Acts 13:3 - Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
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What does "Acts 13:3" mean?
Acts 13:3 describes a pivotal moment in the early church in Antioch. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"Then, when they had fasted and prayed..." This refers to the leaders (prophets and teachers) of the church in Antioch. Fasting and prayer were common practices in the early church when seeking God's guidance, especially before making important decisions. They sought divine direction and blessing. This indicates a seriousness and commitment to the task ahead.
"...and laid their hands on them..." This act of laying hands on people was a symbolic gesture used to:
Impart blessing: They were invoking God's blessing on Barnabas and Saul (later Paul).
Commission for service: It signified a setting apart for a specific task or mission. It was a recognition of the Holy Spirit's call and an authorization from the church.
Identify with them: It showed the church's support and unity with Barnabas and Saul in their mission.
"...they sent them away." This signifies the official launching of Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey. They were sent out by the church, with the blessing and support of the community.
In summary, Acts 13:3 describes the following:
1. Seeking God's Guidance: The church leaders sought God's direction through fasting and prayer.
2. Recognition of a Call: Barnabas and Saul were recognized as being called by the Holy Spirit for a specific ministry.
3. Commissioning and Blessing: The laying on of hands was an act of commissioning them, blessing them, and identifying with them in their mission.
4. Sending Forth: The church officially sent them out to fulfill the task God had called them to.
Significance of the Verse:
Church Leadership: This shows the importance of church leaders seeking God's will and confirming and supporting the ministry of individuals.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: It highlights the Holy Spirit's role in directing the church and calling people to specific tasks. (Acts 13:2 states "the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" )
Missionary Outreach: This verse marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, which was instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Community Support: It emphasizes the importance of community support for those involved in ministry.
In essence, Acts 13:3 is a powerful example of how the early church discerned God's will, commissioned leaders, and launched them into ministry, guided by prayer, fasting, and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:3 - Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
What does "Acts 13:3" mean?
Acts 13:3 describes a pivotal moment in the early church in Antioch. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"Then, when they had fasted and prayed..." This refers to the leaders (prophets and teachers) of the church in Antioch. Fasting and prayer were common practices in the early church when seeking God's guidance, especially before making important decisions. They sought divine direction and blessing. This indicates a seriousness and commitment to the task ahead.
"...and laid their hands on them..." This act of laying hands on people was a symbolic gesture used to:
Impart blessing: They were invoking God's blessing on Barnabas and Saul (later Paul).
Commission for service: It signified a setting apart for a specific task or mission. It was a recognition of the Holy Spirit's call and an authorization from the church.
Identify with them: It showed the church's support and unity with Barnabas and Saul in their mission.
"...they sent them away." This signifies the official launching of Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey. They were sent out by the church, with the blessing and support of the community.
In summary, Acts 13:3 describes the following:
1. Seeking God's Guidance: The church leaders sought God's direction through fasting and prayer.
2. Recognition of a Call: Barnabas and Saul were recognized as being called by the Holy Spirit for a specific ministry.
3. Commissioning and Blessing: The laying on of hands was an act of commissioning them, blessing them, and identifying with them in their mission.
4. Sending Forth: The church officially sent them out to fulfill the task God had called them to.
Significance of the Verse:
Church Leadership: This shows the importance of church leaders seeking God's will and confirming and supporting the ministry of individuals.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: It highlights the Holy Spirit's role in directing the church and calling people to specific tasks. (Acts 13:2 states "the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" )
Missionary Outreach: This verse marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, which was instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Community Support: It emphasizes the importance of community support for those involved in ministry.
In essence, Acts 13:3 is a powerful example of how the early church discerned God's will, commissioned leaders, and launched them into ministry, guided by prayer, fasting, and the Holy Spirit.