Notes and Jottings

Acts 13

(13:1). Herod the tetrarch. Herod Antipas.

(13:6). Bar-Jesus. A Jewish magician, false prophet, and servant of Sergius Paulus, who confronted Paul and Barnabas in Paphos on the island of Cyprus. He tried to prevent Sergius Paulus from believing. Paul referred to him as ‘son of the devil,’ and he was rendered blind.

(13:7). Sergius Paulus. Proconsul in Paphos who sent for Saul and Barnabas so he could hear God’s word. Despite an attempt by Elymas to keep him away from faith, he believed and was amazed at their teaching.

(13:8). Elymas. a name given to him by Greek-speaking people.

(13:9). But Saul, who also is Paul. Saul was his Jewish name. Paul was his Gentile name. From now on he uses his Gentile name of Paul.

(13:14). Antioch of Pisidia. So called to distinguish it from Antioch in Syria.

(13:33). Psa. 2:7.

(13:39). The Law of Moses never justified anyone. Under the law sins are covered not removed. By keeping the law the children of Israel were righteous, but their sins were not removed. In Christ sins are removed. In Christ a person is declared righteous.

(13:51). shaken off the dust of their feet. The Jewish people exercised great caution to ensure that they did not bring back any dust or dirt from foreign lands into the sacred territory of Israel. The act of “shaking off the dust” is not merely a physical action; it holds significant meaning as a symbolic gesture that indicates the intention to break or sever connections and relationships with those outside their community or nation. This practice reflects their commitment to maintaining their identity and purity as a people, emphasizing the importance of their homeland and the separation from influences that may detract from their cultural or spiritual values.