? (I Cor 13)

5. Do trusted advisors agree with the guidance? (Prov 11:14, Acts 15:6-22)

6. Does God confirm it by circumstances? Does God open doors?

7. Do you have peace & joy in proceeding?

Note that they also had the support of the church at Antioch.

4-12 On Cyprus they meet up with a Jewish sorcerer. Study for a moment the OT view of a sorcerer (aka: soothsayer, charmer, medium, wizard, necromancer, astrologer, enchanter, shade) in Deut 18:10-11, I Sam 28:3-7, 2 Kings 9:22, 2 Chron 33:6,

Isaiah 3:2-3, Jer 27:9, Ezk 13:18-20, Micah 5:12.

According to Ex 22:18 and Lev 19:26, what was the punishment for sorcery?

Identify forms and references to sorcery today?

Why is any form of sorcery to be avoided?

Locate Cyprus, Perga and Pisidian Antioch on a bible map.

15 They are invited to speak. What can you do to be prepared to give a good witness to Jesus if you are invited to speak? I Peter 3:15

What connections did Paul make for his (mostly Jewish) listeners?

48 Note how the Bible describes "receptivity" here and also in Mark 10:15, John 1:12, Matt 10:40, John 13:20 and Colossians 2:6

50 Here and in vs.45 "the Jews" probably means the Jewish leaders who opposed the Christian message. Contrast their reaction to the receptivity of believers.

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