Acts 13 2

Acts 13:2 kjv

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.

Acts 13:2 nkjv

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Acts 13:2 niv

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."

Acts 13:2 esv

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."

Acts 13:2 nlt

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them."

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 2 Meaning

The verse describes specific individuals commissioned for ministry within the church at Antioch. Barnabas and Saul are identified as prophets and teachers, indicating their recognized spiritual gifts and roles.

Acts 13 2 Context

This verse is found in the early part of Acts chapter 13, a pivotal chapter marking the beginning of Paul's (Saul's) first missionary journey. The church in Antioch was a vibrant, multi-ethnic congregation, evidenced by the diversity of its named leaders. The Holy Spirit directly identifies and separates Barnabas and Saul for a specific work. This divine selection is a significant event, initiating a period of expansive Gentile evangelism, a theme prominent throughout Acts.

Acts 13 2 Word Analysis

• Νυν (Nun): "Now." This adverb marks a transition and a specific point in time.

• δὲ (de): "But" or "And." A common conjunction indicating connection or continuation.

• ὑπῆρχον (hyperchōn): "Were" or "Existed." Imperfect tense suggests a continuing state.

• ἐν (en): "In." Preposition indicating location.

• τῇ (tē): "The." Definite article.

• ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia): "Church." Literally "called out assembly." Refers to the community of believers.

• τῇ (tē): "The." Definite article.

• οὔσῃ (ousē): "Being" or "Existing." Present participle, emphasizing the church's present reality.

• ἐν (en): "In." Preposition.

• Ἀντιοχείᾳ (Antiocheia): "Antioch." A major city in Syria, a key center for early Christianity outside Jerusalem.

• πsåvtes (pantes): "All" (here referring to specific individuals mentioned).

• προφῆται (prophētai): "Prophets." Individuals who spoke God's message, often involving foretelling but primarily forth-telling God's will.

• καὶ (kai): "And." Conjunction.

• διδάσκαλοι (didaskaloi): "Teachers." Those who instructed others in the faith.

• Συμεὼν (Symeōn): "Simeon." A common Hebrew name.

• τὸν (ton): "The." Definite article.

• καλούμενον (kaloumenon): "Being called" or "named."

• Νiger (Niger): "Black." A Latin name, suggesting a potential North African origin for Simeon.

• καὶ (kai): "And." Conjunction.

• Λούκιον (Loukion): "Lucius." A Greek name.

• τὸν (ton): "The." Definite article.

• Κυρηναῖον (Kürenaion): "Cyrenian." From Cyrene, a city in North Africa, indicating a Gentile background or connection.

• καὶ (kai): "And." Conjunction.

• Μαναήν (Manaēn): "Manaen." A Syriac name, possibly meaning "comforter." It's noted he was a close associate of Herod the Tetrarch, suggesting a background with political connections.

• Σαούλ (Saoul): "Saul." The Hebrew name of the apostle Paul.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "Prophets and teachers": Highlights the recognized spiritual functions within the church.
  • "Simeon who was called Niger": "Niger" possibly indicates Simeon's ethnicity or complexion, illustrating the diversity of the church.
  • "Lucius of Cyrene": "Cyrenian" points to North African origins, reinforcing the church's broad representation.
  • "Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch": This connection suggests a man of some social standing or acquaintance with gentile authorities, yet he was now a believer.
  • "Saul": The naming of Saul here, alongside Barnabas, establishes his co-leadership and preparation for his missionary role.

Acts 13 2 Bonus Section

The inclusion of Manaen, "who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch," is particularly noteworthy. Herod the Tetrarch was the ruler who beheaded John the Baptist and mocked Jesus during his trial (Luke 23:7-12). Manaen's proximity to such figures suggests he may have had a background in worldly or even antagonistic circles, yet he became a prominent Christian leader. This is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, bringing people from vastly different pasts into unity in Christ. The name "Niger" itself, meaning "black," is significant in a context where Roman societal norms often placed value based on ethnicity and origin, and it preempts the fulfillment of prophecies like Isaiah 56:7 which speak of the inclusion of all nations and peoples.

Acts 13 2 Commentary

This verse showcases the rich diversity and established leadership within the early church at Antioch. The mention of "prophets and teachers" indicates the functioning of spiritual gifts for the edification and instruction of the community. The listing of names, particularly "Niger" (likely denoting Simeon's African heritage) and "Lucius of Cyrene" (also from North Africa), alongside Manaen (whose upbringing with Herod hints at a complex past) and Saul, underscores that the Gospel was reaching and uniting people from various ethnic, geographical, and social backgrounds. This composition of leadership reflects the universality of God's call and the inclusive nature of the early church. The specific individuals named are those empowered and recognized by the Holy Spirit to lead and teach, setting the stage for their commissioning in the subsequent verses for a crucial mission.