Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” New Living Translation One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” English Standard Version While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Berean Standard Bible While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Berean Literal Bible Now as they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart then to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." King James Bible 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. New King James Version As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” New American Standard Bible While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” NASB 1995 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” NASB 1977 And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Legacy Standard Bible And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Amplified Bible While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.” Christian Standard Bible As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Holman Christian Standard Bible As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to.” American Standard Version And 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. Contemporary English Version While they were worshiping the Lord and going without eating, the Holy Spirit told them, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have chosen them." English Revised Version And 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set Barnabas and Saul apart for me. I want them to do the work for which I called them." Good News Translation While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them." International Standard Version While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set Barnabas and Saul apart for me to do the work for which I called them." NET Bible While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." New Heart English Bible As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them." Webster's Bible Translation As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate for me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them. Weymouth New Testament While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me, now at once, Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhile they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” World English Bible As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand in their ministering to the LORD and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate to Me both Barnabas and Saul to the work to which I have called them,” Berean Literal Bible Now as they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart then to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Young's Literal Translation and in their ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Separate ye to me both Barnabas and Saul to the work to which I have called them,' Smith's Literal Translation And they serving the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate to me Barnabas and Saul to the work which I have called them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd as they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Ghost said to them: Separate me Saul and Barnabas, for the work whereunto I have taken them. Catholic Public Domain Version Now as they were ministering for the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them: “Separate Saul and Barnabas for me, for the work for which I have selected them.” New American Bible While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” New Revised Standard Version While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAs they fasted and prayed to God, the Holy Spirit said to them, Appoint for me Saul and Bar’na-bas for the work to which I have called them. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And as they were fasting and beseeching God, The Spirit of Holiness said to them, “Separate to me Shaul and BarNaba for the work to which I have called them.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to the work to which I have called them. Godbey New Testament And they ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Now separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Haweis New Testament And as they were employed in the ministry, and kept a fast, the Holy Ghost said, Set apart for me now both Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Mace New Testament as they were ministring to the Lord, and fasting, the holy spirit said to them, separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have destin'd them. Weymouth New Testament While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me, now at once, Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them." Worrell New Testament And, while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate now to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Worsley New Testament and as they were ministring to the Lord, and fasting, the holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's First Missionary Journey1Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.… Cross References Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you. Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ... Ephesians 4:11-12 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. 2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Hebrews 5:4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. 1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Exodus 28:41 After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. Numbers 8:10-11 You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them. / Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD. Numbers 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. ... Treasury of Scripture 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. they. Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day. 1 Samuel 2:11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest. fasted. Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, Daniel 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: the Holy. Acts 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Acts 16:6,7 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, … 1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. Separate. Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. Numbers 8:11-14 And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the LORD… Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, the work. Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Jump to Previous Apart Barnabas Fasted Fasting Food Ghost Holy Lord's Ministered Ministering Once Saul Separate Served Spirit Them Whereunto Work Worshiping WorshippingJump to Next Apart Barnabas Fasted Fasting Food Ghost Holy Lord's Ministered Ministering Once Saul Separate Served Spirit Them Whereunto Work Worshiping WorshippingActs 13 1. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.6. Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer. 13. Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ. 42. The Gentiles believe; 44. but the Jews talked abusively against Paul, 46. whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe. 50. The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting In the early church, worship and fasting were integral parts of spiritual life, reflecting a deep commitment to seeking God's guidance. Worship here implies a communal gathering, likely involving prayer, singing, and reading of Scripture. Fasting, a practice rooted in Jewish tradition, signifies humility and dependence on God. This setting underscores the seriousness and devotion of the church in Antioch, a key center for early Christianity. The act of fasting often accompanied significant spiritual events, as seen in the Old Testament (e.g., Esther 4:16) and in Jesus' own ministry (Matthew 4:2). the Holy Spirit said Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them Persons / Places / Events 1. BarnabasA key figure in the early church, known for his encouragement and support of new believers, including Saul (Paul). He was a Levite from Cyprus and played a significant role in the spread of the Gospel. 