Bible Strands
Acts 13:2
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Holy Spirit addresses the prophets and teachers named in verse 1, gathered at Antioch in worship and fasting. The moment is communal discernment, not a private encounter.
The words — λειτουργοῦντων (leitourgountōn), "ministering," is the verb for temple and civic service, framing the gathering as active duty rather than passive attendance. The Spirit's action is rendered with εἶπεν (eipen), "said," the same plain aorist used for human speech.
The thread — The same logic runs through Acts 9:15 (Saul as "chosen instrument"), Galatians 1:15 (set apart from the womb), and 1 Corinthians 12:11 (the Spirit apportions as He determines). In each case the initiative is divine; the community's role is recognition and release.
Why it lands — The verse asks the reader to see their function as discernment and release, not as the origin of the call. The burden of choosing is removed; the burden of obedience remains.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Cross-references
- Galatians 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased
- Acts 9:15 “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
- 1 Corinthians 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
- Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—
- 2 Timothy 1:11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
- Daniel 9:3 So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
- Acts 14:26 From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed.
- Acts 22:21 Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
- 1 Timothy 2:7 For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.
- 1 Samuel 2:11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.