Acts 13:3
What does Acts 13:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:3 means
Responding obediently to the Holy Spirit's clear directive, the church leaders in Antioch engaged in further fasting and prayer, underscoring the solemnity and divine origin of the mission. They then laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, a symbolic act signifying commissioning, blessing, and identification with the mission. This act served as a public affirmation of God's call and the church's sending, entrusting them to the Lord for the work ahead. It was a profound moment of corporate discernment and submission to God's will, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than human strength for the task.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then, after prayer and going without food they put their hands on them, and sent them away.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862then having fasted, and having prayed, and having laid the hands on them, they sent <FI>them<Fi> away.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then they fasting and praying and imposing their hands upon them, sent them away.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then, having fasted and prayed, and having laid [their] hands on them, they let [them] go.
Context
Having heard the Holy Spirit's specific instruction to set apart Barnabas and Saul in verse 2, this verse depicts the Antioch church's immediate and prayerful response. This act of commissioning directly precedes their departure, as seen in verse 4. This sequence highlights the crucial role of collective prayer, fasting, and spiritual affirmation within the church before embarking on a missionary endeavor, ensuring that the mission was divinely sanctioned and supported by the believing community.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 1:6
For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.
- 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
- Acts 13:2
And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
- Romans 10:15
and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!
- Acts 6:6
whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
- Acts 15:40
but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
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