A Confrontational Gospel

Last week we learned about the call and commissioning of Barnabas and Saul. As they embark on the first ever missionary journey we find them Preaching The Gospel In Cyprus And Pisidia 13:4-51a.

Preaching The Gospel In Cyprus And Pisidia 13:4-51a

As they are preaching in Cyprus they end up Confronting a false prophet in Paphos vv. 4-12

Confronting a false prophet in Paphos vv. 4-12

It is in this encounter that we find our two reasons why the gospel confrontational.

We must understand these reasons if we are to be able to stand firm in confrontation.

When confrontation is endured, gospel opportunities are revealed.

Reason #1…

1. The Gospel Is Confrontational Because It Is True vv. 4-8

Is everyone aware that most people in our society deny the reality of absolute truth? What I mean is that people say something can be true one day, and not the next. Or true in one situation and not in another.

Let me give you an example. If you were to ask me if I had any gum and I have some in my pocket, but I say no, is that wrong? Yes! Why? Because it is lying. But what if my child keeps asking and asking and asking for a piece of candy, so I say it’s all gone, just so it will end. But really, there is more candy. Is that wrong? Yes! Because it is still lying!

As believers we learn in scripture that lying is always wrong! says (S).

Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

According to Jesus, everyone is our neighbor. So we are to always speak the truth. Yet we live in a culture where many teach that lying is acceptable in certain situations!

The gospel of Jesus Christ is absolute truth. This reality brings confrontation.

There are two examples of this in our text.

As absolute truth, the gospel brings confrontation because…

a. Truth challenges tradition vv. 4-5

READ vv. 4-5

In v. 4 Barnabas and Saul are sent out. They travel from Antioch (S) to Seleucia (S) and sail to Cyprus. On Cyprus they arrive in Salamis and preach there (S). John or Mark from 12:25 is assisting. This word just means that he is under their authority. Ministering with them as well as to them.

We need to focus on two things here. What are they preaching? And. Where are they preaching?

v. 5 – John or Mark from 12:25 is assisting.

First, What are they preaching?

The Word of God. Word = logos meaning message. So they are preaching the message of God. We have been over this a couple times but it is so vital that we will keep going over it whenever it comes up.

What is the message they are preaching? The gospel! What is the gospel? The good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again! The good news is that the blood of Christ has made a way for sinners to be forgiven. It has allowed enemies to be reconciled and those estranged from God to have a right relationship with Him. How? (S).

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

This is the message they are preaching! It is the only message they are preaching and it is the only gospel! If we preach anything else, we are not preaching the good news, we are preaching a false gospel that leaves people condemned, without hope, and headed to an eternity of torment separated from God.

Barnabas and Saul are preaching the gospel.

Secondly, Where are they preaching?

Here things get interesting. A synagogue is a Jewish place of worship. This would be the equivalent of walking into a Mormon temple or into a kingdom hall where Jehovah’s Witnesses meet and preaching the clear, unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ! Now, if I had the opportunity I would do it. And verses like this one are the reason why.

We do need to understand that historically synagogues had an open door policy regarding visiting rabbi’s or teachers. Later in we find out that Saul was taught by Gamaliel who is described in as “a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people.” Saul is a Rabbi, a teacher who was well-known and had access to the synagogues. What we find in Acts is Saul using that position as a platform from which to preach the gospel.

In the book of Acts we find that the greatest opposition to the gospel comes from the Jews. Through the course of history that changes, but that is what we see in Acts. They are so opposed to the gospel because it challenges the traditions they had accepted. They wanted a conquering king first. They wanted physical deliverance more than spiritual freedom!

There is opposition to the gospel because it is true. It challenges traditions with the truth.

Absolute truth in a culture of relativism demands confrontation.

As we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are going to face confrontation because what we preach is truth that challenges tradition. When confrontation comes, meet it with the loving declaration of truth.

Two questions.

Do we know our message?

Are we, as individual believers, prepared and equipped to share the gospel with others?

Will we proclaim the gospel anywhere?

What if God calls us to Africa, or Mexico? What if He calls us to Utah, or (gasp) Chicago? Will we preach Christ even in pagan centers of worship?

The gospel is confrontational because it is? True! Truth challenges? Tradition.

As absolute truth, the gospel also brings confrontation because…

b. Truth challenges position vv. 6-8

READ vv. 6-8

This man is with the proconsul. I believe he is in fear of losing this position. However, that is not the only position he fears losing. Notice that in v. 6 we are give three facts about this man. He is a sorcerer, a false prophet, and a Jew.

Sorcerer – μάγος (magos) magician; wise man; magus. Sorcerer n. — a person who uses or claims to use magical spells to harness evil forces or spirits in order to produce unnatural effects in the world.

