Daily Bible Plan – Acts of the Apostels 13

05. March 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: My Job, My Kingdom Assignment

Acts 13 marks a major shift in the early church. The Holy Spirit intentionally sends Paul and Barnabas on mission. This chapter teaches us that our work is not random — it is assigned.

Your job is not just income.

It is Kingdom positioning.

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1. Your Assignment Is Discovered in Worship

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said…” (Acts 13:2)

The church in Antioch was worshiping, fasting, and ministering to the Lord — not chasing platforms.

And in that atmosphere, the Holy Spirit spoke.

Assignment is revealed in intimacy.

If you do not know your Kingdom assignment, return to worship. When we minister to God, He clarifies our direction.

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2. The Holy Spirit Is the One Who Sends

“Separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 13:4)

They were not self-appointed.

They were Spirit-appointed.

If the Holy Spirit positions you somewhere — that place becomes sacred ground.

Your workplace.

Your classroom.

Your city.

It is assignment.

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3. Every Assignment Will Face Resistance

When they arrived in Cyprus, they encountered Elymas the sorcerer.

“But Elymas the sorcerer… withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.” (Acts 13:8)

Understand what is happening here.

Paul is preaching the Gospel. The proconsul is listening. Salvation is near.

And then a sorcerer steps in to deceive and block the message.

This is serious.

Paul became deeply stirred — not because his ego was attacked, but because the Gospel was being hindered.

“Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 13:9)

Notice — filled with the Holy Spirit.

He confronts Elymas:

“O full of all deceit and all fraud… will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10)

Paul was not emotionally out of control. He was spiritually provoked.

Anyone who stands between people and the Gospel places themselves in dangerous territory.

Sorcery produces temporary fascination.

The Holy Spirit produces permanent transformation.

Elymas was struck with blindness — not permanently, but for a time (Acts 13:11).

And when the proconsul saw what happened:

“Then the proconsul believed… being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” (Acts 13:12)

Notice again — he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

The confrontation removed the obstruction.

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4. We Are Living in a Distracted Generation

Today we see many modern forms of distraction and deception. Society is fascinated with magic, illusion, spectacle, entertainment that amazes and dazzles.

But behind fascination is often deception.

Sorcery always produces temporary results.

The Holy Spirit produces eternal fruit.

We are living in a generation where many things resist people from hearing the Gospel:

Distraction.

Pleasure.

Ambition.

Comfort.

Even family pressure.

Sometimes it is not a sorcerer — it is busyness.

Sometimes it is not magic — it is luxury.

In a country like Switzerland, where there is freedom and opportunity to preach openly, we have no excuse to remain silent.

Jesus said in the parable of the banquet:

“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23)

There was still room because those who were invited were distracted.

Often those who have received the Gospel become passive.

Meanwhile, other belief systems remain extremely intentional and disciplined in spreading their message.

Shame on us if we carry the truth but lack zeal.

Paul became stirred because the Gospel was being blocked.

Where is our zeal?

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5. Your Assignment Is to Remove Obstacles to the Gospel

Paul did not attack Elymas for personal reasons. He removed a barrier so someone could believe.

That is Kingdom assignment.

Your role may be:

To preach.

To pray.

To confront deception.

To invite.

To intercede.

To create space for someone to hear clearly.

Ask yourself:

Am I allowing distractions to hinder my assignment?

Am I bold enough to confront spiritual resistance?

Do I carry the same urgency Paul carried?

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Conclusion: My Job, My Kingdom Assignment

Acts 13:1–12 teaches us:

• Assignment is revealed in worship.

• The Holy Spirit is the One who sends.

• Resistance is normal.

• Boldness is required.

• The goal is salvation.

Paul’s zeal was not anger from the flesh — it was passion for souls.

May the Lord open our eyes.

May He awaken our spirit.

May He restore zeal in us.

Let us take the Gospel seriously.

Your job is not random.

It is Kingdom assignment.

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📖 Chair Time

Read

Acts 13:1–12

Reflect

• What distractions are hindering my assignment?

• Do I carry zeal for the Gospel?

• Am I bold when truth is opposed?

• Who is waiting for me to remove an obstacle so they can believe?

Pray

Shalom

Rev Joseph Antwi