Set Apart

In Acts 13 we read about the next phase of the growth and expansion of the Church to every corner of the globe. It is the start of Paul’s first journey through many cities, preaching the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. In the first three verses we are given a formula for being the kind of Church that grows and does the will of God. Do we want to be a Church that is in maintenance mode and dying, or a Church which is faithful, obedient, committed and growing?

Scripture

Acts 13:1-3 ESV  Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  [2]  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.”  [3]  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Bible Study Questions

Building to the end of the earth

God’s plan to build the global Church and make disciples of all nations unfolds in Acts. We’ve already seen how the Church started in Jerusalem at Pentecost, how it spread through the Jewish believers in Judea and how God opened it up to all nations through the testimony of Peter. How is this plan revealed by Jesus before His ascension? Is this part of the plan complete, or are we as the Church still called to see it fulfilled?

Acts 1:6-9 ESV  So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”  [7]  He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.  [8]  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  [9]  And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Luke 24:46-49 ESV  and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,  [47]  and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  [48]  You are witnesses of these things.  [49]  And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Preparing a Church for building

The Family Church mission is to encourage and equip everyone to learn Scripture, Pray, Worship and serve wherever we are, every day, not just Sundays. After the Church in Antioch had been planted by anonymous men from Cyprus and Cyrene, it was encouraged by Barnabas and the taught for a whole year. What do you think they were taught, and how often do you think they gathered to learn?

Acts 11:19-20 ESV  Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.  [20]  But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Acts 11:25-26 ESV  So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,  [26]  and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Jesus gave them builders

In the Church at Antioch there were men who served as prophets and teachers. It was not just Saul who taught. How did they become prophets and teachers and why were there a number of them?

Acts 13:1a ESV  Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers…

Ephesians 4:8-14 ESV  Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”  [9]  (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?  [10]  He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)  [11]  And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,  [12]  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  [13]  until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,  [14]  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

From the end of the earth to the end of the earth

Barnabus is a nickname given to Joseph a Levite from Cyprus, Simeon had the nickname “Black”, Lucius was know to be from modern day Libya, and Manaen came from the unlikeliest place of the palace of Herod. Saul was from Tarsus and a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin. Why do you think these details are mentioned, and what do these diverse backgrounds tell us about the men and the Church they served?

Acts 13:1b ESV …Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Galatians 3:27-29 ESV  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  [28]  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  [29]  And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

Being ready to hear God’s call

While they were already serving God, teaching and learning, worshipping and fasting (which must have included praying), the Holy Spirit communicated with the Church concerning them. What does this tell us about how to hear God’s voice and His plans for our lives? What should we apply ourselves to if we want to hear from God?

Acts 13:2a ESV While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting,

Called to work by the Holy Spirit

Christians are made for God to be His possession and do serve Him. We do not call each other to ministry work. We don’t decide what work we are going to do for God. We are called for Him by Him. Why do Christians belong to God to do His will?

Acts 13:2b ESV the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,  [20]  for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Sent off by the Church

The Holy Spirit calls, prepares and equips us for the work that He has determined for us to do. If that is the case then what role does the Church play in the process? How can we “send off” each other as the Holy Spirit calls and equips us through the prophets and teachers that He gives to the Church?

Acts 13:3 ESV Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 ESV  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  [12]  We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,  [13]  and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.  [14]  And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.  [15]  See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.  [16]  Rejoice always,  [17]  pray without ceasing,  [18]  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  [19]  Do not quench the Spirit.  [20]  Do not despise prophecies,  [21]  but test everything; hold fast what is good.  [22]  Abstain from every form of evil.