Sorcerer – μάγος (magos)

We will learn in a few chapters of how the believers in Ephesus burned their books of magic. Sorcery is fed by a desire for power. True power is only found in surrender to the Holy Spirit! Sorcery attempts to take the place of God. It was forbidden by God in the OT. The gospel of Jesus Christ is all about the power of God. This man’s position as a sorcerer is threatened by the gospel.

False prophet – ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs) false prophet. A deliberately deceptive person pretending to be a prophet.

False prophet – ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs)

Really self explanatory word. He is a pseudo prophet. A fake. A phony. As a false prophet this man claimed to speak from God while in reality giving his own opinions. You do not accidently become a false prophet! This is the practice of deliberate, intentional deception for personal gain, for prestige. It is heretical blasphemy to falsely claim to speak on God’s behalf! The body of Christ has been commanded to test the spirits of those who teach. (S).

1 John 4:1–3 NKJV

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

The gospel exposes false teachers. This man’s position as a pseudo prophet was threatened by the gospel.

Thirdly, He was a Jew. This one is actually a little surprising considering the Jewish attitude toward sorcery. But, this is who he is.

To the Jewish mind, adherence to Judaism was inseparable from being Jewish. They viewed faith in Jesus Christ as a rejection of God and a repudiation of the Law. In some respects they viewed that Law as giving them purpose and meaning as individuals and as a nation. The gospel declares that we are not under the law but under grace. Christ’s fulfillment of the law threatened what they believed made them Jewish! This man’s position as a Jew is threatened by the gospel.

And so what does he do? Two things. 1 - He stands against them. 2 - He tries to keep the proconsul from faith. More about those in a minute.

Here Saul and Barnabas are, preaching the gospel. They meet an influential man, Sergius Paulus, who is the ruler of province. This man understands that what they are presenting is important and so he takes two actions.

First, He calls for Barnabas and Saul.

This word has the idea of summon. Being the ruler of this province it is his right to do this. But he doesn’t just do it because he can. His second action reveals that.

Second, He wants to hear the message.

Sought – ἐπιζητέω (epizēteō) seek after; wish for. To seek diligently, try to get, reach, or find something in a diligent or exact manner.

Sought – ἐπιζητέω (epizēteō)

These are words of intention. Sergius Paulus deliberately summons Barnabas and Saul because of the message they are preaching. He is diligently seeking to hear the message from God. What is the message? The Gospel.

Put yourself in the position of these first missionaries. What an opportunity! The ruler of the province has sent for you and wants to hear the gospel. Talk about a God thing! And so you show up to share with this ruler the good news of Jesus Christ, and there next to him is the Jewish, false prophet, sorcerer, Elymas. Bar-Jesus is Aramaic, Elymas is Arabic.

We mentioned earlier that he does two things. We are going to talk about those things now.

First, He stands against them.

Withstood – ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi) oppose; resist. To be against; express opposition to.

Withstood – ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi)

He resists and opposes them. We don’t know if this was physical, verbal, or both. I tend to think he did anything and everything he could to keep Sergius from hearing the gospel. Why? Because he could lose power, prestige, and purpose. He stands against them with a specific purpose in mind.

Kent Hughes writes,

Preaching the Word: Acts—The Church Afire Opposition to the Church Militant (Vv. 6–8)

Seriously follow Christ and you will experience a gamut of sorrows almost completely unknown to the unbeliever. But of course you will also know the joy of adventure with the Lord of the universe and of spiritual victory as you live a life of allegiance to him.

Second, He tries to keep the proconsul from the faith.

Seeking – ζητέω (zēteō) desire; seek; look for. To try to get or reach something one desires.

Seeking – ζητέω (zēteō)

This is his goal and desire. This is what he is working for. He wants to keep the proconsul from faith in Christ! To do that he will “turn” him.

Turn – διαστρέφω (diastrephō) pervert; make crooked. To mislead and deceive. To cause someone to wander from a proper belief or course of action.

Turn – διαστρέφω (diastrephō)

As a false prophet this man will deceive Sergius, He will do all he can to lead him astray. To lead Him from truth and faith into error and disbelief.

There is a definite article here so the translation “the faith” is accurate. When reference is made to the faith, the idea is that of the content of the gospel. It is the doctrines that define our faith in Jesus Christ.

What this false prophet and sorcerer wants to do is keep Sergius in bondage to sin. He wants him like himself, lost, blinded, and headed for a Christless eternity. Beloved, the desire of the enemy hasn’t changed. We face opposition today and the desire is for people to remain lost! Satan is going to do everything he can to render us ineffective.

