Acts 13 3

Acts 13:3 kjv

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 13:3 nkjv

Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 13:3 niv

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:3 esv

Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:3 nlt

So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 3 Meaning

Acts 13:3 describes the crucial response of the church in Antioch after the Holy Spirit commanded them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. It details their solemn engagement in spiritual disciplines—fasting and praying—before performing a formal act of commissioning, symbolized by the laying on of hands, and subsequently releasing Barnabas and Saul for their designated mission. This verse marks the church's practical obedience to divine guidance, confirming and supporting the Holy Spirit's call through communal dedication and a recognized liturgical action.

Acts 13 3 Context

Acts chapter 13 marks a significant turning point in the Book of Acts, initiating the primary phase of the church's Gentile mission, spearheaded by Barnabas and Saul (Paul). Verses 1-3 introduce the church at Antioch, described as having several "prophets and teachers," signifying a vibrant and spiritually gifted community. The Holy Spirit directly intervenes in verse 2, during a time of worship and fasting, commanding the church to "set apart" Barnabas and Saul for the specific work to which He had called them. Acts 13:3, therefore, describes the immediate, obedient response of the church to this divine directive. Historically and culturally, the church in Antioch, being a diverse urban center with both Jewish and Gentile believers, was uniquely positioned to be the launching pad for this new era of evangelism beyond traditional Jewish boundaries. Their actions reflect the established patterns of solemn decision-making, spiritual preparation, and formal recognition of ministry within both Jewish tradition and the nascent Christian community.

Acts 13 3 Word analysis

• Then (Τότε - tote): Signifies an immediate consequence or sequence of events. It shows the church's prompt obedience following the Holy Spirit's instruction in the previous verse (Acts 13:2). This is not a hesitant or delayed action but a direct follow-up.
• after fasting (νηστεύσαντες - nēsteusantes): A participle indicating an action completed before the subsequent main action. Fasting here denotes spiritual discipline, earnest seeking of God's will, and a state of intense devotion. It suggests a stripping away of worldly concerns to focus wholly on the divine. It's a common practice in the Bible for major spiritual decisions (Jdg 20:26; Ezra 8:23; Neh 9:1-2).
• and praying (προσευξάμενοι - proseuxamenoi): Also a participle, performed alongside fasting. This was a communal and earnest supplication, seeking divine guidance, blessing, and empowerment for Barnabas and Saul's mission. Prayer here is a critical act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and dependence upon His grace.
• they laid their hands (ἐπιθέντες τὰς χεῖρας - epithentes tas cheiras): This is a significant ritual act. "Laying on of hands" has diverse biblical meanings, including:
  • Commissioning/Setting Apart: For service or office (Num 27:18, Deut 34:9, Acts 6:6). Here, it formally authorizes Barnabas and Saul for their missionary endeavor.
  • Blessing: As seen in Jacob blessing his grandsons (Gen 48:14).
  • Imparting the Holy Spirit/Gifts: As seen in Samaria (Acts 8:17) and Timothy (1 Tim 4:14). While the Spirit already called Barnabas and Saul, this act by the church served as a corporate acknowledgment and a transfer of communal support and spiritual endorsement.
  • Healing: (Mk 16:18, Acts 28:8).
  • Identification: For sacrifice (Lev 1:4).The action by the church affirmed the Holy Spirit's call, signifying a communal blessing and commissioning rather than merely imparting a new gift. It conveyed solidarity and spiritual covering for their journey.
• on them (ἐπ᾽ αὐτούς - ep' autous): Referring specifically to Barnabas and Saul, confirming they are the direct recipients of this solemn act.
• and sent them off (ἀπέλυσαν - apelusan): Implies release, dismissal, or sending away. This word carries a sense of official authorization. The church, having received the divine mandate and confirmed it through spiritual discernment and formal action, now officially releases Barnabas and Saul to commence their God-appointed mission. It signifies a tangible endorsement of their work.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "after fasting and praying": This phrase highlights the intentional spiritual preparation preceding a momentous decision. It emphasizes the need for spiritual sensitivity and deep communion with God before engaging in divine service, aligning human action with divine will. This communal spiritual discipline reflects a pattern for significant church decisions.
• "they laid their hands on them": This group of words denotes a physical, visible act with deep symbolic and spiritual significance. It publicly affirmed the Spirit's call, conveying the church's endorsement, prayerful blessing, and recognition of the authority invested in Barnabas and Saul for their unique mission. It served as a visible manifestation of their 'setting apart'.
• "and sent them off": This concluding phrase demonstrates the culmination of the process: divine call, communal discernment through spiritual discipline, public commissioning, and then practical release for service. It marks the formal initiation of the first missionary journey, highlighting the church's role not only in affirming but also actively facilitating and supporting the mission workers.

Acts 13 3 Bonus section

The practice described in Acts 13:3 of communal fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands before sending out ministers establishes a pattern for future missionary endeavors and ministerial ordination within the church. This isn't just about setting people apart, but doing so with a profound sense of divine initiative and communal responsibility. It illustrates that spiritual calling is validated by spiritual means and recognized by the community, emphasizing accountability to both God and the local body. The fact that Barnabas and Saul, who were already leaders and prophets, were "set apart" in this manner, speaks to the significance of every stage of ministry requiring divine leading and church affirmation, regardless of prior experience or status. It highlights the Spirit's active role in selecting and commissioning, making the church a conduit for God's larger redemptive purposes rather than simply an administrative body.

Acts 13 3 Commentary

Acts 13:3 presents a powerful image of a Spirit-led church faithfully responding to God's directive. It underscores the foundational principles of early Christian ministry: dependence on the Holy Spirit, the vital role of corporate spiritual discipline, and the church's authority in commissioning those called to service. The "fasting and praying" reflect deep spiritual earnestness, signifying a commitment to hear from God and seek His favor for such a weighty undertaking. The laying on of hands was more than a mere ritual; it was a visible act of endorsement, a transfer of the church's spiritual covering and blessing upon Barnabas and Saul, confirming the Holy Spirit's call. It communicates that their mission was not solely personal initiative but a divinely commissioned work, recognized and supported by the body of Christ. The verse powerfully demonstrates that the sending of missionaries is a shared responsibility, flowing from divine revelation through communal spiritual engagement to formal commissioning, thereby integrating individual calling with corporate authorization.