13:3 13:3

Acts 13:4

13:5 13:5

Bible Versions

¶ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
So {G3303}{G3767} they {G3778}, being sent forth {G1599} by {G5259} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, departed {G2718} unto {G1519} Seleucia {G4581}; and from {G1564} thence {G5037} they sailed {G636} to {G1519} Cyprus {G2954}.
So these two, after they had been sent out by the Ruach HaKodesh, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus.
So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Acts, signifying the official beginning of Paul's (formerly Saul's) first major missionary journey. Following a period of fasting and prayer by the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, the Holy Spirit specifically instructed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. Seleucia was the bustling port city for Antioch, serving as the natural embarkation point for sea travel. From there, they sailed to Cyprus, which was Barnabas's home island and a strategic early destination for spreading the gospel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Guidance: The phrase "being sent forth by the Holy Ghost" is crucial. It underscores that this ambitious missionary endeavor was not a human idea but divinely ordained and directed. The entire mission was empowered and guided by God's Spirit, highlighting His active involvement in the expansion of His kingdom.
  • Obedience and Availability: Barnabas and Saul's immediate departure demonstrates their deep obedience and availability to the Spirit's call. They were ready to go wherever God led, trusting in His provision and power.
  • Strategic Commencement: The journey began from a major Roman city (Antioch), moved through its port (Seleucia), and then to an island (Cyprus) that was relatively familiar to Barnabas, indicating a thoughtful, Spirit-led strategy for reaching both Jewish communities and Gentiles.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "sent forth" is ekpempō (ἐκπέμπω), which means "to send out" or "to dispatch." It conveys a sense of being purposefully commissioned and sent out from a specific place with a particular task. The term "Holy Ghost" is the King James Version's rendering of the Greek Pneuma Hagion (Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον), which refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers and directs believers.

Practical Application

Acts 13:4 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that God continues to initiate and empower His work through His people. Just as the early apostles were specifically "sent forth" by the Holy Spirit, so too are Christians called to be led by the Spirit in their daily lives, service, and witness. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of listening and obedience to God's guidance, trusting that when we are sent by Him, He will provide the means and the path for His purposes to be accomplished, whether in our local communities or to the ends of the earth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 4:36

    And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

  • Acts 13:2

    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 11:19

    ¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

  • Acts 20:23

    Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

  • Acts 27:4

    And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
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