TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Acts 13 verses 1–3
We have here a divine warrant and commission to Barnabas and Saul to go and preach the gospel among the Gentiles, and their ordination to that service by the imposition of hands, with fasting and prayer.
I. Here is an account of the present state of the church at Antioch, which was planted, Act 11:20.
1.How well furnished it was with good ministers; there were there certain prophets and teachers (Act 13:1), men that were eminent for gifts, graces, and usefulness. Christ, when he ascended on high, gave some prophets and some teachers (Eph 4:11); these were both. Agabus seems to have been a prophet and not a teacher, and many were teachers who were not prophets; but those here mentioned were at times divinely inspired, and had instructions immediately from heaven upon special occasions, which gave them the title of prophets; and withal they were stated teachers of the church in their religious assemblies, expounded the scriptures, and opened the doctrine of Christ with suitable applications. These were the prophets, and scribes, or teachers, which Christ promised to send (Mat 23:34), such as were every way qualified for the service of the Christian church. Antioch was a great city, and the Christians there were many, so that they could not all meet in one place; it was therefore requisite they should have many teachers, to preside in their respective assemblies, and to deliver God's mind to them. Barnabas is first named, probably because he was the eldest, and Saul last, probably because he was the youngest; but afterwards the last became first, and Saul more eminent in the church. Three others are mentioned. (1.) Simeon, or Simon, who for distinction-sake was called Niger, Simon the Black, from the color of his hair; like him that with us was surnamed the Black Prince. (2.) Lucius of Cyrene, who some think (and Dr. Lightfoot inclines to it) was the same with this Luke that wrote the Acts, originally a Cyrenian, and educated in the Cyrenian college or synagogue at Jerusalem, and there first receiving the gospel. (3.) Manaen, a person of some quality, as it should seem, for he was brought up with Herod the tetrarch, either nursed of the same milk, or bred at the same school, or pupil to the same tutor, or rather one that was his constant colleague and companion - that in every part of his education was his comrade and intimate, which gave him a fair prospect of preferment at court, and yet for Christ's sake he quitted all the hopes of it; like Moses, who, when he had come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Had he joined in with Herod, with whom he was brought up, he might have had Blastus's place, and have been his chamberlain; but it is better to be fellow-sufferer with a saint than fellow-persecutor with a tetrarch.
2.How well employed they were (Act 13:2): They ministered to the Lord, and fasted. Observe, (1.) Diligent faithful teachers do truly minister unto the Lord. Those that instruct Christians serve Christ; they really do him honour, and carry on the interest of his kingdom. Those that minister to the church in praying and preaching (both which are included here), minister unto the Lord, for they are the church's servants for Christ's sake; to him they must have an eye in their ministrations, and from him they shall have their recompence. (2.) Ministering to the Lord, in one way or other, ought to be the stated business of churches and their teachers; to this work time ought to be set apart, nay, it is set apart, and in this work we ought to spend some part of every day. What have we to do as Christians and ministers but to serve the Lord Christ? Col 3:24; Rom 14:18. (3.) Religious fasting is of use in our ministering to the Lord, both as a sign of our humiliation and a means of our mortification. Though it was not so much practised by the disciples of Christ, while the bridegroom was with them, as it was by the disciples of John and of the Pharisees; yet, after the bridegroom was taken away, they abounded in it, as those that had well learned to deny themselves and to endure hardness.
II. The orders given by the Holy Ghost for the setting apart of Barnabas and Saul, while they were engaged in public exercises, the ministers of the several congregations in the city joining in one solemn fast or day of prayer: The Holy Ghost said, either by a voice from heaven, or by a strong impulse on the minds of those of them that were prophets, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. He does not specify the work, but refers to a former call of which they themselves knew the meaning, whether others did or no: as for Saul, he was particularly told that he must bear Christ's name to the Gentiles (Act 9:15), that he must be sent to the Gentiles (Act 22:21); the matter was settled between them at Jerusalem before this, that as Peter, James, and John laid out themselves among those of the circumcision, so Paul and Barnabas should go to the heathen, Gal 2:7-9. Barnabas, it is likely, knew himself designed for this service as well as Paul. Yet they would not thrust themselves into this harvest, though it appeared plenteous, till they received their orders from the Lord of the harvest: Thrust in thy sickle for the harvest is ripe, Rev 14:15. The orders were, Separate me Barnabas and Saul. Observe here, 1. Christ by his Spirit has the nomination of his ministers; for it is by the Spirit of Christ that they are qualified in some measure for his services, inclined to it, and taken off from other cares inconsistent with it. There are some whom the Holy Ghost has separated for the service of Christ, has distinguished from others as men that are offered and that willingly offer themselves to the temple service; and concerning them directions are given to those who are competent judges of the sufficiency of the abilities and the sincerity of the inclination: Separate them. 2. Christ's ministers are separated to him and to the Holy Ghost: Separate them to me; they are to be employed in Christ's work and under the Spirit's guidance, to the glory of God the Father. 3. All that are separated to Christ as his ministers are separated to work; Christ keeps no servants to be idle. If any man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work; that is what he is separated to, to labour in the word and doctrine. They are separated to take pains, not to take state. 4. The work of Christ's ministers, to which they are to be separated, is work that is already settled, and that which all Christ's ministers hitherto have been called to, and which they themselves have first been, by an external call, directed to and have chosen.
