Acts 13:3
And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
So after they had fasted and prayed
The phrase begins with "So," indicating a continuation or result of previous actions. The early church leaders in Antioch were engaged in a spiritual discipline, "fasted and prayed," which reflects a deep commitment to seeking God's guidance. Fasting, from the Greek "nēsteuō," is a voluntary abstinence from food, often associated with seeking divine direction or intervention. Prayer, "proseuchomai" in Greek, signifies a devout petition to God. This combination of fasting and prayer underscores the seriousness and solemnity with which the early church approached decision-making, emphasizing reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

they laid their hands on them
The act of laying hands, "epitithēmi" in Greek, is a significant biblical gesture symbolizing the impartation of blessing, authority, or the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, laying on of hands was used in sacrificial rituals and to confer authority, as seen in the appointment of Joshua by Moses (Numbers 27:18-23). In the New Testament, it is often associated with healing, blessing, and commissioning for ministry. Here, it signifies the church's recognition and endorsement of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the mission God had called them to. This act of laying hands is a tangible expression of unity and support from the church body.

and sent them off
The phrase "sent them off" comes from the Greek "apoluō," meaning to release or set free. This indicates that Barnabas and Saul were released from their current duties to embark on a new mission. The church in Antioch, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognized the calling of these men and obediently released them to fulfill God's purpose. This sending off is not just a physical departure but a spiritual commissioning, highlighting the church's role in participating in God's mission. It reflects the early church's commitment to spreading the Gospel and the importance of being obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Barnabas
A key leader in the early church, known for his encouragement and support of other believers. He was chosen by the Holy Spirit for a special mission.

2. Saul (Paul)
Initially a persecutor of Christians, Saul's conversion led him to become one of the most influential apostles. He was also chosen for the mission alongside Barnabas.

3. The Church at Antioch
A significant early Christian community known for its diversity and missionary zeal. It was here that believers were first called Christians.

4. Fasting and Prayer
Spiritual disciplines practiced by the early church to seek God's guidance and empowerment for ministry.

5. Laying on of Hands
A symbolic act signifying the commissioning and blessing of individuals for specific tasks or roles within the church.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
Fasting and prayer are vital for seeking God's will and guidance. They prepare believers to hear from God and act in obedience.

The Role of the Church in Sending
The local church plays a crucial role in recognizing, affirming, and sending individuals for ministry. This communal aspect ensures accountability and support.

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit
The laying on of hands is not just a ritual but a means of imparting spiritual authority and blessing, signifying the Holy Spirit's empowerment for the task ahead.

Obedience to God's Call
Barnabas and Saul's willingness to be sent reflects a heart of obedience and readiness to serve wherever God leads.

Unity in Mission
The church at Antioch's collective action in sending Barnabas and Saul demonstrates the unity and shared mission of the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do fasting and prayer prepare us for discerning God's will in our lives today?

2. In what ways can your local church be more intentional in recognizing and sending individuals for ministry?

3. What does the practice of laying on of hands teach us about the importance of community and spiritual authority in the church?

4. How can we cultivate a heart of obedience like Barnabas and Saul, ready to respond to God's call?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit for a specific task. How did the support of your church community play a role in that experience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 6:6
The laying on of hands is also seen when the apostles appointed the first deacons, showing continuity in the practice of commissioning leaders.

Matthew 9:38
Jesus instructs His disciples to pray for laborers for the harvest, which connects to the church's prayerful sending of Barnabas and Saul.

