Despite all the persecution, which had centred on Jerusalem after Stephen's murder, God was at work to move and use His people. Barnabas had previously gone to Tarsus to find Saul, and bring him to Antioch where they taught many people about Jesus (

On the island of Crete, Barnabas and Paul's east to west training-evangelistic tour was almost completed. In Paphos they met spiritual opposition from Bar-Jesus, known as Elymas 'the sorcerer'. He was the governor's servant.

All good communication needs to make a connection with the audience: something they already know or have experienced. The parables of Jesus are an example of that kind of communication.

The Jews always looked forward to God's Saviour. Although they idealised their national heroes, the Scripture is quite honest about their failings. Under David's reign the kingdom was the most extensive and wealthy so they saw him as the model of God's Saviour to come. Paul, teaching in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, followed their logic to introduce Jesus. Jesus was a direct descendent of David, born in David's city of Bethlehem. But He was much more than a copy of David; Jesus was the real Saviour of whom David was just an imperfect model.