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

Barnabas and Saul are set apart by fasting and prayer to be sent out on a mission. This signifies an official commissioning by the church in Antioch for specific ministry.

Acts 13 3 Context

This verse is situated within the church in Antioch, a significant center for early Christian missions, especially towards the Gentiles. The church in Antioch had been experiencing growth and the Holy Spirit's active leading. This verse follows the Holy Spirit's specific instruction to set apart Barnabas and Saul. The preceding verses describe the teaching and prophesying that took place within this congregation. The context highlights the Spirit-directed nature of the mission and the communal act of sending out these apostles.

Acts 13 3 Word analysis

• While (While) - Indicates simultaneous action, placing the commissioning event within the ongoing worship and prayer of the church.

• they (Αυτοι - autoi) - Refers to the believers gathered at Antioch.

• were worshiping (λατρευόντων - latreúntōn) - From latreúō, meaning to serve, worship, or minister to God, often with a sense of devout service and dedication. It's not just perfunctory worship but an active engagement of the spirit. This highlights the reverential and devoted atmosphere.

• the (τον - ton) - Definite article.

• Lord (Κύριον - Kýrion) - Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Sovereign, reinforcing His authority.

• and (και - kai) - Conjunction connecting worship and fasting.

• fasting (νηστεύοντες - nēsteúontes) - Abstaining from food, a common spiritual discipline to focus on God and seek His will, demonstrating seriousness and earnestness. It is an act of self-denial to elevate spiritual needs.

• the (το - to) - Definite article.

• Holy (Άγιον - Hágion) - Referring to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.

• Spirit (Πνεύμα - Pneûma) - Breath, wind, spirit; here specifically the divine agent.

• said (είπεν - eípen) - A direct utterance and command.

• “Set apart (χωρίσατε - chōrísate) - From chōrízō, meaning to separate, divide, distinguish. It implies consecration and dedication for a specific purpose. This is a critical verb for ministry commissioning.

• for (εμοι - emoi) - To myself.

• Me (εμοι - emoi) - Referring to the Holy Spirit Himself.

• Barnabas (Βαρνάβαν - Barnában) - Son of encouragement.

• and (και - kai) - Conjunction.

• Saul (Σαούλ - Saoul) - Saul, later known as Paul.

• for (εις - eis) - Into, for, unto.

• the (εργον - ergon) - Work, deed, task.

• work (εργον - ergon) - The specific ministry or mission they are called to.

• to (εις - eis) - Unto.

• which (ο - ho) - Relative pronoun referring to the work.

• I (εγω - egō) - I, the Holy Spirit.

• have called (εκάλεσα - ekálesa) - Aorist tense, indicating a completed action of calling or summoning them to this task.

• Group of words: "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" - This phrase encapsulates the essence of divine calling and commissioning. The imperative "Set apart" by the Holy Spirit, directed towards "Me" (the Spirit's purpose), clearly establishes that the mission originates from the divine will and that the individuals are designated for God's specific service. The foresight in "I have called them" underscores that this mission is not spontaneous but is part of God's predestined plan for them.

Acts 13 3 Bonus section

The term "set apart" (chōrísate) has echoes of Old Testament concepts of consecration, such as the separation of priests for service or the dedication of objects for holy use (e.g., Numbers 6:8; Isaiah 6:1). The specific instruction from the Holy Spirit emphasizes His active role in the expansion of the church and the guidance of believers. This instance is foundational for understanding the New Testament pattern of ministry commissioning, where spiritual authority and divine guidance are paramount. It shows that evangelism and missions are not solely human endeavors but are initiated and directed by the Holy Spirit. The dual emphasis on worship and fasting before such a significant step underscores the dependence on God for supernatural enablement and wisdom in carrying out His will.

Acts 13 3 Commentary

This verse is a pivotal moment, marking the official launch of the first great missionary journey of Barnabas and Saul, guided by the direct, authoritative word of the Holy Spirit. The worship and fasting indicate the church’s deep spiritual communion and their receptiveness to God's leading. The Holy Spirit’s explicit directive to “set apart” highlights that apostleship and specific ministries are divinely appointed. This separation isn't just physical but a consecration for a particular service—the gospel mission to the Gentiles, fulfilling a broader divine purpose initiated in the Old Testament and now being enacted by the Spirit through the New Testament church. This action of sending forth is not merely organizational but a Spirit-empowered deployment.