The Sending of Barnabas and Saul is a significant event in the early Christian church, marking the beginning of the first missionary journey undertaken by the Apostle Paul, then known as Saul, and his companion Barnabas. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 13:1-3, and it highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church's mission efforts.

Context and Background

The church at Antioch, where this event takes place, was a vibrant and diverse community of believers. Antioch was one of the major cities of the Roman Empire and served as a critical center for the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities. The church there included both Jewish and Gentile believers, reflecting the growing universality of the Christian message.

Acts 13:1 provides a list of prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch: "Now 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." This diverse leadership team underscores the inclusive nature of the early church.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The sending of Barnabas and Saul is initiated by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the divine guidance in the mission of the church. Acts 13:2 states, "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.'" This directive from the Holy Spirit indicates that the mission was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained task.

The church's response to the Holy Spirit's command is one of obedience and communal discernment. Acts 13:3 records, "So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." The laying on of hands signifies the church's blessing and commissioning of Barnabas and Saul for their missionary work.

Significance of the Mission

The sending of Barnabas and Saul marks a pivotal moment in the history of the early church. It represents the transition from a primarily Jewish Christian movement to a broader mission to the Gentiles. This mission would eventually lead to the establishment of numerous churches throughout the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity as a global faith.

Barnabas and Saul's journey, often referred to as Paul's First Missionary Journey, took them to various regions, including Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor. Their work involved preaching the gospel, establishing churches, and strengthening the faith of new believers. The mission also faced challenges, including opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities, but it was marked by significant successes and the evident work of the Holy Spirit.

Barnabas and Saul

Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was a key figure in the early church known for his generosity and leadership. He played a crucial role in introducing Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27) and later in the development of the church at Antioch.

Saul, later known as Paul, was a former persecutor of Christians who experienced a dramatic conversion (Acts 9:1-19). His background as a Pharisee and Roman citizen, combined with his zeal for the gospel, made him uniquely suited for the task of spreading Christianity to the Gentile world.

Together, Barnabas and Saul exemplified the early church's commitment to mission and the transformative power of the gospel. Their sending by the church at Antioch set a precedent for future missionary endeavors and underscored the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading in the life of the church.