Acts 13:1-4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted - On Mondays and Thursdays it was usual with the more pious Jews to attend the public service in their synagogues, and to fast: the former is what we are to understand by ministering to the Lord. On the Sabbaths they attended the service in the synagogue, but did not fast. The Greek word, λειτουργουντων , signifies performing the office of praying, supplicating, rendering thanks, etc.: hence the word λειτουργια , liturgy, the work of prayer,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:3

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them - They fasted: this was probably done by the whole Church. They prayed, that God would bless and prosper them in their work. They land hands upon them; thus solemnly appointing them to that particular work. But was it by this fasting, praying, and imposition of hands that these men were qualified for this work? No. God had already called them to it, Acts 13:2 , and he who called them had qualified them. Both their... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:4

Being sent forth by the Holy Ghost - By his influence, authority, and under his continual direction. Without the first, they were not qualified to go; without the second, they had no authority to go; and without the third, they could not know where to go. Departed, unto Seleucia - This is generally understood to be Seleucia of Pieria, the first city on the coast of Syria, coming from Cilicia; near the place where the river Orontes pours itself into the sea. They sailed to Cyprus - A... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:1

Verse 1 Here followeth an history, not only worthy to be remembered, but also very profitable to be known, how Paul was appointed the teacher of the Gentiles; for his calling was, as it were, a key whereby God opened to us the kingdom of heaven. We know that the covenant of eternal life was properly concluded with the Jews, so that we had nothing to do with God’s inheritance, forasmuch as we were strangers, (Ephesians 2:12;) and the wall of separation was between, which did distinguish those of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:2

Verse 2 2And they ministered to the Lord. The word which Luke useth doth not only signify to be occupied about holy things, but also sometimes to bear public offices. And because the holy rites of the Gentiles did for the most part consist upon [of] burnt-offerings and sacrifices, it is oftentimes taken for to offer sacrifice; which sense did well like the Papists, that they might prove that the apostles did use some sacrifice. But admit it were so; yet do they foolishly pretend for defense of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:3

Verse 3 3.When they had fasted and prayed. That they may obey the oracle, they do not only send Paul and Barnabas away; but also with a solemn rite they appoint them to be the apostles of the Gentiles; it is without question that this was a public fast. Luke said before, that they were fasting, forasmuch as they were busied in their ministry: it might be that that was according to the custom; but now there is another reason, for in appointing a public fast, which used to be done in hard matters... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:4

Verse 4 4.Being sent out by the Holy Ghost. There is no mention made here of the election made by the Church, because it was altogether a divine calling; the Church did only receive those who were offered them by the hand of God. He saith, that they came first to Seleucia, which was a city of Syria. There was, indeed, a country of the same name; but it is more likely that Luke speaketh of the city, which was not far from Cyprus by sea. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:1

At Antioch., in the Church that was there for in the Church that was at Antioch, A.V.; prophets, etc., for certain prophets, etc., A.V. and T.R.; Barnabas, etc., for as Barnabas, etc., A.V.; Symeon for Simeon, A.V.; the foster-brother of for which had been brought up with, A.V. At Antioch, in the Church , etc. κατὰ τὴν οὖσαν ἐκκλησίαν rather means "the existing Church," just as at αἱ οὖσαι ἐξουσίαι means "the existing powers," "the powers that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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