MPV Commentary

Barnabas and Saul, Divinely Called to Labor among the Gentiles, Are Set Apart and Sent Forth by the Church at Antioch.

The early chapters of this book could be divided into three sections: The Church among the Jews (chapters 1-7), The Church in Transition from Jews to Gentiles (chapters 8-12), and The Church among the Gentiles (chapters 13-28). Although Christianity had spread beyond Palestine, it was still a stranger to formal missionary efforts. Instead, the Gospel was spreading through casual occurrences, such as the persecution at Jerusalem (Acts 8:2).

1. There were prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, including Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (also known as Menahem), who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch.

Herod's foster brother was a remarkable example of how people from different backgrounds could become devoted followers of Jesus. While Herod was known for his licentious lifestyle and persecution of God's prophets, Manaen became a prophet in the church at Antioch.

2. As these men ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said through some of the prophets, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

This call was not just from the church but also from God Himself. The phrase "Separate me" emphasizes the divine origin of their calling.

3. The church laid hands on them and sent them away with a double call: first, by the Spirit, and then by the church itself. This is the true principle of appointment to sacred offices, where individuals are set apart for a specific work by both God's Spirit and the community of believers.