1 Timothy 4:14
Paul later advises Timothy not to neglect the gift given through prophecy and the laying on of hands, highlighting the importance of this practice in affirming and empowering ministry.
An Illustrious ChurchW. Clarkson Acts 13:1-3
Ordination of Barnabas and SaulE. Johnson Acts 13:1-3
An Ordination ServiceP.C. Barker Acts 13:1-5
Human Separation to Divine MissionsR. Tuck Acts 13:2, 3
The Presidency of the Holy GhostR. Tuck Acts 13:2, 4
A Place Found At Last for SaulH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 13:2-13
Barnabas and Paul Sent ForthA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
Blessing Sent to OthersActs 13:2-13
Bodily AbstinenceJ. Pulsford.Acts 13:2-13
Church Enterprises, How They Must Begin in Order to be BlessedK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
Church OfficesRieger.Acts 13:2-13
Mission and CommissionBp. H. C. Potter.Acts 13:2-13
Missions, Home and ForeignActs 13:2-13
Obligation of Christians to Send Out MissionariesActs 13:2-13
The Best Travelling Attendance for a Departing MissionaryK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
The Completion of the ApostolateProf. Von Dollinger.Acts 13:2-13
The Duty of Sending the Gospel to the HeathenActs 13:2-13
The First Foreign MissionM. C. Hazard.Acts 13:2-13
The First Foreign MissionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary JourneyJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary JourneyT. Binney.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary Ordination At AntiochLisco.Acts 13:2-13
The Messengers of the GospelLisco.Acts 13:2-13
The Strength of Missionary WorkK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
Work of MissionsR. Roberts.Acts 13:2-13
A Prudent ManJ. N. Norton, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Christian PrudenceG. Clayton.Acts 13:3-12
CyprusDean Plumptre.Acts 13:3-12
Cyprus and its PeopleC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 13:3-12
Elymas the SorcererDean Plumptre.Acts 13:3-12
John MarkH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 13:3-12
PaphosBp. Jacobson.Acts 13:3-12
Paul and ElymasB. Kent, M. A.Acts 13:3-12
Paul in PaphosK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
Paul's Fitness for His MissionH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 13:3-12
Prevalence of SorceryH. B. Hackett, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence DefinedMilton.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence ImprudentActs 13:3-12
Prudence is Practical WisdomS. Smiles, LL. D.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence is the Art of ChoosingL. M. Stretch.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence, FalseC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence: its Necessity for Self-ProtectionJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
SalamisBp. Jacobsen.Acts 13:3-12
Saul in CyprusJ. Eadie, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Seeking for the TruthJ. M. Charlton, M. d.Acts 13:3-12
SeleuciaBp. Jacobsen.Acts 13:3-12
Sergius PaulusK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
The First Missionary IntelligenceK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
The First Missionary ShipK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
They Preached the Word of GodC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
To the Jew FirstH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Undying FameArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 13:3-12
People
Barjesus, Barnabas, Benjamin, Cis, David, Elymas, Herod, Israelites, Jesse, John, Kish, Lucius, Manaen, Niger, Paul, Pilate, Samuel, Saul, Sergius, Simeon
Places
Canaan, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, Iconium, Jerusalem, Pamphylia, Paphos, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Salamis, Seleucia, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Fasted, Fasting, Hands, Laid, Laying, Placed, Prayed, Prayer, Praying
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 13:3

     7372   hands, laying on
     7742   missionaries, support
     7745   ordination
     7967   spiritual gifts, responsibility
     8610   prayer, asking God

Acts 13:1-3

     1305   God, activity of
     4018   life, spiritual
     7953   mission, of church
     8431   fasting, reasons

Acts 13:1-5

     7757   preaching, effects

Acts 13:1-6

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 13:2-3

     3275   Holy Spirit, in the church
     7328   ceremonies
     8432   fasting, practice
     8630   worship, results

Library
Easter Tuesday
Text: Acts 13, 26-39. 26 Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

John Mark
'... John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.' --ACTS xiii. 13. The few brief notices of John Mark in Scripture are sufficient to give us an outline of his life, and some inkling of his character. He was the son of a well-to-do Christian woman in Jerusalem, whose house appears to have been the resort of the brethren as early as the period of Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison. As the cousin of Barnabas he was naturally selected to be the attendant and secular factotum of Paul and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Unworthy of Life
'... Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.'--ACTS xiii. 46. So ended the first attempt on Paul's great missionary journey to preach to the Jews. It is described at great length and the sermon given in full because it is the first. A wonderful sermon it was; touching all keys of feeling, now pleading almost with tears, now flashing with indignation, now calmly dealing with Scripture prophecies, now glowing as it tells the story of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
'And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. That joy was as strange as a garden full of flowers would be in bitter winter weather. For everything in the circumstances of these disciples tended to make them sad. They had been but just won from heathenism, and they were raw, ignorant, unfit to stand alone. Paul and Barnabas, their only guides, had been hunted out of Antioch by a mob, and it would have been no wonder if these disciples had felt as if they had been
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Why Saul Became Paul
'Saul (who also is called Paul)' ...--ACTS xiii. 9 Hitherto the Apostle has been known by the former of these names, henceforward he is known exclusively by the latter. Hitherto he has been second to his friend Barnabas, henceforward he is first. In an earlier verse of the chapter we read that 'Barnabas and Saul' were separated for their missionary work, and again, that it was 'Barnabas and Saul' for whom the governor of Cyprus sent, to hear the word of the Lord. But in a subsequent verse of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

