Acts 12:5 to 13:3 Barnabas and Saul Appointed as Missionaries

In Jerusalem around A.D. 47, shortly after Peter escaped from prison, Herod, his persecutor died an agonizing death after God placed His wrath and judgment on the blasphemous king. The word about Herod Aggripa’s horrible dead spread through the land, and reinforced the truth about the mightiness of God.

“25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.” (Acts 12:25)

Barnabas and Saul were chosen to take the offering from Antioch and deliver it safely to the needy in Jerusalem, where they stayed until this day. Now, their mission fulfilled, they return to the Gentile city accompanied by John, a relative a Barnabas to continue serving the Lord as missionaries and church planters.

“1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (Acts 13:1)

Antioch was the most important city in the Roman province of Asia. There, prophets and teachers of the gospel served as leaders of the church of Gentile Christendom. Barnabas, a Hellenistic Jew prophet from Cyprus, Niger, an African Roman teacher of the gospel, Lucius, also an African from Cyrene, a Roman city, Manaen, a Greek Herodian from Palestine and finally, named last yet the most prominent leader among these, Saul of Tarsus, a Jewish pharisee.

“2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

The leaders of the church at Antioch advanced the gospel by answering the call of the Lord through ministry, by teaching the truth about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. One day, the Holy Spirit revealed to them that both Barnabas and Saul were to be appointed to missionary work throughout the region.

“3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:3)

After the leaders of the church at Antioch had fasted and prayed about the appointment of Barnabas and Saul as missionaries, they laid hands on them and called on the name of the Lord to bless both men, and pour out His divine favor upon them on their journey. They would eventually return to Antioch after their first missionary tour of the region. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre

Daniel St.Pierre is a born again child of God. A Canadian immigrant to the United States, Daniel considers himself "blessed to be a blessing" as the ministry he leads continues to reach thousands of souls each month, on a global scale since 2003.