1 Now ain the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: bBarnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, cLucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, a“Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work bto which I have called them.”
3 Then, ahaving fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
Preaching in Cyprus
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to aCyprus.
5 And when they arrived in Salamis, athey preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had bJohn as their assistant.
6 Now when they had gone through1 the island to Paphos, they found aa certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus,
7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
Laying on of hands is a rite used to set people apart for special tasks. The laying on of hands is part of a formal ceremony by which the church commissions selected people into their new service. Paul advises that this should take place only after the entire matter is properly and prayerfully considered.
The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.
Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.