Day 320 Reading Schedule: Acts 13-15:35

Acts 13: Missionary Work in Cyprus 

[Overview] 

This chapter records Paul's first missionary journey. In terms of church history, Paul's missionary journey is of great importance. This is because Paul's missionary journey marked the turning point from the Jewish Christianity centered on Jerusalem and the apostles to a pan-national Christianity that reached out to the entire world. In particular, Paul's first missionary journey to the Gentiles was a milestone corresponding to the first step in God's redemptive history toward the secular history of the Gentiles, and it was an opportunity to confirm the vitality and growth of the gospel like a mustard seed. In the end, it can be said to be an example that clearly shows the superiority of God's redemptive history over the universal history of the secular world. This chapter consists of the dispatch of Paul and Barnabas (verses 1-3), the beginning of the first missionary journey, the preaching in Cyprus (verses 4-12), the church in Pisidian Antioch (verses 13-41), the preaching to the Gentiles, and the persecution of the Jews (verses 42-52). The methods Paul used during this missionary journey were the same as those used by Jesus during his public ministry: the proclamation of the word and miracles. 

Acts 14: Missionary work in Iconium and Lystra 

[Overview] 

This chapter continues to mention Paul’s first missionary journey, following the previous chapter. In particular, the places of activity in this chapter can be said to have been places he visited in anticipation of persecution. For this reason, tension and conflict centered on the gospel are confirmed in every corner of this chapter. As a result, the content can be divided into ‘people for the gospel’ and ‘people against the gospel.’ Those who are for the gospel include Paul and Barnabas, and those who oppose the gospel are generally disobedient Jews and ignorant Gentiles. The disobedient Jews were the biggest obstacle to Paul and Barnabas’ missionary work to the Gentiles, and they not only hindered Paul’s group’s progress, but also sought to take their lives. This chapter is composed of the preaching in Iconium (verses 1-7), the preaching in Lystra (verses 8-18), and the return trip to Antioch (verses 19-28). 

Acts 15:35: The Council of the Church in Jerusalem 

[Summary] 

This chapter records the Council of Jerusalem, which debated circumcision, and Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul’s group and Jewish believers argued over the salvation of the Gentiles, which led to the convocation of the historical Council of Jerusalem, and Paul’s missionary work to the Gentiles finally received official approval from the Church in Jerusalem. Therefore, from this chapter onwards, the centers of missionary work to the Gentiles become diverse, and in addition to the church in Antioch, it spreads to Macedonia, Athens, Corinth, Rome, and other places from Asia Minor to Europe. This chapter, which contains such content, is composed of the circumcision of the Gentiles (verses 1-5), the salvation of the Gentiles (verses 6-11), James' speech (verses 12-21), and the resolution of the Jerusalem council (verses 22-35).