Acts 13 Commentary
It’s not the first time we have seen specialization in ministry. We saw it with Tabitha. Her heart was drawn to generosity. Barnabas’ peaceful goodness wasn’t commonplace. Now we have teachers and prophets.
The teachers would probably be in the shape and color of the scribes or the known teachers of the law. They understood the scriptures and were able to explain how Moses and the Prophets converged at the feet of Jesus. The grand plan of salvation culminated in the events of Calvary and the new life after that.
The prophets would be in the shape of John the Baptist. Saul would fall under the category of teacher. Of course, there are many times when you viewed him as a convertible – The Holy Spirit deciding the color of Saul’s jersey accordingly. Most likely, the same team was both, depending on the decision of Spirit.
Saul is the Hebrew version of Paul, which is a Greek name. From this point on, he shall be known as Paul, probably to reflect his work among the nations/gentiles.
The Holy Spirit speaks to the believers. Paul and Barnabas must be separated for a special mission. The church shouldn’t hold on to them. The Holy Spirit commissions them. Their brothers perform the ritual of “laying hands on them”. This work is not performed by the elders or apostles – some people with a presumed higher level of authority or rank or title. It is done by fellow teachers and fellow prophets.
The understanding here could be that the laying of hands has something to do with “transference”. It could be symbolic. “Go under our full blessing. We are with you. You are our ambassadors. You are our authority and you carry the responsibility of the church.” Paul and Barnabas become an extension of the local church. The laying of hands extends, expands, or connects the church to the outreach mission.
Missionaries are not an independent effort. But let not the traditional view of the term missionary distort our view of the mission field. ‘Missionaries’ aren’t the only players in this field. The Holy Spirit is operating as He sees fit. Philip’s mission to the Ethiopian official is not generated via the local church arrangement. When your career scatters you to a location away from your hometown, know you are a missionary. The mission is wherever the mission field is.
This outreach trip would be Paul’s first missionary journey. The results of the disciple’s missionary work are mixed. People respond in faith and accept the gospel. Others reject the gospel and eject the messengers. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted and expelled in the process. But they simply change venues; the work continues.
Success in ministry has nothing to do with the “input/output” equation. Execute the instructions of the Holy Spirit and you will have succeeded! Obedience matters. In this battle, soldiers are congratulated for showing up battered! That’s how they win! Obedience is everything. Leave everything else to the Commander of the armies of the LORD.
Battered and smiling. Interesting. “…filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit”.
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