13:1
The focus of Acts now turns largely to Paul;s missionary journeys. Events originated from the church at Antioch. Luke lists the prophets and teachers at the church. It isn’t clear whether the people named performed both ministries, or some were prophets and some teachers. Barnabas and Saul were the ones who would embark on the missions. Simeon and Lucius were from Africa.
13:2,3
“While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting”. The more diligent we are in carrying out the normal duties of the Christian life, the more likely we are to hear God speak. This is what happened in the church at Antioch. The Holy Spirit told them to “set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”. We are not told exactly how the Holy Spirit told them, just what He told them. It may have been through a prophet, and that seems to be the most likely, but the emphasis is on what He told them. Note that it is the Holy Spirit who is in charge, they were to be set apart for Him, and to do the work for which He has called them. The church responded quickly and Saul and Barnabas were sent off.
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