Les Feldick Bible Study

Who really sent Paul and Barnabas on their missionary work, the church at Antioch or the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit sent Paul and Barnabas forth. Although they went out from the church at Antioch, Scripture states the Holy Spirit said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." The Antioch believers laid hands on them and sent them away, but the divine sender was the Holy Spirit.

Les explains that God is providential and in total control in this account. The Holy Spirit said to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. After the believers fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they were sent away, going out from the Antioch church into the Gentile world. Yet Les emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were sent forth by the Holy Spirit, not by the Antioch church. This shows the work is God's work, not merely the work of the Antioch believers. Les also points out that the Body of Christ, the true church, has no earthly headquarters; it is in heaven, even though denominations may have their headquarters.

Acts 13:4

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.