![[article cover study.wiki.png]] **[Practical Christianity Wiki Home page]( https://publish.obsidian.md/practical-christianity/About/Biblical+Studies)** [Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) **Cross Reference**: #acts, #apostolic_mission, #pauls_first_missionary_journey, #church_at_antioch # Paul and Barnabas Sent on the First Missionary Journey **Scripture Reference: [Acts 13:1-52](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.1-52&version=AMP)** ## Historical Context Acts 13 marks the beginning of the first [[missionary journey]] undertaken by [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]], a significant shift in the [[Church]]’s mission as it expands beyond [[Judea]] into the [[Gentile]] world. This chapter occurs within the broader framework of the [[church at Antioch]], a key center for early [[Christianity]]. Antioch was a culturally diverse city with a significant [[Jewish]] population and an emerging [[Christian]] community. The [[Holy Spirit]]’s directive to set apart [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]] signals a divine initiative to fulfill the [[Great Commission]], establishing a precedent for [[missions]] throughout the book of Acts. ## Lexical Analysis ### 1. **“Set Apart” (Greek: ἀφορίζω)** In [Acts 13:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.2&version=AMP), the [[Holy Spirit]] instructs the leaders at Antioch to “set apart” (ἀφορίζω, aphorizō) [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]]. This verb connotes a clear separation for a specific purpose or mission. Its use here indicates a divine calling and commissioning, distinguishing these two apostles for a work ordained by [[God]]. This act of setting apart underscores the intentional and strategic nature of [[missions]] in the early [[Church]]. ### 2. **“Ministering” (Greek: λειτουργέω)** The term λειτουργέω (leitourgeō) in [Acts 13:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.2&version=AMP) is often translated as “worshiping” or “ministering.” This Greek word carries connotations of priestly service, suggesting that the [[Church]]’s leaders were engaged in acts of worship and devotion. Their response to the [[Holy Spirit]]’s direction emerges from this context of communal worship, highlighting the spiritual disciplines that undergirded early [[Christian]] mission initiatives. ### 3. **“Word of God” (Greek: λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ)** In [Acts 13:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.5&version=AMP), Paul and Barnabas proclaim the λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ (logos tou Theou), or the [[Word of God]]. This phrase not only refers to the [[Gospel]] message but also to the authoritative revelation of [[God]] as embodied in [[Scripture]] and the teachings of [[Jesus Christ]]. The emphasis on proclaiming the [[Word of God]] underscores the centrality of [[Scripture]] and [[apostolic teaching]] in the early missionary endeavors. ## Textual Variants One notable textual issue arises in [Acts 13:33](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.33&version=AMP), where different manuscripts vary in their quotations from [[Psalm 2:7]]. Some texts read, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You,” aligning closely with the Septuagint. Others offer slight variations in wording, reflecting the fluidity in early Christian citation practices when referencing the [[Old Testament]]. These textual nuances do not significantly alter the meaning but provide insight into the interpretive methods of early [[Christian]] communities. ## Theological Themes ### 1. **The Role of the Holy Spirit in Missions** Throughout [Acts 13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13&version=AMP), the [[Holy Spirit]] is portrayed as the initiator and guide of [[missions]]. From directing the leaders at Antioch to set apart [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]] to empowering their preaching, the [[Holy Spirit]]’s presence underscores [[God]]’s active involvement in the expansion of the [[Gospel]]. This divine leading serves as a model for subsequent missionary endeavors, highlighting the necessity of spiritual discernment and obedience in fulfilling [[God]]’s mission. ### 2. **Preaching to the Jews and the Gentiles** Paul’s sermon in [Acts 13:16-41](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.16-41&version=AMP) addresses a [[Jewish]] audience in the synagogue at [[Pisidian Antioch]]. However, when the [[Gentiles]] express interest in the [[Gospel]] message, Paul and [[Barnabas]] extend their ministry beyond the confines of the [[Jewish]] community. This shift fulfills the [[Old Testament]] prophecies concerning the inclusion of the [[Gentiles]] in [[God]]’s redemptive plan. The narrative’s progression from addressing the [[Jews]] to embracing the [[Gentiles]] encapsulates the [[Church]]’s transition from a [[Jewish]] sect to a multi-ethnic global movement. ### 3. **Rejection and Divine Sovereignty** In [Acts 13:46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13.46&version=AMP), Paul and [[Barnabas]] declare, “We are turning to the [[Gentiles]].” This declaration follows the rejection of the [[Gospel]] by many in the [[Jewish]] community. Rather than a defeat, this rejection is framed within [[God]]’s sovereign plan to bring salvation to the [[nations]]. This theological theme of rejection coupled with divine purpose echoes throughout the narrative, illustrating [[God]]’s control over human events to accomplish His redemptive work. ## Authorial Intent Luke’s recounting of Paul and Barnabas’s first [[missionary journey]] aims to showcase the [[Church]]’s growing mission to the [[Gentiles]] under the direction of the [[Holy Spirit]]. By documenting Paul’s sermon, the subsequent rejection by the [[Jews]], and the acceptance by the [[Gentiles]], Luke highlights the inclusive nature of the [[Gospel]] and the role of [[God]]’s Spirit in guiding the spread of the [[Christian faith]]. The narrative functions both as a historical record and a theological statement affirming the [[Church]]’s calling to reach all [[nations]]. #### Call to Action: - Seek the [[Holy Spirit]]’s guidance in fulfilling [[God]]’s mission, remaining sensitive to His leading. - Embrace the inclusivity of the [[Gospel]], reaching out to those from different backgrounds and cultures. - Trust in [[God]]’s sovereignty, even amid rejection or opposition, knowing that He accomplishes His purposes. --- **Related Concepts:** - [[Missionary Calling]] - [[Divine Sovereignty]] - [[Pauline Missions]] - [[Jewish-Gentile Relations]] - [[Apostolic Preaching]] - [[Role of the Holy Spirit]] - [[Synagogue Preaching]]