Page 69 - acts_study_book2

THE SEPARATION OF BARNABAS AND SAUL TO MINISTRY (1-3)

A group of prophets and teachers are spending time together ministering to the Lord. As they
fasted and prayed, the Lord speaks to them to separate Barnabas and Saul. In response, the
men with Barnabas and Saul pray, lay hands on them, and send them away.

LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH

Act 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as
Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had
been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Previously we studied about the prophets who left the fading church at Jerusalem to become

part of the growing church at Antioch (11:27-28). During this time, others may have been rising
up in the congregation and receiving the call of God while learning under the leadership of the
prophets who were present. Prophets primarily give leadership from the Holy Spirit. Teachers
give leadership from the Word of God.

The name of the church at Antioch is given to identify its location as home base from which
ministers will travel. Although these particular ministers primarily travel from church to church
and city to city, they are sent from and return to the local church.

Many fallacies have been based on Acts 13. Some teaching purports each church must have
prophets and apostles who attend and officiate, that they must be part of the government of
the local church. This is not correct. Although prophets and apostles are mentioned as being in
leadership positions in the Antioch church, the office of the pastor had not yet been established
and local churches were not being established in the many cities were mission activity will
occur. The names of the prophets and teachers are mentioned and called “certain.” These are
key and unique leaders in the church at Antioch.

1. Barnabas: Previously discussed as one of the founders of the church.
2. Simeon: called Niger (the Nigerian), a black prophet from North Africa.
3. Lucius: of Cyrene, a fellow worker with Paul (Romans 16:21).
4. Manaen: Stepson of Herod by a Samaritan woman named Malfauke. He is a wealthy
aristocrat who became born again and a gifted teacher at Antioch. His brothers Antipas
and Archelaus, were both unbelievers. Antipas is the king who beheaded John the
Baptist.

5. Saul: In this chapter, Saul is nicknamed Paul (verse 9), and is called Paul from this point
on.