Acts 13:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
λειτουργούντων
they ministered
G3008
λειτουργούντων
they ministered
Strong's:
G3008
Word #:
1 of 27
to be a public servant, i.e., (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship, obey, relieve)
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 27
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
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 27
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
12 of 27
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Ἀφορίσατε
Separate
G873
Ἀφορίσατε
Separate
Strong's:
G873
Word #:
13 of 27
to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
18 of 27
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
the work
G2041
ἔργον
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
24 of 27
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ὃ
whereunto
G3739
ὃ
whereunto
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
25 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Galatians 1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,1 Corinthians 12:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.2 Timothy 1:11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.Acts 22:21And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.Acts 14:26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.Daniel 9:3And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.1 Timothy 2:7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
Historical Context
This commissioning at Antioch (AD 47-48) launched Christianity's first planned missionary journey. The multiethnic leadership team (including Simon called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene) reflected Antioch's cosmopolitan character and the gospel's boundary-crossing nature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Holy Spirit guide churches in missionary calling and sending today?
- What role do corporate worship and fasting play in discerning God's strategic direction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Holy Spirit's directive to 'Separate me Barnabas and Saul' demonstrates the Spirit's personal agency in missionary calling and deployment. The context of worship and fasting shows that strategic ministry guidance comes through devoted seeking. The specific selection of these two from multiple prophets and teachers reveals divine sovereignty in leadership appointments.