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Acts 13:2
Verse
Context
Paul’s First Missionary Journey Begins
1Now 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.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted - On Mondays and Thursdays it was usual with the more pious Jews to attend the public service in their synagogues, and to fast: the former is what we are to understand by ministering to the Lord. On the Sabbaths they attended the service in the synagogue, but did not fast. The Greek word, λειτουργουντων, signifies performing the office of praying, supplicating, rendering thanks, etc.: hence the word λειτουργια, liturgy, the work of prayer, etc., from λιτη, supplication, according to some; or rather from λειτος, common, and εργον, work, the common or public work, in which all the people were engaged. The Holy Ghost said - A revelation of the Divine will was made to some person then present; probably to either Simeon, or Lucius, or Manaen, mentioned before. Separate me Barnabas and Saul - Consecrate, or set them apart, for the particular work whereunto I have called them. How this was done, we find in the next verse.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As they ministered to the Lord--The word denotes the performance of official duties of any kind, and was used to express the priestly functions under the Old Testament. Here it signifies the corresponding ministrations of the Christian Church. and fasted--As this was done in other cases on special occasions (Act 13:3, Act 13:14, Act 13:23), it is not improbable that they had been led to expect some such prophetic announcement at this time. the Holy Ghost said--through some of the prophets mentioned in Act 13:1. Separate me--So Rom 1:1. for the work whereunto I have called them--by some communication, perhaps, to themselves: in the case of Saul at least, such a designation was indicated from the first (Act 22:21). Note.--While the personality of the Holy Ghost is manifest from this language, His supreme divinity will appear equally so by comparing it with Heb 5:4.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As they ministered to the Lord,.... That is, the five prophets and teachers before mentioned; and whose ministry lay in preaching the Gospel, teaching the people the doctrines of it, and expounding prophecies, and also in prayer; to which latter the Syriac version restrains their ministry, rendering it, "as they prayed to God"; but the phrase seems to be more extensive: "and fasted"; which the Jews were much used to, and the believing ones had not yet left it off; their custom was to fast on Mondays and Thursdays: See Gill on Luk 18:12. Whether it was on one of those days, that these men were ministering and fasting, is not certain; but this we may be sure of, it was not on the Jewish sabbath, for on that day they never fasted; very likely that this was a fast appointed and fixed among themselves, on some particular occasion; it may be on account of the famine, which was at this time, Act 11:28. The Holy Ghost said; either with an articulate voice, or by an internal impulse, upon the minds of three of the prophets: separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them; the work which the Holy Ghost had appointed, and called them to before this, was to go and preach the Gospel among the Gentiles, distinct from the Jews, of which we read in the latter part of this chapter; and now he would have them be separated from their brethren, as Aaron and his sons were from theirs, and be sent forth from hence directly, upon that work: this shows the Spirit to be a person, since speaking and commanding in an authoritative way, and calling to a work, are ascribed unto him; and that he is a divine person, and truly God, and equal with God, since calling to a sacred office is attributed to him; and a separation to it is ordered for himself, for his service, honour, and glory; he does not say separate them to the Lord, or to God, but to me.
Acts 13:2
Paul’s First Missionary Journey Begins
1Now 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Pdf Book) Apostolic Foundations
By Art Katz5.9K00:00EbooksApostolic FoundationsEternal PerspectiveMAT 5:11ACT 13:2ROM 10:142CO 4:16EPH 3:10COL 3:11TH 1:51TI 6:12HEB 11:1REV 20:6Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of the term 'apostolic' in the church, arguing that its loss threatens the very foundation of faith. He calls for a restoration of apostolic principles, which are rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and purpose, and highlights the necessity of humility, suffering, and a focus on eternity in the life of believers. Katz illustrates that true apostolic living requires a radical commitment to God's glory over personal ambition, and that the church must confront the principalities and powers of darkness with a clear, powerful message of repentance and the coming judgment. Ultimately, he urges the church to embody the essence of Christ's humility and sacrifice, becoming a living testimony of God's eternal purpose.
The Holiness of God - Part 3
By A.W. Tozer4.8K17:20Holiness Of GodGEN 18:25EXO 33:20ISA 6:3MAT 6:33ACT 13:2ROM 8:26HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for individuals to give account of their deeds before God. He highlights the urgency of seeking forgiveness and confessing one's sins, as God is a consuming fire. The preacher laments the lack of reverence for God in modern times and criticizes interpretations that downplay the significance of holiness. He urges listeners to have a deep understanding of the overwhelming holiness of God and to approach Him with a sense of awe and conviction.
Turning Aside to See
By Art Katz4.1K36:14ACT 13:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of turning aside to see God's presence in the ordinary aspects of life, urging believers to seek deeper meaning and purpose. It delves into the story of Moses being called by God from a burning bush, highlighting the significance of being sent by God rather than acting out of personal ambition or compassion. The message challenges listeners to not overlook the opportunities where God is waiting to be discovered and to engage in a life of significance and ultimate calling.
What Is a Missionary - Part 2
By Brother Andrew3.9K31:22MissionsACT 13:2EPH 4:20In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal encounter with a man who traveled a long distance to attend a service. The man explains that he obeyed God's command to go to Moscow and get a Bible, leaving his family behind. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life and not being lured away by worldly distractions. He highlights the example of Jesus, who gave his life for the salvation of the whole world. The preacher encourages the audience to love and serve others as a way of expressing their love for God.
The Conflict of Two Wisdoms - Part 1
By Art Katz3.8K53:29Wisdom Of GodEZK 20:35MAT 6:33ACT 13:2EPH 6:10EPH 6:12HEB 4:121PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of being stripped and exposed to the nations by the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of being broken and losing our humanistic perspectives in order to meet with broken and dejected people who have lost their orientation. The speaker highlights the danger of valuing temporal and transient things over eternal truths and the ultimate purpose of existence. He calls for a shift in focus towards the church being a demonstration of God's defeat of the powers of darkness, free from the influence of worldly culture. The sermon also raises the question of who will resist the forces of fear and intimidation, even in the face of suffering and death.
The Communion of Saints
By A.W. Tozer3.4K32:07CommunionJHN 1:29JHN 14:8ACT 2:1ACT 13:21CO 11:29EPH 2:81TH 4:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and how it is different from condemnation. He uses the analogy of two boys playing in a backyard, where one boy is disciplined by his father while the other boy is sent home to his own father. The preacher then refers to the book of Revelation, specifically chapters 1, 2, and 3, where he highlights the decline in love, morality, and doctrine among the believers. He emphasizes the importance of discerning the presence of the Lord in communion and warns against partaking in a unworthy manner, as it can lead to damnation. The preacher also mentions the universal longing for God and how humanity is caught between the desire for God and the fear of Him. He references the Apostle's preaching to the Greeks and the hunger for God that exists in people. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the ministry to the Lord and the need to cultivate an awareness of God's presence.
Pt 8 the Drawing of the Net
By Alan Redpath3.3K37:02Kingdom Of GodMAT 13:47MAT 25:32MRK 3:14ACT 13:2ROM 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the parable of the net in the sea. He highlights the lessons to be learned from this parable, such as the authority for mass evangelism, the sanction for mission work, and the necessity for church organization. The preacher also discusses the fact of severance, explaining how the good fish are gathered into vessels while the bad fish are thrown away. The main purpose of the church, according to the preacher, is to reach people and multiply the effect of Jesus' ministry among them.
Message for Youth for Christ
By A.W. Tozer3.3K25:53MessagePRO 3:34MAT 4:17MAT 23:12LUK 24:49ACT 13:22CO 12:9JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker presents thirteen key points or "theses" for the evangelical church. The first thesis is about the importance of repentance and how the whole life of a faithful believer should be an act of repentance. The speaker emphasizes the need for true worshipers who are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns against relying on the sponsorship or approval of influential people and highlights the significance of humility and simplicity in demonstrating true Christianity. The speaker calls for a reformation within the church and urges the youth for Christ to be leaders who set a positive example for others.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
By J. Edwin Orr3.2K21:34Power of the Holy SpiritPSA 80:18PSA 85:6PSA 139:23ZEC 4:6MAT 9:38ACT 3:19ACT 13:2In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to convey his message. He starts by talking about a farmer and his tractor, highlighting the importance of having the right tools and being well-organized. He then shares the story of a migrant worker who approaches the bus instead of asking the workers for a job, emphasizing the need to go directly to the source. The preacher also discusses the concept of the Trinity, explaining that while there is no perfect analogy, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one essence. Finally, he talks about the disciples' expectation of the restoration of the kingdom and Jesus' response, emphasizing the importance of receiving power from the Holy Spirit to fulfill the great commission.
