In chapter 13, the church leaders at Antioch are introduced, including prophets and teachers. Despite being a diverse group, they are united in the Spirit, and the predominantly Gentile church shows remarkable unity and purpose, despite previous struggles with Gentile inclusion. The group is worshiping and fasting when the Spirit instructs them to send Saul and Barnabas on a mission (v. 2). After receiving guidance from the Spirit, the people in Antioch fast and pray again, this time to prepare for the upcoming journey. They lay their hands on Saul and Barnabas to commission them for the task. Commissioning events similar to the laying on of hands occur with fasting and prayer, but the primary purpose of this gesture is to recognize and commission someone for service. Luke again emphasizes that Barnabas and Saul are sent out by the Holy Spirit, even though they have been commissioned.

According to Luke, Paul and his colleagues visited the synagogues in their first destination, despite not spending much time in Salamis. The Gentile mission does not exclude Jews, then or now. Additionally, Luke notes that John Mark was still with Saul and Barnabas at this point in the journey, but their relationship would change. Luke changes the way he addresses the apostle (v. 9) to the Gentiles from "Saul" to "Paul," which is the Roman translation of his name. This doesn't mean Paul identified himself as a Gentile after his conversion. Instead, it shows how Paul adapted to his circumstances and context to better share the Gospel message without compromising it. As ministers of the Gospel, we will face many challenges and distractions, some of which we can control. Therefore, we should strive to minimize the ones we bring upon ourselves.

Paul's encounter at Paphos (verses 6-12) is similar to Philip's experience in Samaria (8:9-13). In both cases, they meet with a magician. Paul's magician is a "Jewish false prophet" known as Bar-Jesus or Elymas (verses 6, 8). Bar-Jesus works for the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, and tries to stop Barnabas and Paul from spreading the word of God when Sergius summons them. Bar-Jesus likely opposes them because he fears losing his job if Sergius starts following the Christian teachings. Paul announces that the Lord is against Elymas (Acts 13:11), and as a result, he is immediately blinded. This incident highlights the irony that the magic seer is blinded by the "hand of the Lord." God's power is revealed, and Sergius Paulus witnesses the event and believes in the Lord. The story of Bar-Jesus is significant because it showcases the conversion of a high-ranking Roman official who was not Jewish. This highlights how the gospel message can reach all levels of society, even those who may seem difficult to reach. The Word of God can touch the hearts of even the most prominent and influential people.