Acts 13:1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
observation
Jesus told his disciples to go and make more disciples, the Holy Spirit was very specific when he told the church to send out Barnabas and Saul. The time had come for the church to begin reaching out to the Gentiles, it was time to spread out beyond Jerusalem and Judea, and Barnabas and Paul were the ones chosen by the Holy Spirit.
Of course there was going to have to be resistance, right away they are confronted by a sorcerer and false prophet, then there were the Religious leaders. They were tempted with pride as one town decided that they were gods and Paul was stoned and left for dead outside the town.
application
It seems to me that if you are going out to spread the gospel you better be certain that your calling is sure. I don’t want to ever lead a team on a mission trip that has not been set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent off with prayer.
prayer
Help me to always rely on your strength and to be in prayer each day. Thank you for salvation, may I become more eager to share your good news with others.
