The Way
Set Apart These Two
A church that sent away two men it loved
Story
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who had grown up with Herod the ruler of Galilee, and Saul. They came from different homelands and different families, but they served the Lord together in one church.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to.” These were the two men the church had learned from for more than a year. The church obeyed the Spirit.
After more fasting and prayer, they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them off. Sent by the Holy Spirit, the two went down to the port of Seleucia. From there they sailed out to sea toward Cyprus, the island where Barnabas was born.
Walk this scene on the map →Words of the Lord and of Paul
Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to.
After fasting and praying, they laid their hands on the two men and sent them off.
Sent out by the Holy Spirit, the two went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Acts 13:1–4
Background
Seleucia was a seaport about twenty-five kilometers west of Antioch. Niger is a Latin word meaning “black,” so many scholars think Simeon came from Africa.
Pause and Reflect
Can I gladly let go of someone I love when God calls them?