III. Their ordination, pursuant to these orders: not to the ministry in general (Barnabas and Saul had both of them been ministers long before this), but to a particular service in the ministry, which had something peculiar in it, and which required a fresh commission, which commission God saw fit at this time to transmit by the hands of these prophets and teachers, for the giving of this direction to the church, that teachers should ordain teachers (for prophets we are not now any longer to expect), and that those who have the dispensing of the oracles of Christ committed to them should, for the benefit of posterity, commit the same to faithful men, who shall be able also to teach others, Ti2 2:2. So here, Simeon, and Lucius, and Manaen, faithful teachers at this time in the church of Antioch, when they had fasted and prayed, laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul, and sent them away (Act 13:3), according to the directions received. Observe, 1. They prayed for them. When good men are going forth about good work, they ought to be solemnly and particularly prayed for, especially by their brethren that are their fellow-labourers and fellow-soldiers. 2. They joined fasting with their prayers, as they did in their other ministrations, Act 13:3. Christ has taught us this by his abstaining from sleep (a night-fast, if I may so call it) the night before he sent forth his apostles, that he might spend it in prayer. 3. They laid their hands on them. Hereby, (1.) They gave them their manumission, dismission, or discharge from the present service they were engaged in, in the church of Antioch, acknowledging that they went off not only fairly and with consent, but honourably and with a good report. (2.) They implored a blessing upon them in their present undertaking, begged that God would be with them, and give them success; and, in order to this, that they might be filled with the Holy Ghost in their work. This very thing is explained Act 14:26, where it is said, concerning Paul and Barnabas, that from Antioch they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. As it was an instance of the humility of Barnabas and Saul that they submitted to the imposition of the hands of those that were their equals, or rather their inferiors; so it was of the good disposition of the other teachers that they did not envy Barnabas and Saul the honour to which they were preferred, but cheerfully committed it to them, with hearty prayers for them; and they sent them away with all expedition, out of a concern for those countries where they were to break up fallow ground.
The Lord, upon appearing to Paul from heaven, said, “Go to Damascus, and you shall be told that you are my chosen vessel,” because [the Lord] had established him as the herald of the gospel to all the world. Then Ananias said to him, when he arrived in Damascus, “Brother Saul, see once more: the God of the fathers has preordained you.”8 And lest you think this word [i.e., God] refers to Christ, he adds, “to do his will and to know his just one Jesus.” [Paul], making this calling and preordaining a title, says, “Paul a slave of Jesus Christ, called apostle.”10 Then he says something else regarding this calling, “Set aside for the gospel of God.” The Acts of the Apostles taught that the Spirit directed the setting aside, for it says, “While the apostles were fasting and praying, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set aside for me Paul and Barnabas for the work to which I have called them.’ ” If the Lord, the God of the fathers, chose him whom he had preordained, while the Son called him forth, and the Spirit, using the operation of [the divine] nature, set the same one aside, how is there a difference of nature in the Trinity in which an identity of operation is found?
"And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." Seest thou what a great thing fasting is? A great, yes a great good is fasting: it is circumscribed by no limits. When need was to ordain, then they fast: and to them while fasting, the Spirit spake.
Continue studying Acts 13:3 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Acts 13:3 captures a profoundly significant moment in the early church's history, detailing the Antiochian believers' corporate spiritual discipline and formal commissioning of Barnabas and Saul for their inaugural missionary journey. This verse highlights the church's deep commitment to seeking divine guidance through fasting and prayer, followed by the symbolic act of laying on hands, culminating in the official sending forth of these Spirit-called apostles to spread the gospel to the Gentile world. It underscores the essential interplay between divine initiative, communal discernment, and human obedience in the advancement of God's kingdom.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Acts 13:3 immediately follows the Holy Spirit's explicit directive in Acts 13:2 to "separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." This divine summons was given during a time of worship and fasting among the prophets and teachers in the vibrant, multi-ethnic church at Antioch. The preceding verses establish Antioch as a significant center of Christian activity, second only to Jerusalem, distinguished by its strong leadership and outward-looking vision. The church's response in verse 3—fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands—is not a casual reaction but a deliberate, Spirit-led act of corporate affirmation and dedication, demonstrating their profound reverence for God's call and the gravity of the mission ahead. This act marks the formal transition from their roles as teachers within the Antioch church to apostles sent to the wider world, initiating a new phase in the expansion of the gospel.
