And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Parallel translations
- WEB Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- KJV And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- NKJV Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
- NASB Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- NLT So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
After fasting and prayer, the church lays hands on Barnabas and Saul and sends them off. The congregation commissions those God has called.
Overview
The laying on of hands signifies the church's identification with and blessing upon the missionaries, not a transfer of the Spirit they already possessed. Prayer and fasting frame the solemn sending. The scene models how the local church partners with God by affirming, commissioning, and supporting those set apart for ministry.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 15
- Acts 6:6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
- 2 Tim 2:2And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
- 1 Tim 4:14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.
- Acts 14:26From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed.
- Acts 14:23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
- Acts 13:2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
- 1 Tim 5:22Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
- Num 27:23and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.
- Rom 10:15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
- 3 Jn 1:8Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
- Acts 8:15–17On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
- 2 Tim 1:6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
- Acts 15:40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
- Acts 9:17So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
- 3 Jn 1:6They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 13:3 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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