How can we "set apart" individuals for ministry today, as in Acts 13:2? The Biblical Moment in Antioch Acts 13:2 “While 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.’” Principles We Learn from Acts 13:2 • Corporate worship gathered believers together. • Fasting created spiritual focus and sensitivity. • The Holy Spirit initiated the call, not human ambition. • The community recognized and affirmed that call. • “Set apart” indicated both separation from ordinary pursuits and dedication to a defined ministry task. Practical Steps to Set Apart Individuals Today 1. Gather in Worship and Seeking – Prioritize extended times of worship, Scripture reading, and fasting (Joel 2:15). – Expect the Spirit to speak expressly (John 16:13). 2. Discern Calling and Character – Measure candidates against the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. – Look for inner witness of the Spirit and external fruit (Matthew 7:17). 3. Confirm Through the Body – Elders and mature believers confer, weighing prophetic words and confirming gifts (1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). – Agreement of multiple witnesses guards against error (Deuteronomy 19:15). 4. Public Commissioning – Lay hands on the individual, symbolizing impartation and endorsement (Acts 13:3; 2 Timothy 1:6). – Pray for empowerment and protection (Acts 14:26). 5. Provide Ongoing Support – Encourage accountability to sending leaders (Acts 14:27). – Supply material and prayer support (Philippians 4:15-16). Guarding the Process • Test every spirit and prophecy (1 John 4:1). • Maintain purity: “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22). • Ensure motives remain Christ-centered, not self-advancing (1 Peter 5:2-3). Recognizing the Spirit’s Role • He calls—“the work to which I have called them.” • He empowers—Acts 1:8. • He directs ongoing ministry assignments—Acts 16:6-10. Cultivating a Culture That Sets People Apart • Teach the congregation to expect God to raise laborers (Matthew 9:38). • Celebrate testimonies of obedience to previous commissions. • Keep missions and local ministry opportunities visible and attainable. The Outcome of Obedient Commissioning • Barnabas and Saul launched fruitful missionary journeys (Acts 13–14). • Churches were planted, leaders established, and the gospel advanced (Acts 14:21-23). • The whole body was strengthened as every part did its work (Ephesians 4:11-13). Following these Scriptural patterns enables the church today to recognize, affirm, and release those whom the Holy Spirit has set apart for His service—just as He did in Antioch. |
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