Acts 13:2

Authorized 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

λειτουργούντων

G3008

they ministered

to be a public servant, i.e., (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship, obey, relieve)

δὲ

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτούς

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίῳ

G2962

to the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νηστευόντων

G3522

fasted

to abstain from food (religiously)

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

πνεῦμα

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#11

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ἅγιον

G40

the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#13

Ἀφορίσατε

G873

Separate

to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc

#14

δή

G1211

a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc

#15

μοι

G3427

to me

#16

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

τε

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#18

Βαρναβᾶν

G921

Barnabas

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

Σαῦλον

G4569

Saul

saulus (i.e., shaul), the jewish name of paul

#22

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#23

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ἔργον

G2041

the work

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#25

ὃ

G3739

whereunto

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#26

προσκέκλημαι

G4341

I have called

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

#27

αὐτούς

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul