Acts 13
Saul (also known as Paul) and Barnabas’
first missionary journey is an exciting landmark in Church history. It is the first recorded time that the Church
intentionally sent people to other communities to proclaim the Gospel. Up to now the growth of the church seems to
have mostly come from public preaching and teaching in Jewish areas and from
personal relationships; Cornelius and his household being notable exceptions.
How did this happen? Where did the idea come from to set aside
Paul and Barnabas for this purpose?
The very first part of the chapter
records, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit
said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called
them.’ Then after fasting and praying
they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
I don’t know how those gathered heard the
Holy Spirit. I imagine a voice from
heaven, similar to Jesus’ baptism, but it could also have been a slowly
building conviction or idea building among the various people gathered which
was then tested according to God’s Word.
The text doesn’t say, so we must be careful with this kind of
speculation.
The text, however, is clear as to what
those gathered were doing. It says they
were “worshiping” – the word in the original Greek is the root for our word, “liturgy.” This is corporate worship, hearing the Word
and receiving the Sacrament, praying, and the like. They were also fasting. Fasting is a semi-foreign concept to us U.S.
Americans. We prefer feasting. Fasting however is self-denial for the
purpose of focusing on God, His Word, prayer, confession, and such. It’s about removing the distractions. (Perhaps this is why they heard the Spirit!)
The Lord still graciously leads His
people, and it often happens in corporate worship, where we, together, hear the
Word, experience the Sacraments, and receive Jesus’ forgiveness. What a gift He has given us to be able to
gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ in worship!
Lord, help me to worship You in spirit and
in truth, and please lead Your people, including me, in Your mission to seek
and save the lost. Amen.
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