they laid their hands on them
The laying on of hands is a symbolic act with roots in the Old Testament, often associated with blessing, commissioning, or imparting authority (Numbers 27:18-23). In the New Testament, it is used in various contexts, including healing (Mark 6:5), receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17), and ordination (1 Timothy 4:14). Here, it signifies the church's recognition and endorsement of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for their missionary work. This act also represents a transfer of spiritual authority and support, aligning with the practice of setting apart individuals for specific tasks within the community of believers.

and sent them off
The sending off of Barnabas and Saul marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world. This action reflects the church's obedience to the Holy Spirit's direction, as seen earlier in Acts 13:2. The term "sent" implies a mission with purpose and divine mandate, echoing Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The church in Antioch, a significant center for early Christianity, becomes a launching point for missionary activity, demonstrating the shift from a predominantly Jewish context to a broader, inclusive mission field. This moment underscores the church's role in fulfilling God's redemptive plan for all nations.

“After they had fasted” (Acts 13:3) shows the church in Antioch practicing deliberate self-denial to seek God’s clear direction. Fasting here is not ritual but relationship—an expression of dependence that aligns the heart with the will of God.

• Acts 14:23 records Paul and Barnabas later appointing elders “with prayer and fasting,” underscoring that weighty ministry decisions are saturated in this discipline.

• Ezra 8:21–23 reveals Israel fasting for protection on a perilous journey; likewise, the Antioch believers seek divine guidance for a new missionary venture.

• Joel 2:12 calls God’s people to return to Him “with fasting,” reminding us that true fasting is partnered with wholehearted devotion, not empty ceremony.

Prayer follows fasting because communion with God must fill the space left by abstaining. Their conversation with the Lord shapes the mission ahead.

• Acts 1:14 shows the early believers “devoting themselves with one accord to prayer,” setting a pattern that every fresh movement of the gospel is birthed in prayer.

• Philippians 4:6 instructs, “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,” reinforcing that every strategic step must be presented before the throne.

• James 5:16 highlights that “the prayer of a righteous man has great power,” assuring the church that their intercession would release divine enabling for Paul and Barnabas.

The laying on of hands is a tangible sign of blessing, unity, and identification with the missionaries’ calling.

• Acts 6:6 illustrates the same gesture when the seven were set apart for service, indicating continuity in church practice.

• Numbers 27:18–23 pictures Moses laying hands on Joshua, publicly transferring authority; here, the Antioch elders affirm God’s choice of Barnabas and Saul.

• 1 Timothy 4:14 reminds Timothy not to neglect the gift imparted “through prophecy, with the body of elders laying their hands on you,” showing that this act often accompanies spiritual gifting and commissioning.

Having sought God and confirmed His call, the church releases the missionaries, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead.

• Acts 13:4 immediately states, “So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia,” highlighting that human sending cooperates with divine initiative.

• Matthew 28:19–20 frames every sending with the Great Commission mandate—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

• Romans 10:15 asks, “And how can they preach unless they are sent?” demonstrating the necessity of a recognized sending for gospel proclamation.

• Acts 15:40 later notes Paul being “commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord,” showing that mission work remains anchored to the local church, not isolated enterprise.

Acts 13:3 captures the church’s deliberate, Spirit-led rhythm: fasting tunes hearts to God; prayer clarifies His will; laying on hands publicly affirms His choice; and sending off releases obedient servants into the harvest. The verse models how any congregation today can discern, commission, and support those called to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.

And laid their hands on them.--See Note on Acts 6:6. This was, as before, the formal act by which the Church attested its acceptance of the divine mission of those on whom hands were laid, and implored for them the divine blessing.