When we preach the truth of the gospel in a culture that enthrones self, their position is threatened. What do I mean? The gospel is about Jesus Christ. It is about the inability of humankind to save ourselves. It is about our powerlessness to do anything by which we might gain God’s favor! At the same time, the gospel is about the ability of Christ to save completely. It is about His righteousness credited to our account. It is about the eternal God doing all that is necessary to save sinners!

When this reality goes head to head with a culture that views the exaltation of self to be the highest good, there is conflict. Our culture tells people that they are good and that they can do anything. The gospel says we are fundamentally flawed and only Jesus can fix us. The culture says that you must be true to yourself. The gospel says you place yourself at Jesus feet and be true to Him. When the gospel meets the culture, there is conflict.

In a culture of redefinition, the doctrine of sin demands conflict.

Sin is constantly being redefined. We change the name thinking that it will lessen the destruction of sin! Yet the gospel names sin for what it is and there is conflict as a result.

So what do we do? Do we disengage? NO! What we do is preach the gospel of Jesus Christ while engaging the culture through a Christ-honoring lifestyle. That means we love our neighbor, we turn the other cheek, we pray for those who opposes. But it also means we do not waver on the gospel, we do not back down on sin, and we stand firm through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ok. Reason #1 The gospel is confrontational because it is? True. Truth brings confrontation because it challenges? Tradition, and position.

Alright, reason #2…

2. The Gospel Is Confrontational Because It Transforms vv. 9-12

So there we were, at midnight, putting all the furniture back the way it had been three hours before. There are times when change is wanted and times when change is needed, but whenever change occurs, there is a measure of conflict. You see, there are two kinds of people in this world. Those who love change, and normal people. LOL! Just kidding, just kidding.

There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who love change, and normal people. LOL! Just kidding, just kidding.

Transformation is part of the Christian life. says (S).

Romans 12:2 NKJV

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

However, sometimes transformation is frightening because it means we will no longer be ourselves. We hold so tightly to our idea of identity, we forget that our identity is found in Christ. We live in a time and culture that challenges us to be ourselves. And that is good, as long as we understand that who we are will, and should, change.

As we finish the account of this false prophet and sorcerer, we learn that transformation brings confrontation for two reasons.

Reason #1. As the gospel transforms lives it brings conflict because…

a. Transformation is threatening vv. 9-11

READ vv. 9-11

This is the only explanation we get for why Saul became known as Paul. There is a lot of speculation but I believe the easy answer is best. Many people had other names they were called, Saul decides to go with his other name and is now called Paul. Personally I think it is to break the ties with the old him and to somewhat identify with the Gentiles as he preaches the gospel to them (Saul is Hebrew, Paul is Latin). From here on out, Saul is never called that again. He is now Paul. Paul is filled with the Holy Spirit.

This little phrase helps us to rightly divide or correctly handle this passage. What is done here is not done by Paul but through Paul. It is not the will of Paul doing it, it is the will of God exercised through Paul. Paul is filled with the Holy Spirit and he stares down this false prophet who is attempting to keep someone from the gospel.

Paul, being filled with the Spirit, looks at this man and speaks. Four accusations are leveled against Elymas.

Accusation #1 - Full of deceit and fraud.

“Full” here is the idea of something that characterizes a person. A core value. Elymas’ core value is dishonesty. What would those who know us best say is our core value? Elymas is full of deceit.

Deceit – δόλος (dolos) deceit; cunning; treachery. Craftiness, shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception.

Deceit – δόλος (dolos)

He is also full of fraud.

Fraud – ῥᾳδιουργία (rhadiourgia) deceit; wickedness; villainy. Unscrupulousness, the quality of dishonesty without any moral hesitation.

Fraud – ῥᾳδιουργία (rhadiourgia)

Through the filling of the Holy Spirit, Paul proclaims that Elymas is a skilled deceiver who engages in unscrupulous wickedness. You get skilled at something through practice.

Accusation #2 - Son of the devil.

“Son” is a term of identification. The first name we are given for this man, Bar-Jesus means son of Jesus. In reality, he is the opposite. Satan is who he best identifies with. helps us understand this accusation (S).

John 8:44 NKJV

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

The devil, also called satan and Lucifer, is a liar. This puts Elymas right at home in his company.

This helps us to understand the serious nature of lying. Let me just be honest with you, Hebrews talks about besetting sins and this is one of mine. I have to constantly surrender to the Spirit or I will catch myself lying to keep others happy. When I give in to lying, I put myself in Satan’s company. That is serious business.

He is characterized by deception, he identifies with the devil, thirdly…

Accusation #3 - Enemy of righteousness.