(Christian Leadership) Building the Home and the Church
By Zac Poonen2.6K1:16:59GEN 6:9GEN 12:1JOS 1:11SA 7:161SA 8:3JOB 1:1ACT 13:2EPH 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that having a cooperative wife is not a requirement to be a prophet of God. He warns against complaining about one's spouse and using them as an excuse for not living for God. The speaker uses the example of John Wesley's difficult marriage to illustrate his point. He also highlights the importance of balancing ministry and family, citing the example of Samuel who neglected his family due to his busy ministry. The speaker encourages believers to embrace the differences in their relationships and not try to change their spouse, as God has made them different for a reason.
Road to Reality - Words of Wisdom Acts 13 - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.3K26:01WisdomPSA 73:25MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 12:24ACT 13:2ROM 12:1REV 12:11In this sermon, Brother KP Johanna shares about the emotional experience of sending out missionaries to the mission field. He emphasizes the importance of committing one's life to worshiping the Lord and serving Him. He recounts the graduation ceremonies for Bible college students, where they are prayed for and sent out to serve the Lord. Brother KP also talks about his own upbringing in a small village and how his mother's dedication to the Lord influenced him to become a missionary. He encourages listeners to let the Lord direct their lives and consider their role in reaching people for Christ through missions.
Thank You Lord
By Jim Cymbala2.2K26:21ThankfulnessLUK 17:11ACT 13:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the existence of God and the evidence of His creation in the world. He argues that the complexity and wonders of the human brain and the existence of love and kindness are proof of a superior being. The preacher also discusses the importance of breaking bad habits and how God helps in this process. He encourages gratitude and giving thanks in all situations, citing the Bible's instruction to give thanks in everything. The sermon concludes with a call for the congregation to hug one another and share three things they are thankful for.
Walking in the Spirit - Part 1
By Bruce Wilkinson2.1K1:09:09Spirit FilledJHN 16:7ACT 13:2EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker addresses the lack of understanding among seminary students on how to know the will of God and live a spiritual life. He emphasizes the importance of not just knowing the doctrines of the Bible, but also knowing how to apply them in daily life. The speaker highlights seven things that the Bible says the Holy Spirit will do in the life of a believer. He challenges the audience to examine their own spiritual lives and consider the impact the Holy Spirit has had on them.
Prayer 05 Conditions - Effective Prayer
By Alden Gannett2.1K48:56Effectual PrayerJOS 1:1PSA 119:105PRO 16:3MAT 6:33ACT 13:2COL 3:151JN 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking and knowing the will of God for our lives. He highlights that God is the Lord of the Harvest and it is His plan and purpose that we should follow. The speaker shares his personal testimony of initially rebelling against God's calling to preach and be a missionary. He encourages the audience to actively search for God's will and to let the peace of God act as an umpire in their hearts. The sermon references Matthew 9, which speaks of God as the Lord of the Harvest, and Colossians 3:15, which urges believers to let the peace of God rule in their hearts.
Ezekiel: Vision of the Temple
By Stephen Kaung1.9K1:12:47EzekielPSA 46:10EZK 43:7EZK 43:10JHN 7:38ACT 13:2GAL 5:22REV 22:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the visions that God gave to the prophet Ezekiel while he was among the captives by the river Chiba. One of the visions was of the glory of the Lord, where God was on his throne carried by the children. This vision led to God commissioning Ezekiel to be a prophet and go to the children of Israel to proclaim his word. The preacher also mentions other prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Daniel, who each received different aspects of revelation from God.
