The Holy Spirit’s command, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul," reveals a crucial point: this isn't just a directive, but an act of claiming them for himself. It highlights that their upcoming mission wasn't merely assigned, but a personal calling to serve the Spirit’s own purposes.
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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The church in Antioch, composed of prophets and teachers, was engaged in worship and fasting when the Holy Spirit directly spoke through them. The Spirit declared that Barnabas and Saul were to be set apart for a specific mission, indicating a significant transition in their ministry and the church's outreach towards the Gentiles. This directive marked a pivotal moment, launching the first major missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas and setting the stage for Paul's prominent role in the book of Acts.
Before a monumental mission begins, the leaders are found not in planning rooms, but in deep devotion. What does this say about the true source of apostolic power?
The passage opens with a vivid scene: Barnabas and Saul, alongside other prophets and teachers, are engaged in 'ministering to the Lord and fasting.' The word 'ministered' (leitourgountōn) carries a weighty sense, echoing the service of priests in the Temple. It signifies a solemn, sacred duty, not just preaching or prayer, but the whole act of corporate worship. This wasn't a casual gathering; it was a dedicated time of spiritual focus. Fasting, a practice often associated with intense seeking of God, further amplifies the seriousness of their devotion. This grounding in worship and humility is presented as the fertile soil from which the Spirit's command springs. It highlights that world-changing missions are not born from human strategy alone, but from divine appointment following heartfelt devotion.
The Holy Spirit doesn't just suggest; He commands. Discover the authority behind this pivotal moment and what it means for God's mission.
The pivotal phrase is 'the Holy Spirit said.' This isn't a gentle nudge or a vague impression; it's a direct, authoritative command. The Spirit, as a distinct person of the Trinity, speaks with divine prerogative. The commentators highlight that this command implies a pre-existing call: 'for the work to which I have called them.' The Spirit is not inventing a new mission but formally commissioning individuals for a work already ordained by God. The use of 'me' ('separate for me') emphasizes that Barnabas and Saul are being set apart for the Spirit's own service and purposes. This direct divine commission validates their apostleship, especially for the Gentile mission, ensuring the church understood the divine origin of this new direction.
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Separation isn't about exclusion, but consecration. What does this 'setting apart' signify for ministry and the expansion of the Gospel?
The command to 'separate' Barnabas and Saul signifies more than just singling them out. It's a formal act of consecration, dedicating them to a distinct and new phase of ministry. Previously, they served as prophets and teachers within the existing church structure. Now, they are being set apart as apostles, specifically for the 'work' to which the Spirit called them—a work that would soon become the expansive Gentile mission. This act of separation was crucial for legitimizing their apostolic authority and mission, especially to the Gentiles. It ensured that the church recognized this new direction was not a human initiative but a divine mandate, providing a clear model for future missionary commissions and ordinations.
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.
epitithēmi tas cheiras · Greek Verb phrase
The symbolic act of transferring authority, confirming a blessing, or setting someone apart for a specific divine ministry or leadership role within the church.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where the Holy Spirit directly commissions Barnabas and Saul for the Gentile mission, highlighting the Spirit's active role in guiding the early church's expansion beyond its Jewish roots.
c. AD 33-36
Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry
After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul (later known as Paul) spent time in Arabia and Damascus, then traveled to Jerusalem and later to Tarsus. This period established his initial calling to ministry, particularly to the Gentiles.
c. AD 44-46
Ministry in Antioch
Barnabas and Saul were called to Antioch in Syria to minister to the growing church there. This city became a crucial base for their missionary efforts.
c. AD 46-48— this verse
First Missionary Journey Begins
While the prophets and teachers were ministering to the Lord and fasting in Antioch, the Holy Spirit specifically called them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new mission. This marks the formal beginning of their extensive missionary journeys.
c. AD 48
Return to Antioch
After their first journey, which included ministry in Cyprus and Asia Minor, Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch to report on their work and fellowship with the church.
c. AD 50
The Jerusalem Council
A major dispute arose concerning the inclusion of Gentiles in the church without requiring them to follow Jewish law. This council affirmed the Gentile mission and established key guidelines.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey
Paul, now more prominent, embarked on his second journey, accompanied by Silas, and later Timothy, expanding the Gospel's reach through Asia Minor and into Europe.
This passage speaks about the laying on of hands, which is a key element in the commissioning and setting apart of individuals for ministry, directly paralleling the act described in Acts 13:2.
Galatians 1:15-16Paul directly references his calling by God and his separation for the gospel, echoing the Holy Spirit's words in Acts 13:2 and showing the divine origin of his apostolic mission.
Romans 15:16Paul describes his priestly ministry to the Gentiles, a work to which he was specifically set apart by the Holy Spirit, directly connecting to the 'work' Barnabas and Saul were called to.
Acts 20:28This verse instructs elders to 'shepherd the flock of God,' a responsibility given by the Holy Spirit, highlighting the Spirit's active role in guiding and appointing leaders within the church, similar to the direction given in Acts 13:2.
Matthew 9:38Jesus instructs his disciples to pray for more workers for the harvest, a prayer that is answered in Acts 13:2 with the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul, showing a consistent theme of divine provision for the spread of the gospel.
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 Holy Spirit’s command, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul," reveals a crucial point: this isn't just a directive, but an act of claiming them for himself. It highlights that their upcoming mission wasn't merely assigned, but a personal calling to serve the Spirit’s own purposes.
The church in Antioch, composed of prophets and teachers, was engaged in worship and fasting when the Holy Spirit directly spoke through them. The Spirit declared that Barnabas and Saul were to be set apart for a specific mission, indicating a significant transition in their ministry and the church's outreach towards the Gentiles. This directive marked a pivotal moment, launching the first major missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas and setting the stage for Paul's prominent role in the book of Acts.
The church in Antioch, composed of prophets and teachers, was engaged in worship and fasting when the Holy Spirit directly spoke through them. The Spirit declared that Barnabas and Saul were to be set apart for a specific mission, indicating a significant transition in their ministry and the church's outreach towards the Gentiles. This directive marked a pivotal moment, launching the first major missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas and setting the stage for Paul's prominent role in the book of Acts.
"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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." — The Holy Spirit’s command, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul," reveals a crucial point: this isn't just a directive, but an act of claiming them for himself. It highlights that their upcoming mis…
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Last reviewed October 2026