2. Saul (Paul) Originally a persecutor of Christians, Saul experienced a dramatic conversion and became one of the most influential apostles, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. 3. Holy Spirit The third person of the Trinity, who actively guides and empowers believers. In this passage, the Holy Spirit speaks directly to the church leaders, indicating divine direction. 4. Antioch A major city in ancient Syria, known for its diverse population and as a significant center for early Christianity. It was here that believers were first called "Christians." 5. Worshiping and Fasting Spiritual disciplines practiced by the early church to seek God's guidance and presence. These practices created an environment receptive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Teaching Points The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is active in guiding and directing the church. Believers should cultivate sensitivity to His leading through prayer and fasting. The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines Worship and fasting are vital practices that help believers focus on God and discern His will. These disciplines should be incorporated into our spiritual lives. God's Calling and Mission God calls individuals to specific tasks and missions. Like Barnabas and Saul, we should be open to God's calling and ready to respond in obedience. Community and Confirmation The church community plays a crucial role in recognizing and confirming God's calling on individuals. We should seek and value the input of our spiritual community. Diversity in Ministry The church in Antioch was diverse, reflecting the universal nature of the Gospel. We should embrace diversity in our ministries and reach out to all people. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Acts 13What defines Ultra-Dispensationalism in Christian theology? What is the Association of Related Churches? Who was Lottie Moon, the missionary to China? Why do Christian leaders claim to hear from God, yet often contradict each other?(2) As they ministered to the Lord.--The verb so translated (leitourgein) is commonly used, both in the LXX. and in the Now Testament, of the ministry of the priests and Levites in the Temple (Luke 1:23; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:21). In Hebrews 1:14, the corresponding adjective is used to distinguish the ministry of worship from that of service to man. When St. Paul uses it figuratively of himself (Romans 15:16), it is in connection with the idea of a sacrifice or oblation. In later ecclesiastical language, it was connected specially with the celebration of the Supper of the Lord, and the order for that service was, strictly speaking, the "Liturgy" of the Church. It would, perhaps, be too much to say that the word necessarily conveys that meaning here; but it is, at least, probable that a solemn meeting, such as is here described, would end in the "breaking of bread," and that, up to that point, those who were so engaged would naturally be fasting. The Holy Ghost said.--The mode of communication we may believe to have been, as in Acts 20:23, through the lips of the prophets, speaking as by a sudden burst of simultaneous inspiration. (Comp. 1Timothy 1:18.) . . . Verse 2. - And as for as, A.V. They ministered; i.e. not, as Meyer explains it, the whole Church, but the prophets and teachers, doubtless at an assembly of the Church. The word λειτουργούντων, here rendered "they ministered" (from which the word "Liturgy" is derived), signifies any solemn ministration or holy service. In the Old Testament the LXX. use it as the rendering of שֵׁרֵת, to minister (often with the addition "to God," or "to the Lord "), which is a general word applying to the ministrations of priests and Levites (Exodus 28:35; Numbers 8:26, etc.). Hence its use in Hebrews 10:11 (see too Luke 1:23; Hebrews 9:21). Joshua too is called Moses'minister (מְשָׁרֵת) in Joshua 1:1, etc., and the angels are called λριτουργικὰ πνεύματα, "ministering spirits" (Hebrews 1:14). Just as the Church transferred from the Jewish congregation so many other words and things, so also the use of the words λειτουργία λειτουργεῖν, to Sicily "Divine service," without specifying the particular office, whether prayer, or preaching, or Holy Communion, or ordination, or any ether part of the worship of God. Its classical use was to designate any office performed by an individual for the public good. Hence in the New Testament its application to Church alms (2 Corinthians 9:12), to gifts for the support of the ministry (Philippians 2:30), to the office of magistrates (Romans 13:6), etc. The restricted application of the term λειτουργία to the service used in the celebration of the Eucharist was of much later growth, as is evident from Chrysostom explaining the word here of preaching. "What means ministering? Preaching" (Hom. 27.). It seems to have arisen from the fact that the first forms of prayer were those come posed for the office of the Holy Communion. This passage, therefore, does not give the slightest support to fasting Communion. What was the exact occasion of the service and fast here spoken of it is impossible to say. The Holy Ghost said, etc. This is the origin of the question in the Ordination of Deacons, "Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you this office?" Separate me (ἀφορίσατε). The act of separation, or ordination, would be by the laying on of the hands of Symeon and Lucius and Manaen, as Chrysostom says (at least of the two last named), in the presence of the whole Church, but the separation by the Holy Ghost, at least as regards Saul (ὁ ἀφορίσας με), bad been from his mother's womb (Galatians 1:15). Observe, too, the καλέσας of Galatians 1:15, and the προσκέκλημαι here. This is another instance of the very close resemblance between parts of the Acts and the Epistle to the Galatians, which looks as if St. Paul was writing it about the same time as he was giving to St. Luke the details of his own history (see Acts 8:19, note). The ordination was to the apostolate (Chrysostom). Barnabas and Saul are never called apostles till after their ordination or consecration (Acts 14:14).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [While]δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. they αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. were worshiping Λειτουργούντων (Leitourgountōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3008: From leitourgos; to be a public servant, i.e. to perform religious or charitable functions. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. fasting, νηστευόντων (nēsteuontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3522: To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Holy Ἅγιον (Hagion) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. Spirit Πνεῦμα (Pneuma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Set apart Ἀφορίσατε (Aphorisate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 873: To rail off, separate, place apart. From apo and horizo; to set off by boundary, i.e. limit, exclude, appoint, etc. for Me μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Barnabas Βαρνάβαν (Barnaban) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 921: Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Saul Σαῦλον (Saulon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 4569: Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul. for εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. work ἔργον (ergon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. to which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. I have called προσκέκλημαι (proskeklēmai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite. them.? αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Links Acts 13:2 NIVActs 13:2 NLT Acts 13:2 ESV Acts 13:2 NASB Acts 13:2 KJV Acts 13:2 BibleApps.com Acts 13:2 Biblia Paralela Acts 13:2 Chinese Bible Acts 13:2 French Bible Acts 13:2 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 13:2 As they served the Lord and fasted (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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