What Old Testament examples parallel the calling seen in Acts 13:2? Setting the Scene: 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.’” Old Testament Echoes of a Spirit–Led Commission • Moses at the burning bush – Exodus 3:4-10 “‘So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.’” (v. 10) – God initiates the call while Moses is engaged in worship-like attentiveness. – Moses is “sent” on a clearly defined mission, just as Barnabas and Saul are. • Aaron and the Levites – Numbers 3:5-10; Exodus 28:1-3 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.” (Numbers 3:6) – The phrase “set apart” (Heb. badal) mirrors the Spirit’s wording in Acts 13:2. – Their consecration happens in the midst of the gathered community, echoing Antioch’s corporate worship setting. • Gideon – Judges 6:11-14 “‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel… Have I not sent you?’” (v. 14) – A reluctant servant is assigned a national mission, empowered by God’s presence. • Samson – Judges 13:3-5 “‘The boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel.’” (v. 5) – From birth he is “dedicated” (literally, “set apart”) for specific work. • Samuel – 1 Samuel 3:4-10 “The LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, ‘Here I am.’” (v. 4) – Divine voice, human response, lifelong ministry. • David – 1 Samuel 16:1-13 “‘Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.’” (v. 12) – Public anointing before elders parallels the Antioch church’s recognition and sending. • Isaiah – Isaiah 6:6-8 “‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ … ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (v. 8) – Worship setting (the temple), cleansing, then commission. • Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:4-10 “‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’” (v. 5) – A pre-ordained call reinforced by God’s touch and word. Shared Threads With Acts 13:2 • Divine initiative—God always speaks first. • Separation for a holy task—“set apart” language runs through each account. • Specific mission—deliver Israel, speak to Pharaoh, proclaim the word, reach the nations. • Empowering presence—whether the Angel of the LORD, anointing oil, or the Holy Spirit, God supplies the power. • Community affirmation—calls are often witnessed or confirmed by others (elders, priests, prophets, or the church). • Obedient response—each servant, however hesitant, ultimately goes. Why These Parallels Matter Seeing the same divine pattern from Genesis through Acts builds confidence that God still calls, equips, and sends His servants today. The Spirit who spoke in Antioch once stirred burning bushes, thundered in temples, and whispered in the night to young prophets. His voice is consistent, His purposes are sure, and His people are privileged to answer, “Here am I—send me.” |
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