Superbook

Lesson:

Pronounce the Gospel as the power of God to salvation.

Extras

• Character Profiles

  • Elymas

    Discover More
    

    Elymas

    

    Elymas was a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet. He lived in Paphos on the island in Cyprus. Elymas interfered with Saul and Barnabas as they shared the Word of the Lord with the governor. Paul called Elymas the son of the devil and God instantly blinded Elymas as punishment. The governor became a believer after seeing what happened to Elymas and hearing the Word of the Lord.

    • Bible References

      • Acts 13:11
      • Acts 13:9-12

  • Sergius Paulus

    Discover More
    

    Sergius Paulus

    

    Sergius Paulus was the governor on the island of Cyprus. He invited Paul and Barnabas to visit him so he could hear the Word of the Lord. Elymas, the evil sorcerer, attempted to keep the governor from believing the Good News and God blinded him! Sergius Paulus saw what happened to Elymas and was astonished at the teaching about the Lord. He then became a believer in Jesus.

    • Bible References

      • Acts 13:12
      • Acts 13:6-12

  • Gamaliel

    Discover More
    

    Gamaliel

    

    Gamaliel was a highly respected Pharisee in the Jewish Sanhedrin. He was an expert in religious law. He intervened when the high council decided to kill the apostles. Gamaliel advised the council to leave the apostles alone and to let them go. He told them if what the apostles were doing was from God, it could not be overthrown! The leaders listened to Gamaliel’s advice. Gamaliel was also Paul the apostle’s teacher who trained him in the Jewish law and customs.

    • Bible References

      • Acts 5:34
      • Acts 5:33-40
      • Acts 22:3

  • John Mark

    Discover More
    

    John Mark

    

    John Mark is often just called Mark. He is the author of the gospel book of Mark. John Mark was Barnabas’ cousin and was the son of Mary who held a prayer meeting in her house when Peter was in prison. John Mark traveled with Paul and Barnabas and also caused a split between the two apostles when he deserted them on their first journey. Barnabas was willing to give John Mark a second chance but Paul was not. John Mark then traveled with Barnabas to Cyprus. Years later, Paul and John Mark were reconciled.

    • Bible References

      • Acts 12:12
      • Colossians 4:10
      • Acts 12:12-17
      • Acts 13:4-5
      • Acts 15:36-41
      • Philemon 1:24
      • 2 Timothy 4:9-11
      • 1 Peter 5:13

  • Barnabas

    Discover More
    

    Barnabas

    

    Barnabas name means “Son of Encouragement”. He certainly lived up to his name; establishing churches and strengthening believers with Paul and also helping his cousin, John Mark. The Bible says that Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. He was selected by the Holy Spirit and sent out with Paul to spread the Gospel.

    • Bible References

      • Acts 11:14-26
      • Acts 4:36-37
      • Acts 9:26-27
      • Acts 11:22-26
      • Acts 13:4-12
      • Philemon 1:24
      • Acts 13:13-52
      • Acts 15:36–41

• Adventure Guide

  • 

    Gizmo's Bible Adventures - Your New Journey with God

  • 

    Paul and Barnabas - Family Discussion Guide

• Videos

  John Mark Leaves, Barnabas Defends Paul

  • 

    John Mark Leaves, Barnabas Defends Paul

  • 

    Gamaliel Warns Council

  • 

    Sergius Paulus Believes

  • 

    Paul and Barnabas in Lystra

  • 

    Paul and Barnabas Split Ways

  • 

    Paul and Barnabas - The Salvation Poem

• Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the Gospel?

    What exactly is the Gospel that God sends us to share with others? Is it just an interesting story about someone who lived in the world many years ago? No, it is so much more than just a story. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is God's power and plan for salvation; it is His plan to forgive us and reconcile us, in other words, to restore us into a right relationship with Him. He provided no other way! The Gospel is full of God’s power; anyone who believes is instantly transformed and saved! The governor of Cypress was saved when he believed the Word of the Lord shared by Paul and Barnabas (Acts:13:12) In Acts 13:47, Paul and Barnabas said, “For the Lord gave us this command when He said; ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.”
    
    The light they brought is the Gospel which holds the power of salvation! Jesus said in John:5:24; “All we must do is believe. “I tell you the truth; those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” The Gospel contains the power to instantly move a believer from death to life! Yes, the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe!
    
    Paul talks about why he is eager to preach the Good News in Romans:1:16-17 : “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” By sharing the Gospel, we bring the awesome power of God that will transform anyone’s life who believes!
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Romans 1:17

  • How should we view others?

    How do we see others; especially after they have made a mistake or bad choice? Do we look down on them or are we willing to overlook a fault and to forgive? Barnabas was a humble man who was full of God’s Spirit. He did not consider himself better than others and was willing to give others a second chance. Because of his humility and God’s power in working Him, many were brought to the Lord. (Acts 11:24) After Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and became a believer, he desired to meet with the believers in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, they were not anxious to meet him.
    