Historical & Cultural Context: The practice of fasting and prayer was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, often accompanying significant decisions, times of lament, or seeking divine intervention, as seen in Ezra 8:21 or Daniel 9:3. Early Christians continued this discipline, recognizing its power in spiritual discernment and drawing closer to God. The laying on of hands was also a well-established practice, signifying blessing, dedication, healing, or the impartation of authority or the Holy Spirit. In this context, it was an act of formal commissioning, a public endorsement by the church's leadership, signifying their solidarity with Barnabas and Saul and dedicating them to the specific work to which the Spirit had called them. Geographically, Antioch was a major Roman city, a crossroads of trade and culture, making it an ideal strategic hub for launching missionary endeavors into the broader Roman Empire, particularly targeting Gentile populations.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Initiative and Human Partnership, where God's sovereign call (Acts 13:2) is met with the church's obedient and prayerful response, demonstrating that mission is God's work in which humanity participates. Secondly, the emphasis on Spiritual Discernment and Preparation through fasting and prayer underscores the necessity of seeking God's will and wisdom before undertaking significant ministry, a principle exemplified by Jesus himself in Luke 5:16. Thirdly, the act of laying on hands illustrates Corporate Affirmation and Commissioning, signifying the church's vital role in recognizing, validating, and formally sending out those called to ministry, providing both spiritual and practical support for their work. Finally, the "sending away" marks the beginning of the Global Expansion of the Gospel, as the Antioch church, empowered by the Spirit, becomes a launching pad for taking the message of Christ beyond the immediate Jewish world, fulfilling the mandate of Acts 1:8.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Acts 13:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Synecdoche is present in "laid hands," where the part (hands) represents the whole action of blessing, commissioning, and dedicating by the church. The verse also utilizes Parallelism in its structure, presenting a sequence of spiritual actions: fasting, praying, and laying on of hands, all leading to the ultimate act of sending. This sequential structure emphasizes the logical progression from spiritual preparation to formal commissioning and finally to active mission. Furthermore, there is an element of Symbolism in the act of laying on of hands, which visually represents the transfer of authority, blessing, and the church's full endorsement. The entire verse functions as a Narrative Progression, marking a pivotal turning point in the book of Acts, shifting the focus from the localized growth of the church to its outward expansion into the Gentile world.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:3 stands as a foundational text for understanding the church's role in global missions, emphasizing that genuine missionary endeavor stems from divine calling, is nurtured through corporate spiritual discipline, and launched by communal affirmation. It illustrates the symbiotic relationship between the Holy Spirit's initiative and the church's obedient response, demonstrating that the sending of missionaries is not merely a human organizational task but a sacred act rooted in prayer and spiritual discernment. This verse highlights the church's responsibility to identify, equip, and commission those whom God has called, providing them with the necessary spiritual and communal backing for their work. The practices of fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands are not mere rituals but expressions of profound dependence on God and corporate solidarity, setting a precedent for missional sending throughout church history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:3 offers enduring principles for both individual believers and the corporate church today. It challenges us to consider the depth of our spiritual preparation before embarking on significant undertakings, whether personal or communal. The example of the Antioch church reminds us that true dependence on God for direction and empowerment is cultivated through disciplines like fasting and earnest prayer, not merely through human planning or enthusiasm. For the church, this verse underscores the vital responsibility of discerning and affirming those called to ministry, providing a formal, prayerful commissioning that signifies corporate support and dedication. It calls us to actively participate in God's global mission, not just as recipients of the gospel but as senders of those who will proclaim it. In an era where individualistic spirituality often prevails, Acts 13:3 powerfully reasserts the necessity of communal discernment, corporate action, and shared spiritual disciplines in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "laying hands on them" in this context?
Answer: The act of "laying hands on them" in Acts 13:3 is a deeply significant symbolic gesture. It is primarily an act of formal commissioning, blessing, and setting apart Barnabas and Saul for their specific missionary task. It signifies the church's corporate identification with, and endorsement of, their divine call. While the laying on of hands can have various meanings in the New Testament (e.g., healing, imparting the Holy Spirit, or spiritual gifts), here it functions as a public recognition and dedication to ministry. It communicates the church's full support, prayerful sending, and the transfer of their blessing and authority to these Spirit-called apostles as they embark on their groundbreaking journey, as seen in other commissioning instances like Numbers 27:18-23.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:3, while detailing the church's commissioning of Barnabas and Saul, ultimately points to the ultimate Sender and Sent One: Jesus Christ. The entire missionary enterprise, launched from Antioch, is a continuation of Christ's own mission, for He is the one whom the Father "sent into the world" (John 3:17). Jesus Himself was set apart by the Holy Spirit for His ministry (Luke 4:18-19), and He frequently withdrew to fast and pray before significant moments, modeling the very spiritual disciplines seen in Acts 13:3 (Matthew 4:1-2 and Luke 6:12). The church's act of sending Barnabas and Saul is a participation in Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), extending His presence and message to the ends of the earth. Thus, the commissioning in Acts 13:3 is not merely an organizational act but an echo of the divine sending of the Son, empowering His followers by the same Spirit to continue His redemptive work in the world until He returns.