Acts 13:2
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the Holy Spirit's command to "separate Barnabas and Saul" was not a new call, but a formal commissioning for work to which they had already been called. This reveals that deep, prior spiritual preparation and an established calling are essential groundwork for formal ministry and outward mission.
The church in Antioch is actively engaged in worship, fasting, and teaching, specifically focusing on ministry and prophecy. During this solemn time, the Holy Spirit directly intervenes, giving a specific command to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new and significant mission. This moment marks a crucial turning point, officially launching them into their distinct apostolic roles, particularly for ministry to the Gentiles.
The church in Antioch wasn't just meeting; they were engaged in a profound act of worship. Discover the deep significance of their 'ministry' that prepared them for God's call.
The Greek word translated as 'ministered' here (leitourgountōn) carried a weighty sense of sacred duty, often used for the service of priests in the Temple. It wasn't casual; it was a solemn act of worship, prayer, and teaching. Imagine the intensity of this moment – a dedicated group intentionally setting themselves apart for God's presence and work. This act of worship wasn't merely a prelude; it was integral to how God’s Spirit spoke and acted.
This wasn't a committee decision or a human suggestion. The Holy Spirit Himself spoke, initiating a mission that would change the world. What does this reveal about God's initiative?
The power in this verse lies in who speaks: 'the Holy Spirit said.' This wasn't a subtle nudge; it was a clear, authoritative command. The Spirit designates Barnabas and Saul not just for general service, but for a specific 'work' to which He had already called them. This highlights God's proactive role. He calls, He commissions, and He equips. The church's role was to discern and obey the Spirit's clear directive, setting apart those already chosen for a unique task.
Barnabas and Saul were already prophets and teachers. So why the formal 'setting apart'? Unpack the crucial distinction between gifting and commissioning.
The command to 'separate' (aphorisate) signifies a deliberate setting apart, a designation for a distinct purpose. Barnabas and Saul weren't being chosen for ministry; they were being separated from their previous roles within the Antioch church to a specific, new 'work' – the apostleship to the Gentiles. This act legitimized their mission, not just to themselves or their local community, but in the eyes of the wider church and for the challenges ahead. It's a reminder that God’s call often involves a transition, a public affirmation, and a specialized task, even for those already serving faithfully.
Understand the original words
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers, empowers the church, guides into all truth, and serves as the agent of sanctification and mission.
aphorizō · Greek Verb
To devote or consecrate someone or something exclusively to God for His specific service and purpose.
ergon · Greek Noun
Acts of service, ministry, or labor done in obedience to God, specifically referring to the missionary activities of the church in spreading the Gospel.
kaleō · Greek Verb
A divine summons or invitation from God to a specific task, ministry, or lifestyle of holiness.
This verse marks a pivotal moment: the Holy Spirit's direct commissioning of Barnabas and Saul for their groundbreaking mission to the Gentiles. It highlights the church's prayerful, Spirit-led approach to expanding God's kingdom beyond its Jewish roots.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity, leading to the birth of the Church through the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 33-36
Pentecost and Early Church Growth
The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, leading to a rapid expansion of the Christian community in Jerusalem.
c. AD 36-45
Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul, a persecutor, is dramatically converted and begins his ministry, initially in Damascus and surrounding regions.
c. AD 40-45
First Gentile Conversions
The gospel begins to spread to non-Jews, starting with Cornelius in Caesarea, marking a significant shift in the early church's focus.
c. AD 45-46
Paul recounts his own direct calling and separation by God before even meeting believers, highlighting a personal divine commission that complements the public commissioning in Acts 13.
1 Corinthians 12:28This passage lists apostles as a gift of God to the church, underscoring that the Spirit's action in setting apart Barnabas and Saul was part of God's equipping of the church for its mission.
Matthew 28:19-20The command from the Holy Spirit in Acts 13 echoes Jesus' Great Commission, showing that the work Barnabas and Saul were being set apart for was the direct continuation of Jesus' mandate to make disciples of all nations.
Acts 1:8This verse directly precedes the ascension and promises the Holy Spirit's power for witness, directly connecting the Spirit's empowerment and direction seen in Acts 13 to the apostles' mission.
1 Timothy 4:14Paul reminds Timothy not to neglect the gift he has which was given him through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on him, mirroring the prophetic word and the laying on of hands for ministry seen in Acts 13.
ellicottActs 13:2: "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."
(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 serv…
expositorsActs 13:2: "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."
Chapter 9 ST. PAUL’S ORDINATION AND FIRST MISSIONARY TOUR. Acts 13:2-4 ; Acts 13:14 ; Acts 14:1 ; Acts 14:26 We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had very various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth St. Paul, his labours, his disputes, his speeches, occupy the ent…
The verse highlights that the Holy Spirit's command to "separate Barnabas and Saul" was not a new call, but a formal commissioning for work to which they had already been called. This reveals that deep, prior spiritual preparation and an established calling are essential groundwork for formal ministry and outward mission.
The church in Antioch is actively engaged in worship, fasting, and teaching, specifically focusing on ministry and prophecy. During this solemn time, the Holy Spirit directly intervenes, giving a specific command to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new and significant mission. This moment marks a crucial turning point, officially launching them into their distinct apostolic roles, particularly for ministry to the Gentiles.
The church in Antioch is actively engaged in worship, fasting, and teaching, specifically focusing on ministry and prophecy. During this solemn time, the Holy Spirit directly intervenes, giving a specific command to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new and significant mission. This moment marks a crucial turning point, officially launching them into their distinct apostolic roles, particularly for ministry to the Gentiles.
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Famine Relief to Judea
Barnabas and Saul travel from Antioch to Jerusalem to bring famine relief, a mission that further solidified their roles.
c. AD 46-48— this verse
First Missionary Journey Begins
The Holy Spirit directly commissions Barnabas and Saul for missionary work, launching their extensive travels to spread the gospel.
"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.”" — The verse highlights that the Holy Spirit's command to "separate Barnabas and Saul" was not a new call, but a formal commissioning for work to which they had already been called. This reveals that…