    They were afraid of Saul and didn’t believe he was really a changed man! Barnabas to the rescue! He gave Saul a second chance and believed he was a changed man. Barnabas then brought him to the apostles and put in a good word for him. The apostles accepted Saul and he began to boldly preach around Jerusalem. (Acts 9:26-28). Barnabas was a peacemaker and seemed to look for the best in people. After John Mark had deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first journey, it was Barnabas who wanted to give John Mark a second chance. Paul was unwilling to do this and this caused a split in their relationship.
    
    Barnabas traveled with John Mark and Paul chose to continue his journey with Silas. Yes, Barnabas had gone to bat for Saul (Paul), and he was now willing to do the same for John Mark! Barnabas did not look down on John Mark or condemn him for his previous decision to leave them. (Acts 15:36-41). Ephesians 4:2-3 says, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
    
    Barnabas did not give up on John Mark, and his efforts to keep the peace and unity between Paul and John Mark were rewarded some time later. Paul later called John Mark a co-worker and helper in his ministry. He requested that John Mark come see him in the later years of Paul’s life. (Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:9-11). Romans 12:10 tells us to love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Barnabas delighted in honoring others and what God was doing in them. Let us always honor others and be willing to give second chances as Barnabas did and as God does with us!
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Ephesians 4:2

  • Should we encourage one another?

    Have you had someone encourage, support, or defend you in a difficult time? Barnabas was this type of person. He always seemed to come alongside others who needed help. He was an encourager; so much so that the meaning of the nickname the other apostles gave him was “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). He had a desire to help others grow in the Lord and to function in the gift and calling God had for them. He was willing to support others when it seemed no one else would.
    
    We see that with Saul (Paul), John Mark, and the churches that Paul and he ministered to. (Acts 9:26-28; Acts 11:22-23; Acts 14:21-25; Acts15:36-39). Have you ever been around someone that seems to delight in kicking others when they are down? They choose to tear down or condemn others when they make a mistake or fall into sin instead of building up and helping them to overcome. As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility and a calling to be like Barnabas; to build up instead of tear down. The Bible calls us to be encouragers. “Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid.
    
    Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). The world might cast aside the lazy, weak, or timid; yet, this passage tells us we are to be different. Yes, we are called to help others succeed; it is our responsibility! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
    
    But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Rather than kick others when they are down, we are called to reach out and help them up. This is what Barnabas did and this is what Jesus did while He was on the earth. He reached out and touched those who others had written off and cast aside. (Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 18:11; John 3:17; Luke 5:31).
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

  • Should we stand for what is right?

    What do we do when we see an injustice? What if we are the only one who believes a certain way about something or someone? Are we willing to stand up for what God says in His Word; even if no one else agrees? These are hard questions to answer. The well-respected Pharisee and Jewish leader named Gamaliel was willing to stand up for what was right. In a very angry and stressful situation, he was one voice against many. Because of His advice, the apostle’s very lives were saved. (Acts 5:33-40).
    
    Barnabas was the only one willing to stand up for Saul (Paul) when he became a believer in Jesus. The believers and leaders in Jerusalem were afraid of Paul. They didn’t think his conversion was genuine. Barnabas brought him to the apostles and testified on his behalf. (Acts 9:26-28). In the Old Testament, Joshua was willing to make a stand for God and challenged God’s people to do the same. (Joshua 24:15). He didn’t wait to see what the majority would do before he chose a side. No, Joshua made his stand first! When we know something is right, we must do it! James 4:17 says, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
    
    Paul and Barnabas met opposition in different cities that they traveled to. However, they continued to boldly stand for the truth of God’s Word. “The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.
    
    But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.” (Acts 14:1-4). Even with signs and wonders confirming their words, some still didn’t believe. This did not stop the apostles; they continued to stand up for what was right! It is rarely easy to make a stand for what is right. There will often be strong opposition to God’s Word. We must always be encouraged by 1 Peter 3:14 and continue to stand! “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.”
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • James 4:17

  • Should we be generous with what we have?

    Barnabas was a generous man with both his time and money. Acts 4:37 says, “He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.” Barnabas wanted to support the early church and provide for the needs of other believers. There was not a requirement to give the entire amount, yet he chose to. Being generous does not always mean giving large sums of money. Have you heard the phrase, quality is more important than quantity? This certainly applies to giving in God’s kingdom. Jesus observed people giving an offering in the Jerusalem Temple. Many rich people gave large sums of money. These givers were not the ones who Jesus took notice of.
    
    It was a poor widow that dropped in two small coins that Jesus brought to the disciples’ attention. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44). God looks at the motive of our hearts when we give. He knows if we give it grudgingly or cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
    
    Being generous is not just limited to giving our money to God’s work and to others. Barnabas and Paul were also generous with their time. “Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people.” (Acts 11:25-26). These men generously chose to go back to places they had already been to follow up with the believers to encourage and strengthen them in their faith. (Acts 15:36; Acts 14:21-28).
    
    God wants us to be generous because He is generous with us! 2 Cor. 9:10-11 says, “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” Yes, God blesses us to bless others!
    
    1 Timothy 6:17-19 says, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • 1 Timothy 6:18