Dvd 20 - the Antioch Pattern
By Art Katz1.8K2:02:48ACT 13:2ROM 11:111CO 3:13EPH 5:221PE 4:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of challenging the issue of history and generations, highlighting the power of uncalculated prayers and trusting God's promptings. It delves into the concept of apostolic sending and the necessity of enduring sacrifice, suffering, and opposition for works with eternal significance. The message also touches on the church's role in relation to Israel's restoration and the call to submission and surrender for God's greater purposes.
The Church and Its Mission - Part 1
By Ern Baxter1.7K22:38MissionsMAT 6:33ACT 4:23ACT 13:21TH 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the power of speaking in tongues. He explains that while he is speaking in English, his spirit is constantly praying in an unknown tongue. He also mentions that prayer should be an ongoing and constant practice, and that it is through prayer that believers can receive clear direction from God. The speaker then discusses the persecution faced by the early church and the importance of prayer in fulfilling the mission of the church. He concludes by mentioning a leadership conference that took place in Seattle in 1973.
Dedication Focused
By Devern Fromke1.7K1:30:16DedicationDEU 8:3DEU 9:1DEU 12:1ACT 13:2ROM 12:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and coming to the knowledge of the truth. He refers to the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness as an example of how God tests and develops individuals. The speaker highlights the significance of having a burden and the enablement that comes with it, leading to the development of gifts and ministries. He also mentions the concept of deliverance into dependence on the Lord, using the example of putting the choir in front of the army as a demonstration of trust in God's power.
God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests
By Devern Fromke1.6K1:07:32PriestsEXO 32:202CH 20:172CH 20:22MAT 6:33ACT 13:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in youth for Christ's days, which often resulted in disappointment for attendees. The speaker then discusses the ways of the Lord, highlighting the need to trust in God's guidance and not worry about the next steps. He also addresses the story of the golden calf, pointing out the rationalizing and excusing behavior of the people involved. The sermon concludes with a focus on worshiping and adoring God for who He is, rather than just for what He has done.
K-450 the Royal Priesthood
By Art Katz1.5K44:39PriesthoodEXO 4:22MAT 6:33JHN 7:38ACT 13:2ROM 12:1EPH 4:11PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the physical and material things in life. He uses the example of wanting to go to the mall just to see the merchandise behind the glass displays, highlighting the desire for something more engaging to the eyes. The speaker then connects this desire to the need for adoration before God and the recognition of His majesty. He also mentions the role of angels being sent out from the throne of God and how our comprehension of God's glory leads to a deeper understanding of His will. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to seek a deeper spiritual experience and to be prepared for the holy ministry.
Following a God Authored Trail - Part 2
By Danny Bond1.5K44:10Purpose Of GodMAT 6:33ACT 2:47ACT 10:23ACT 13:2ROM 8:171CO 6:10REV 21:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Cornelius and Peter from the Bible. Cornelius, a devout man, prayed to God and an angel appeared to him, instructing him to send for Peter. Peter, known in heaven as a man ready with the gospel, was called to go to Cornelius, who was a Gentile. The speaker emphasizes the importance of character and how it is measured by one's reaction to life's inequities. He also highlights the value of reputation and character in the sight of God. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own character and how they are known in heaven.
(The Book of Acts) Session 02
By George Verwer1.5K23:36ActsACT 2:42ACT 4:31ACT 8:1ACT 9:1ACT 13:2ACT 18:1ACT 19:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reality of witness and world vision, emphasizing the importance of missions and evangelism. He highlights the need for more missionaries, both national and international, and criticizes seminaries that treat world missions as a separate issue. The speaker also praises the role of business people in supporting world missions. He mentions the book of Acts as a source of inspiration and encourages listeners to let the story of the early church impact their lives. Additionally, he shares a personal story of transformation and expresses the desire to lead someone to Jesus Christ.
The Spirit of a Prophet Leonard Ravenhill
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K09:131KI 19:4ISA 40:3JER 1:5AMO 3:7MAT 11:11MRK 1:4ACT 13:22TI 4:3HEB 11:32This sermon emphasizes the unique and lonely calling of prophets, highlighting the solitude and dedication required in their role. It reflects on the significance of John the Baptist as the greatest man born of woman, who spent years in the wilderness before his impactful ministry. The message stresses the need for modern-day prophets who are willing to preach repentance and endure hardship for the sake of God's truth and revival.
