Listen (Acts 13:1-3)

Barnabas and Saul were set apart.

1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch,
and Saul.
2 As 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 they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them,
they sent them off.

Key Background

The church at Antioch

Across its early years, significant prophets and teachers emerged from the church in Antioch.
The Greek word rendered “prophets” was the same word used to identify those who proclaimed the inspired word of God.

The leaders identified in verse 1 formed a diverse group, including three Gentiles
(Simeon, Lucius, and Manaen)
and two Jews (Barnabas and Saul).
Their different backgrounds emphasized diversity in language, customs, and traditions.
The diversity of the leaders reflected the diversity among the believers.

Explain:

“prophets and teachers” in verse 1.

Relate these terms to roles in the church today.

Ask:

• What does “being called” look like for believers today? How can you encourage people as they follow God’s call? (p. 15)

Pray:

lead a prayer based on Acts 13:1-3
Thank God for giving us His Word and His Spirit
so that we may know Him and His plan.

Pray that God would use your church to spread the gospel among the nations.

Ask God to call out missionaries from your church.

Praying Scripture

Acts 13:1-3

Spend time praying Scripture using Acts 13:1-3. Read the verses, then respond to these questions:

• How does God reveal Himself in these verses?
• How should I respond to what He reveals?

Example: Thank God for His Spirit’s leadership in our lives. Ask Him to call out members of your Bible study and your church to share the gospel in your community and around the world.

During the session, invite adults to pray this Scripture, as well.