Who really sent Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey?
The Holy Spirit sent Paul and Barnabas forth. Although they departed from the church at Antioch, Scripture states they were sent by the Holy Spirit, who said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” Their journey was God’s providential work, not merely the work of the Antioch believers.
Les explains that the church at Antioch had certain prophets and teachers, including Barnabas, Simeon, Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, and Paul. 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.” After fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them away into the Gentile world. But Les emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were sent forth by the Holy Spirit, not by the Antioch church. They went from the Antioch church, yet the Holy Spirit sent them. This shows God is providential and in total control, and the work was God’s, not merely the work of the Antioch believers. Les also notes the Body of Christ, the true church, has no earthly headquarters; denominations may have headquarters, but the Body of Christ is headquartered in heaven.