Acts 13:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:1-3

An illustrious Church. Antecedently it might have been expected that the Church of Jerusalem would prove to be the most influential and illustrious of all Christian communities, and that from all lands and ages men would look back to it as the most potent factor in the early history of "our holy religion." But in this respect it must give place to "the Church that was at Antioch." This community was remarkable for four things. I. ITS HUMAN COMPOSITION . ( Acts 13:1 .) Great... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:1-3

Ordination of Barnabas and Saul. I. THE TRUE WEALTH OF A CHURCH . There were prophets and teachers at Antioch. Nothing is said about its wealth in money, only about its wealth in men. A religious community may possess splendid buildings, wealthy members; may command amply all the external appliances of worship and work; but unless it has men, it has not strength. Intelligence and enthusiasm, piety and genius, constitute the true forces of the Church. Without these, it is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:1-5

An ordination service. This chapter is very interesting, as finding for us the real starting-point of Saul's grand missionary labors; as recording the change of his name to Paul ( Acts 13:9 ); as altering the order hitherto observed in mentioning it, from "Barnabas and Saul" to "Paul and Barnabas" ( Acts 13:2 , Acts 13:8 ; comp. with Acts 13:13 , Acts 13:43 ); and lastly, as forming the commencement of a long sketch of history almost exclusively occupied with his acts and career... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:1-15

The invasion of heathendom. It has been well remarked that Antioch was the true center of direct missions to the heathen world. An Ethiopian eunuch, and a Roman centurion, had indeed been gathered into the fold of Christ. But they were both closely connected with the land of Judah, and their conversion had not led to any further extension of the gospel of Christ. At Antioch the seed of Christian truth first fell in abundance upon heathen soil; from Antioch first went forth the preachers of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:2

And as for as, A.V. They ministered ; i.e. not, as Meyer explains it, the whole Church, but the prophets and teachers, doubtless at an assembly of the Church. The word λειτουργούντων , here rendered "they ministered" (from which the word "Liturgy" is derived), signifies any solemn ministration or holy service. In the Old Testament the LXX . use it as the rendering of תרֵשֵׁ , to minister (often with the addition "to God," or "to the Lord "), which is a general word applying to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:2-3

Human separation to Divine missions. The point to which attention may be directed is that the living Lord, presiding in his Church, selects the persons to do his work, but requires the Church to make outward and formal recognition of his selection. Christ calls to work. The Church separates to work. This subject may be introduced by illustrations of the ways in which God was pleased to communicate his will under the older dispensations, as e.g. by the vision and message of angels, by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:2-4

The presidency of the Holy Ghost. "The Holy Ghost said;" "Being sent forth by the Holy Ghost." Seriously erroneous views of the presidency of the Holy Ghost in the Christian Church or Churches make it necessary that the true and scriptural teaching on the subject should be explained. It is assumed, by some sections, that this presidency secures the absolute truth of whatever may be said at such a meeting, and the infallibility of every decision to which such a meeting may be led. But the... 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

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

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