To the Regions Beyond
'Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. A. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Preaching in Asia Minor
'Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
'And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so hath the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gospel Missions
I SHALL not confine myself to the text. It being an old custom to take texts when we preach, I have taken one, but I shall address you, at large, upon a subject which I am sure will occupy your attention, and has done for many days and years past--the subject of gospel missions. We feel persuaded that all of you are of one mind in this matter, that it is the absolute duty as well as the eminent privilege of the Church to proclaim the gospel to the world. We do not conceive that God will do his own
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

His Own Funeral Sermon
* This sermon was preached on the Lord's-day evening after Mr. William Olney "fell on sleep." Long before the beloved preacher was "called home," it was selected for publication this week. Mrs. Spurgeon feels that her dear husband could not have delivered a more suitable discourse for "his own funeral sermon." She has, therefore, given it that title in the hope that many will be blessed by the message which "he, being dead, yet speaketh." Believing that many friends will wish to have this sermon
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen . . . and Saul. "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia" (Acts 13:1-4). In the story
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some Support from Scripture they Labour In...
In endeavouring to prove that such intercession derives some support from Scripture they labour in vain. We frequently read (they say) of the prayers of angels, and not only so, but the prayers of believers are said to be carried into the presence of God by their hands. But if they would compare saints who have departed this life with angels, it will be necessary to prove that saints are ministering spirits, to whom has been delegated the office of superintending our salvation, to whom has been assigned
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN. MR. MOODY.--Mr. Rainsford, how can one make room in their heart for Christ? Rev. M. Rainsford.--First, do we really want Christ to be in our hearts? If we do, the best thing will be to ask Him to come and make room for Himself. He will surely come and do so. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "Without Me ye can do nothing." Mr. M.--Will Christ crowd out the world if He comes in? Mr. R.--He spake a parable to that effect. "When a strong man armed
Dwight L. Moody—Sovereign Grace

The Man after God's Own Heart
"A man after mine own heart, who shall fulfil all my will."--ACTS xiii. 22. A BIBLE STUDY ON THE IDEAL OF A CHRISTIAN LIFE No man can be making much of his life who has not a very definite conception of what he is living for. And if you ask, at random, a dozen men what is the end of their life, you will be surprised to find how few have formed to themselves more than the most dim idea. The question of the summum bonum has ever been the most difficult for the human mind to grasp. What shall a man
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Via Dolorosa
We have finished the first part of our theme--the Trial of Jesus--and turn now to the second and more solemn part of it--His Death. The trial had been little better than a mockery of justice: on the part of the ecclesiastical authority it was a foregone conclusion, and on the part of the civil authority it was the surrender of a life acknowledged to be innocent to the ends of selfishness and policy. But at last it was over, and nothing remained but to carry the unjust sentence into execution.
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Kingdom Conquering the World
Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page Outline for Study of Epistles Page I Thessalonians Page I Corinthians Page Romans Page Philippians Page II Timothy Page The General Epistles Page Questions on the Book of James Page Studies in I and II Peter Page I John Page THE ACTS I. Author: 1. Name. 2. Number of
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
A.D. 45-70 Section 1. The First Mission to the Gentiles. [Sidenote: A.D. 45.] [Sidenote: St. Paul and St. Barnabas sent to preach to the heathen.] It would seem that in the special Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. Luke[1], the Church in Antioch was seeking guidance of her Divine Head as to her duties with respect to the gentile world in the midst of which she was placed; and that the command of the Holy Ghost to consecrate St. Paul and St. Barnabas as Apostles to the
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

First Missionary Journey Scripture
STUDY III FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 13:1-14:26 INTRODUCTION TO THE THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS Before taking up the study of the first missionary journey, attention is called to certain points which should be considered in regard to all three of them (Acts 13:1-21:17). We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth Paul, his labors, his disputes, his speeches, occupy
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Paul's Missionary Labors.
The public life of Paul, from the third year after his conversion to his martyrdom, a.d. 40-64, embraces a quarter of a century, three great missionary campaigns with minor expeditions, five visits to Jerusalem, and at least four years of captivity in Caesarea and Rome. Some extend it to a.d. 67 or 68. It may be divided into five or six periods, as follows: 1. a.d. 40-44. The period of preparatory labors in Syria and his native Cilicia, partly alone, partly in connection with Barnabas, his senior
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

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