Acts 13 4

Acts 13:4 kjv

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 13:4 nkjv

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 13:4 niv

The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Acts 13:4 esv

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 13:4 nlt

So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 4 Meaning

This verse describes the initial sending forth of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) by the Holy Spirit to their missionary task. It highlights divine appointment and the focus of their mission on the Gentiles, signifying a key moment in the early church's expansion.

Acts 13 4 Context

This verse is part of the narrative in the Book of Acts focusing on the expansion of the Christian mission beyond its Jewish origins. Chapters 11-12 detail the early ministry to Gentiles, particularly in Antioch. Chapter 13 sets the stage for the first major missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, often referred to as Paul and Barnabas' journey. The church in Antioch was a diverse community with both Jewish and Gentile believers, and it became a significant base for missionary work. The prompting for this journey came from the Holy Spirit, underscoring divine initiative and guidance in the spread of the gospel. This particular verse marks the official commissioning of Barnabas and Saul for this vital work.

Acts 13 4 Word Analysis

• Now (νυν - nun): Present time, immediately. It signals the beginning of a new phase.
• there were (ἦσαν - ēsan): Plural past imperfect of εἰμί (eimi), to be. Indicating their existing state.
• in the church (ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ - en tē ekklēsia): "En" meaning in or among, "tē" the definite article, "ekklēsia" from ek (out) and kalō (to call), meaning a called-out assembly, the body of believers. It refers to the community of believers in Antioch.
• at Antioch (Ἀντιόχειᾳ - Antiocheia): The city of Antioch in Syria, a major Hellenistic city and a key center for early Christianity outside of Jerusalem.
• prophets (προφῆται - prophētai): Those who speak forth God's message. They were recognized spiritual leaders in the early church.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction, joining the following individuals.
• teachers (διδάσκαλοι - didaskaloi): Those who instruct and explain the faith.
• Barnabas (Βαρναβᾶς - Barnabas): A prominent early Christian leader, often paired with Paul.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• Simon (Συμεὼν - Symeōn): The Greek form of Simeon.
• who was called (τὸν καλούμενον - ton kaloumenon): Passive participle meaning "the one being called".
• Niger (Νίγηρ - Niger): Latin for "black" or "dark-skinned", possibly indicating his ethnicity or a nickname.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• Lucius (Λούκιος - Loukios): A Greek or Roman personal name.
• of Cyrene (Κυρηναῖος - Kurenaios): Of Cyrene, a city in North Africa.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• Manaen (Μαναήν - Manaēn): A common Hebrew name, possibly related to Manasseh or a form of a Greek name.
• who had been brought up (συντρόφος - syntrophos): Literally "one nurtured together," implying he grew up with Herod the tetrarch. This hints at his potential social standing or upbringing.
• with Herod (μὲν Ἡρώδου - men Hērōdou): "Men" here is part of the particle construction with the implied "de" later, introducing a contrast or specifying. "Herod" likely refers to Herod Antipas.
• the tetrarch (τοῦ τετράρχου - tou tetraarchou): A ruler over a fourth part of a territory.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• Saul (Σαῦλος - Saulos): The Hebrew name of the Apostle Paul.

Group of Words Analysis:

• "Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers": This establishes the setting and leadership within the Antioch church, highlighting recognized spiritual gifts for guidance and instruction.
• "Barnabas and Simon who was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch and Saul.": This lists the key figures present. The mention of "Niger" and "Lucius of Cyrene" points to the ethnic diversity of the church, showing the gospel extending to Africans. Manaen's connection to Herod adds a social dimension and the idea that individuals from different social strata were part of the church.

Acts 13 4 Bonus Section

The text emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in commissioning missionaries, which is a recurring theme throughout Acts (e.g., Acts 1:2, Acts 16:6-7). The diversity of individuals listed – prophets, teachers, varying ethnicities (Niger, Lucius of Cyrene) and social backgrounds (Manaen) – demonstrates that God calls and uses a wide array of people from all walks of life to advance His kingdom. This verse sets the foundation for Paul's pivotal missionary journeys, which would dramatically expand the reach of Christianity into the Gentile world, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The specific individuals named, especially Barnabas and Saul, are central figures in the New Testament narrative.

Acts 13 4 Commentary

The verse identifies specific individuals within the Antioch church who held significant spiritual roles as prophets and teachers. The mention of Barnabas, Simon Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul paints a picture of a diverse and dynamic community. Simon Niger ("Niger" being Latin for black) and Lucius of Cyrene (from North Africa) underscore the presence of Gentile believers and those from various ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the inclusivity of the early church. Manaen's association with Herod the tetrarch suggests that individuals from influential or even politically connected backgrounds were also part of this assembly, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel across social divides. This diverse leadership base in Antioch made it a vital hub for the spread of Christianity.