Enemy – ἐχθρός (echthros) enemy, a person who hates another and wishes him injury.

Enemy – ἐχθρός (echthros)

Righteousness – δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) righteousness, a life or lifestyle in conformity to justice, law, or morality as given by God.

Righteousness – δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē)

When we take these words together we learn that Elymas hates and wishes injury to all those righteous in life, justice, law, and morality.

Deceptive, devilish, hater of right, and finally…

Accusation #4 - Perverter of God’s ways.

“Perverting” is the same word translated “turn” in v. 8. It means to corrupt or make crooked. It is a present, active, participle which makes it a deliberate action.

In , Jesus says this (S).

Matthew 7:13–14 NKJV

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The way to Christ is narrow, straight, and difficult. This man takes that way and he makes it crooked, he corrupts it. He leads people away from Christ!

Paul, looking at this man who is interfering with their gospel presentation, seeing his deceit, his identification, his perversion, and his hatred, Paul speaks God’s judgment.

READ v. 11

The first thing we need to notice is whose hand is against Elymas. What does Paul say here? The hand of? The Lord. This is not Paul’s will, but God’s. This is not Paul’s power, but God’s. This is not Paul’s judgment but the judgement of God!

“The hand of the Lord” being on Elymas is symbolic of God’s power, judgment, and wrath. The form this takes is blindness. The reference to not seeing the sun makes it clear that this is a complete and utter blindness. This is not a dimming, it is a blinding.

Interestingly, it is not a permanent blinding. We are given no reason for the temporary nature of the blindness. However, it could be that this man simply needed a very strong wake up call. We don’t know. What we do know is that he had to be led by the hand during this season of blindness. This is such a fascinating parallel to the blindness of Paul at his conversion in ch. 9

When we consider the character of this man, it becomes clear that he felt threatened at the core of his being by what the gospel does. The gospel transforms! Our old man, our sin nature rebels against transformation. Yet transformation is what we all so desperately need.

When self-acceptance is the highest virtue, a transformative gospel demands confrontation.

Don’t get me wrong, there is value in accepting the way God made you. However, we must also recognize that we are sinners who need a Savior and need that Savior to make us like Himself!

The gospel is confrontational because it transforms. Transformation is threatening. Our own hearts rebel against transformation. We must always be on guard.

There is a second reason that gospel transformation brings conflict.

Reason #2…

b. Transformation is necessary v. 12

READ v. 12

The wording here is interesting. The proconsul believes after seeing Elymas struck blind. However, the cause of his belief is his astonishment at what he had been taught.

It seems like the whole purpose of this miracle was to bring this man to faith in Christ. David Peterson writes that,

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Acts of the Apostles B. The Word in Cyprus (13:4–12)

The exposure and blinding of Elymas was used by God to remove an obstacle to belief (the influence and power of the sorcerer) and to authenticate Paul and his message.

This also demonstrates that men must place their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is what saves.

Belief is a form of transformation. It brings us from one position to another. The nature of faith requires a transformation in our thinking.

As the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, faith is transformative.

We are saved by grace through faith. We believe in what we cannot see and take that step of faith. When we do, everything changes.

Despite the opposition, despite the confrontation, the proconsul believes! He believes and is gloriously, permanently saved.

“Teaching” could also be translated “doctrine”. It is the teaching, the doctrine of the Lord that must be proclaimed. declares that those saved must first hear the word which must first be preached by those who must first be sent.

When works and merit are elevated, the gospel of faith alone demands confrontation.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a confrontational gospel. But it must be declared.

Conclusion

The gospel is confrontational because it is… True.

Truth is not very popular. Pilate said it best at the trial of Jesus when he asked “what is truth?” This is a question that people have always asked.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we come proclaiming truth. We tell people that we know the One who is the truth! This claim brings confrontation.

When faced with confrontation we must know our message and boldly proclaim it wherever there is opportunity. Opportunities will rise, not as we escape from our culture, but as we engage it with the love, boldness, and truth of Christ.

The gospel is confrontational because it… Transforms.

Transformation is threatening because we don’t want to lose our identity or sense of self. Yet we must understand that our identity is in Christ! As those redeemed by Him transformation is necessary. We need to be conformed to the image of Christ.

We must understand that what we have in the gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth that transforms.

This understanding will give us the strength we need to stand when confrontation comes.

Make no mistake…

There will be confrontation.

Yet in every confrontation God has a plan and purpose He is working to accomplish.

Through the confrontation we just considered, the leader of a Roman province came to faith in Christ.

We do not know what God will accomplish through confrontation.

We are called simply to be faithful in our proclamation of Jesus.

Acts 13:4–12 NKJV

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant. Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

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