The Lord's Work Done the Lord's Way, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.4K25:57The Lord's WorkACT 13:2In the video, Brother KP Ohanon, the president of Gospel for Asia, encourages viewers to attend a life-changing conference from June 30th to July 2nd. He shares how the previous conference had a profound impact on the attendees, leading to spiritual transformation and renewed commitments to mission and evangelism. Brother KP emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and eternity, rather than getting caught up in worldly pursuits. He also highlights the significance of the local church and the calling of individuals for specific works in ministry, as seen in Acts 13:2-3 and Ezekiel 44:15-19.
The Mystery of Incarnation (9 of 9)
By Art Katz1.3K55:25IncarnationACT 13:21CO 14:262CO 3:18EPH 2:6EPH 4:30PHP 2:131JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration with certain individuals who present the gospel in a formulaic and smug manner, without acknowledging the struggles and contradictions of faith. The church is described as crippled, underfed, and lacking active participation. The speaker emphasizes the need for individuals to make a free choice to truly understand and live out their faith. The sermon concludes by highlighting the tension and suffering that comes with faith, but also the hope and confidence that believers can have in the ultimate victory and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted - On Mondays and Thursdays it was usual with the more pious Jews to attend the public service in their synagogues, and to fast: the former is what we are to understand by ministering to the Lord. On the Sabbaths they attended the service in the synagogue, but did not fast. The Greek word, λειτουργουντων, signifies performing the office of praying, supplicating, rendering thanks, etc.: hence the word λειτουργια, liturgy, the work of prayer, etc., from λιτη, supplication, according to some; or rather from λειτος, common, and εργον, work, the common or public work, in which all the people were engaged. The Holy Ghost said - A revelation of the Divine will was made to some person then present; probably to either Simeon, or Lucius, or Manaen, mentioned before. Separate me Barnabas and Saul - Consecrate, or set them apart, for the particular work whereunto I have called them. How this was done, we find in the next verse.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As they ministered to the Lord--The word denotes the performance of official duties of any kind, and was used to express the priestly functions under the Old Testament. Here it signifies the corresponding ministrations of the Christian Church. and fasted--As this was done in other cases on special occasions (Act 13:3, Act 13:14, Act 13:23), it is not improbable that they had been led to expect some such prophetic announcement at this time. the Holy Ghost said--through some of the prophets mentioned in Act 13:1. Separate me--So Rom 1:1. for the work whereunto I have called them--by some communication, perhaps, to themselves: in the case of Saul at least, such a designation was indicated from the first (Act 22:21). Note.--While the personality of the Holy Ghost is manifest from this language, His supreme divinity will appear equally so by comparing it with Heb 5:4.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As they ministered to the Lord,.... That is, the five prophets and teachers before mentioned; and whose ministry lay in preaching the Gospel, teaching the people the doctrines of it, and expounding prophecies, and also in prayer; to which latter the Syriac version restrains their ministry, rendering it, "as they prayed to God"; but the phrase seems to be more extensive: "and fasted"; which the Jews were much used to, and the believing ones had not yet left it off; their custom was to fast on Mondays and Thursdays: See Gill on Luk 18:12. Whether it was on one of those days, that these men were ministering and fasting, is not certain; but this we may be sure of, it was not on the Jewish sabbath, for on that day they never fasted; very likely that this was a fast appointed and fixed among themselves, on some particular occasion; it may be on account of the famine, which was at this time, Act 11:28. The Holy Ghost said; either with an articulate voice, or by an internal impulse, upon the minds of three of the prophets: separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them; the work which the Holy Ghost had appointed, and called them to before this, was to go and preach the Gospel among the Gentiles, distinct from the Jews, of which we read in the latter part of this chapter; and now he would have them be separated from their brethren, as Aaron and his sons were from theirs, and be sent forth from hence directly, upon that work: this shows the Spirit to be a person, since speaking and commanding in an authoritative way, and calling to a work, are ascribed unto him; and that he is a divine person, and truly God, and equal with God, since calling to a sacred office is attributed to him; and a separation to it is ordered for himself, for his service, honour, and glory; he does not say separate them to the Lord, or to God, but to me.