These Acts 13 Bible study questions are built for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Acts 13 is where the church at Antioch sends out Barnabas and Saul, and the message of Jesus starts moving across the Roman world. The questions move from what the text says, to what it means, to how a follower of Jesus can live it out this week.
Acts 13 at a Glance
The chapter opens in the church at Antioch, where prophets and teachers are worshiping and fasting when the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul to a specific work. They travel to Cyprus, where they meet a sorcerer named Bar Jesus who opposes them, and the proconsul Sergius Paulus believes. From there Paul and his companions sail to Pamphylia and then to Antioch in Pisidia, where Paul preaches in the synagogue, tracing God’s faithfulness from Israel’s history to the resurrection of Jesus.
The second half of the chapter shows the message dividing its hearers. Some Jews are jealous and reject the word, while Gentiles rejoice and believe. The apostles are driven out of the region, yet the chapter ends with the disciples full of joy and of the Holy Spirit.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the exact words and verses, and keep the discussion grounded in what the text states. Let several people answer before you add any commentary of your own.
Acts 13:2
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
(WEB)
This verse shows the Holy Spirit speaking to a worshiping church, and it is a good place to begin a discussion about how God calls people to specific work. Reading it aloud helps the group hear the simple, direct voice of the Spirit.
Acts 13:9-11
9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him, 10 and said, “Full of all deceit and all cunning, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
(WEB)
This passage records Paul’s sharp words to Elymas and the judgment that follows. Reading it together gives the group a chance to face the seriousness of opposing God’s truth and to consider how justice and mercy meet in this moment.
Acts 13:32-33
32 We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled the same to us, their children, in that he raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your father.’
(WEB)
These verses state the core of the apostolic message, that God fulfilled his promise through the raising of Jesus. Reading them aloud keeps the resurrection at the center of the group’s discussion about Acts 13.
Acts 13:38-39
38 Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins, 39 and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
(WEB)
Paul declares forgiveness of sins and justification through Jesus, which is the heart of his sermon. Hearing these words read aloud helps the group rest in the promise they describe before turning to application.
Acts 13:48
As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
(WEB)
This verse records the joy of the Gentiles and their belief, and it closes the scene of division with a note of gladness. Reading it aloud reminds the group that the gospel brings real joy to those who receive it.
Memory Verse for Acts 13
Acts 13:52
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
This verse is a short and memorable summary of the chapter’s ending, pointing to joy and the Holy Spirit in the midst of hardship. Encourage the group to repeat it together and to notice how it holds both struggle and gladness.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you for the church at Antioch, for their fasting and prayer, and for the way you sent Barnabas and Saul into your work. Teach us to listen for your voice when we gather and when we are apart, and give us the courage to speak your word even when others resist it. Fill us with joy and with your Holy Spirit, so that we can carry the good news to the people you have placed around us. Strengthen each person in this group to take one faithful step this week, and keep us united in your grace. Amen.
