Acts 13:3
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
And
G5119
τότε
And
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 10
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
νηστεύσαντες
when they had fasted
G3522
νηστεύσαντες
when they had fasted
Strong's:
G3522
Word #:
2 of 10
to abstain from food (religiously)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
their hands
G5495
χεῖρας
their hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
8 of 10
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Cross References
Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.Acts 13:2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.1 Timothy 4:14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.2 Timothy 2:2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.Acts 14:26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.Numbers 27:23And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.3 John 1:8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.Acts 15:40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.Romans 10:15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Historical Context
Antioch's church became the missionary-sending hub for Paul's three journeys. This commissioning service formalized what the Spirit initiated, demonstrating that personal calling requires communal confirmation and support.
Questions for Reflection
- How should churches today balance individual calling with corporate confirmation and sending?
- What responsibilities do sending churches bear toward their missionaries?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The laying on of hands following prayer and fasting represents formal commissioning, not impartation of new gifting—Barnabas and Saul already possessed the Spirit. This public act expressed church partnership in their mission and accountability. The sequence (Spirit's call, church's confirmation, public sending) establishes pattern for missionary deployment.