What is the meaning of Acts 13:4? So Barnabas and Saul • Two faithful men already proven in ministry (Acts 11:22-26; 12:25). • Luke lists them together, highlighting the partnership God forged for gospel advance (cf. Acts 14:14). • Real people in real history, demonstrating that God works through identifiable servants (2 Timothy 4:11). sent forth by the Holy Spirit • Their mission is not self-appointed; the Spirit explicitly set them apart in Acts 13:2. • The narrative underscores the Spirit’s continual guidance of the church (Acts 16:6-7; 20:28). • Obedience to that leading models how every believer and congregation should respond to divine direction (Galatians 5:25). went down to Seleucia • “Went down” reflects the descent from Antioch’s inland elevation to its seaport, a geographical detail affirming Luke’s accuracy. • Seleucia served as Antioch’s harbor, facilitating swift expansion of the gospel beyond Syria (compare Philip’s movements in Acts 8:40). • Practical preparation—securing passage, supplies, and perhaps fellow travelers—was part of faithful obedience. and sailed from there to Cyprus • Cyprus, Barnabas’s home island (Acts 4:36), offered familiar ground for launching the first missionary journey. • The island had already heard scattered preaching after Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 11:19), so this visit would strengthen existing seeds. • Choosing a strategic, reachable field models wise stewardship of resources in mission (Titus 1:5; 1 Corinthians 9:22). summary Acts 13:4 portrays a literal moment when God’s Spirit-directed servants stepped out from their home base, took the necessary geographic route, and embarked on a purposeful voyage. Every phrase testifies that gospel mission is Spirit-initiated, conducted by willing people, and grounded in real places and times—inviting today’s believers to embrace the same confident, obedient movement wherever the Spirit leads. |
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