Acts 13:1-3

THE CHURCH IN THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE WORLD

Acts 13:1, Acts 28:31

THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

1.

AT ANTIOCH. Acts 13:1-3.

1

Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2

And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

3

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

Acts 13:1 Luke begins this portion of his treatise as if it were the beginning of a separate narrative. Although it is a part of the whole, yet one could start reading at Acts 13:1 and find a complete story as he read through the rest of the book.

The spread of the gospel into the uttermost part of the earth begins from the metropolis of Antioch in Syria, and with two of the leaders of this church.

It will be of interest to note that Barnabas and Saul along with the others are called prophets and teachers of this church. The other servants of the church were: (1) Symeon that was called Niger, i.e. Symeon who was called black. There is no need to immediately conclude that Symeon was a Negro. There are many men who because of their dark hair or complexion are called black. (2) Lucius of Cyrene must have been one of the first to come to Antioch as we read in Acts 11:20 that men from this city of northern Africa were the first to preach Christ in Antioch. (3) Manaen the foster brother of Herod the Tetrarch; this was Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee; and since we learn from Josephus that this Herod and his brother Archelaus were children of the same mother, and afterward educated together at Rome, it is probable that this Christian prophet or teacher had spent his childhood with these two princes, who were now both banished from Palestine to the banks of the Rhine.

Saul is placed last on the list of the five; this is probably in the order of importance. Who were prophets, and who were teachers? This we are not told. The word prophet is suggestive of far more than only foretelling the future; it carries with it the thought of exhortation and divine utterance. Read the notes on The gifts of the Holy Spirit, as to how the gift of prophecy was given.

399.

Who were the prophets and teachers of the Antioch church? Name them from memory.

400.

Do you believe Symeon was a Negro?

401.

Who was Lucius of Cyrene?

402.

What interesting word does Josephus give us of one of the leaders?

Acts 13:2 The leaders of the Antioch church were busy about the work of God. They ministered to the Lord, and fasted. Of just what this ministration to the Lord consisted we are not told, but from other examples of the work of the church we know that they were caring for both the physical and the spiritual needs of the saints. Why were they fasting? It could have been the usual habit of consecration then prevailing in the early church. We are disposed to this view. While they were thus engaged, the Holy Spirit spoke to Symeon, Lucius and Manaen, concerning Barnabas and Saul.

Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
That God had previously called Saul we are certain. But when the Lord spoke to Barnabas concerning this task we do not know, but that He did we are here assured.

Acts 13:3 The setting aside described in verse three is what is commonly referred to as an ordination service. There was a setting aside. It could be overlooked that this is an example for all those who would do similar work today. Consider the facts of this case as an example:

(1)

There must be men qualified, men who are already busy in the Lord's work.

(2)

They must feel and realize that God has called them to this task. (Not of course in the same way that these two were called.)

(3)

The local congregation directed by the elders sets them aside.

(4)

Fasting and prayer are to precede the setting aside.

(5)

The hands of the elders, in this case called teachers, are laid upon their heads. (Since it was not the hands of the apostles we know nothing miraculous was imparted.)

(6)

They are sent away to a definite work.

403.

How did these men become prophets? Prove your answer.

404.

What did you conclude the word ministered to the Lord means?

405.

Why were they fasting? How often?

406.

Who did the Lord speak to regarding Barnabas and Saul?

407.

When had God called Barnabas?

408.

What example for us is given in the church at Antioch?

409.

Give from memory the six steps in setting aside men for the work of God.