Acts Chapter 13 · Verse 4
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Original Language Analysis
Οὗτοὶ
they
G3778
Οὗτοὶ
they
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μὲν
So
G3303
μὲν
So
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
5 of 19
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 19
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
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίου
the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
9 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,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.Acts 11:19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Historical Context
Seleucia was Antioch's port city, about 16 miles away. Cyprus was Barnabas's homeland (Acts 4:36), making it a natural first destination. This voyage marked the beginning of intentional Gentile missions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern whether ministry initiatives are Spirit-led or merely self-directed?
- What does the partnership between Spirit leading and church sending teach about proper mission structure?
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'sent forth by the Holy Ghost' emphasizes divine initiative in missions. Paul and Barnabas didn't embark on self-directed ministry but responded to the Spirit's sovereign commissioning through the Antioch church. This pattern - Spirit-led, church-confirmed mission - establishes New Testament precedent for gospel expansion under divine direction rather than human ambition.