The character of God is revealed in His goodness to the Israelites in bringing them to Himself, in His holiness in that certain things must be kept to & the people must be consecrated and then His holiness and His redemption is what leads Him to giving the ten commandments.
God's purposes for His people is that they would be holy - obeying Him to bring Him glory. He has a standard of 100% holiness, nothing less will do.
God expects His people to have Him as their only God, not making for themselves an idol of anything else. They are to revere His name and keep His Sabbath holy. They are to show their respect for Him by honouring their father and mother and respecting life, by not murdering. Adultery, stealing, lying and coveting are not options for the people of God.
Acts 12:25-13:12
The Holy Spirit initiated the move of Paul & Barnabas into Cyprus & other areas. It was clear He had led them and was with them. The local church were open to this, and moved along with the Spirit, thus meaning they were able to go as directed by the Spirit. It seems that guidance and the work (voice) of the Spirit go hand in hand - the clear movement of the Spirit leads them to know what to do.
Paul & Elymas' clash comes about because of his opposition to Paul and Barnabas & his trying to turn others from the faith. Paul sees this for what it is & names it, by being open about what he is doing. The visible judgment that comes upon him is for not only himself, but for others to see, so that the fear and amazement of the Lord spreads.
13:16-25
Paul points back to the long periods of history, he links back to David and Saul, and then says how "God has brought to Israel the Saviour Jesus, as He promised..." - He then bases his message entirely around who Jesus is and what He has done, pointing out that He was the culmination of God's activity in the history of the OT.
13:30-39
When Paul speaks of the resurrection, he is clear that God raised Him and had clear witnesses, who have taken the message from Galilee to Jerusalem. The promises to their fathers has been fulfilled, by Jesus being raised from the dead. Jesus' resurrection means that through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to the people in Pisidian Antioch. Jesus' resurrection was promised and was a promise that God would do greater things. Through His resurrection comes justification.
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