Acts 13:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:3

Then for and, A.V. It does not follow that the laying on of hands was on the same day. On the contrary, the mention of the fasting again in this verse makes it impossible so to understand it. Doubtless, on receiving this intimation of the Spirit, they fixed a day for the ordination, and prepared for it by fasting and prayer. The ember days of the Church before ordinations are m accordance with this precedent of Holy Scripture. With this departure of Barnabas and Saul commences the second... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 13:1

The church that was at Antioch - See the notes on Acts 11:20.Certain prophets - See the notes on Acts 11:27.And teachers - Teachers are several times mentioned in the New Testament as an order of ministers, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Peter 2:1. Their precise rank and duty are not known. It is probable that those mentioned here as prophets were the same persons as the teachers. They might discharge both offices, predicting future events, and instructing the people.As Barnabas -... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord - It is probable that this took place on some day set apart for fasting and prayer. The expression “ministered to the Lord” means as they were engaged in prayer to the Lord, or as they were engaged in divine service. The Syriac thus renders the passage.The Holy Ghost said - Evidently by direct revelation.Separate me - Set apart to me, or for my service. It does not mean to ordain, but simply to designate, or appoint to this specific work.For the work whereunto I... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 13:3

And when they had fasted - They were fasting when they were commanded to set them apart. Yet this probably refers to an appointed day of prayer, with reference to this very purpose. The first formal mission to the Gentiles was an important event in the church, and they engaged in this appointment with deep solemnity and with humbling themselves before God.And prayed - This enterprise was a new one. The gospel had been preached to the Jews, to Cornelius, and to the Gentiles at Antioch. But there... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 13:1

Acts 13:1. There were in the church at Antioch certain prophets and teachers Some of them, it seems, the stated pastors of the church, and some only occasionally resident there: Paul and Barnabas were of the latter. Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod His foster- brother, now freed from the temptations of a court. As they ministered to the Lord Which all diligent faithful teachers do: for while they minister to the church in praying and preaching (both which are here included)... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Acts 13:1-3

13:1-14:28 INTO ASIA MINOR (FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY)Zeal of the church in Antioch (13:1-3)The church at Antioch, which was the first Gentile church, was also the first church to see its responsibility to send off missionaries to distant places. It became the ‘jumping off point’ for the establishment of other churches. For this purpose it decided to send off its two most gifted and experienced leaders, Barnabas and Saul (now to be called by his Roman name, Paul). The church showed its... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Acts 13:1

church . App-186 . at = in. Greek. en . App-104 . Antioch . See note on Acts 11:19 . certain . Texts omit. prophets . App-189 . teachers . Greek. didaskalos. Occurs forty-eight times in Gospels, translated "Master" except in Luke 2:46 (doctor) and John 3:2 (teacher). Only here in Acts. Always "teacher" in the Epistles, except James 3:1 (master). which had been brought up with = foster-brother of. Greek suntrophos. Only here. Herod . Herod Antipas. App-109 . tetrarch . See Matthew... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Acts 13:2

ministered . Greek. leitourgeo. App-190 . Here, Romans 15:27 . Hebrews 10:11 . In the Septuagint used of the Levitical service, as in Hebrews 10:11 . the Holy Ghost . App-101 . Separate . Compare Romans 1:1 .Galatians 1:1 , Galatians 1:15 . whereunto = to which. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Acts 13:3

when they had = having. prayed . Greek. proseuchomai. App-134 . sent . . . away . Greek. apoluo. App-174 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Acts 13:1

An alternative outline of Acts makes just two divisions in it, the first twelve chapters, and the rest of Acts beginning here, with the first section containing material related to the apostle Peter, and the last division having material especially related to the apostle Paul. This is quite logical, in fact; for from this chapter until the end of it, Acts presents the missionary efforts of the inimitable Paul.Acts 13 records the beginning of what is usually called Paul's first missionary... read more

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