Leverage Your Life 5

5 Leverage Your Life

“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As 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.” Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off. So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant.” (Acts 13:1–5, CSB)

We leverage our lives and local church for the kingdom by multiplying disciples and churches.

Acts 13:1-5 primarily focuses on the commissioning and sending of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for missionary work. The passage highlights the diverse leadership in the church at Antioch, including individuals from various cultural backgrounds[1][2]. While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit instructed the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work[3][4]. The church responded by fasting, praying, and laying hands on them before sending them off[3][4]. This marks the beginning of what is often referred to as "The Acts of Paul," as Paul becomes the dominant figure in the narrative from this point forward[3]. The passage also mentions John Mark accompanying them as a helper[3].

[1] Crossway, ESV Concise Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 1205. [2] Jack Crabtree, The Complete New Testament Resource for Youth Workers, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011). [3] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, Expanded ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995), 1752. [4] Mikeal C. Parsons, Martin M. Culy, and Josiah D. Hall, Acts: A Handbook on the Greek Text, ed. Lidija Novakovic, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded, vol. 1, Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2022), 324.

Acts 13:1-5 does not explicitly mention a theme of multiplication. However, these verses do describe the beginning of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey, which can be seen as an expansion of the church's mission. The passage focuses on the church in Antioch commissioning Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for missionary work[1][2]. This commissioning is described as being directed by the Holy Spirit, involving prayer, fasting, and the laying on of hands[3]. The missionaries then travel to Cyprus and begin preaching in synagogues[1][2]. While this represents a geographical expansion of the gospel message, the articles do not explicitly discuss multiplication as a theme. Instead, they emphasize themes such as witness, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the church's role in sending missionaries[3][4][5].

[1] John D. Harvey and David Gentino, Acts: A Commentary for Biblical Preaching and Teaching, Kerux Commentaries (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Ministry, 2023), 303. [2] John G. Butler, Analytical Bible Expositor: Acts (Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2009), 138. [3] Francis Martin and Evan Smith, eds., Acts, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006), 157–158. [4] William H. Smallman, A Missions Toolkit for Local Churches: A Missions Manual for Independent Baptist Churches Serious about Global Outreach (Cleveland, OH: Baptist Mid-Media, 2013), 1. [5] Crossway, ESV Concise Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 1205.

We leverage our lives and local church for the kingdom by multiplying disciples and churches.

I. PRIORITIZE SPIRIT-LED SERVICE

“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As 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.”” (Acts 13:1–2, CSB)

The church in Antioch was not just a gathering place—it was a thriving center of Spirit-led service and worship. The believers actively ministered to the Lord (leitourgeō – a term used for priestly service), showing that worship is not passive, but an act of service.

Church leadership was diverse—prophets and teachers from different backgrounds. Their primary focus was worshiping God, not just planning strategies. Fasting demonstrated their dependency on God's direction.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.” (Romans 12:1, CSB)

Before we strategize how to reach people, we must seek God in worship and fasting. A worshiping church will always be a sending church.

Commit to Kingdom Leadership – "Now in the church at Antioch…" (A strong, diverse leadership team)

Cultivate a Posture of Worship – "As they were worshiping (leitourgeō – serving like priests) the Lord…"

Consecrate Ourselves in Fasting – "And fasting…" (Seeking God’s direction and power)

Connect with God Before Moving Forward – Their worship preceded their work in missions.

 Before we send, serve, or strategize, we must seek God’s presence through worship, fasting, and prayer.

II. PERCEIVE THE SPIRIT’S SUMMONS

“As 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.”” (Acts 13:2, CSB)

The Holy Spirit initiates missions—not human ambition. The word "set apart" (aphorizō) means to mark off or separate for a special purpose. God sovereignly chooses whom He calls, and the church recognizes it.

This call wasn’t a personal career decision—it was a divine appointment.

The Holy Spirit personally directed the mission.

Church planting is not about “volunteering” but responding to God’s set-apart calling.

“I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5, CSB)

When God calls someone to church planting, it is not an accident but an assignment. We must be sensitive to the Spirit’s voice and support those He sets apart.

Recognize the Spirit’s Authority – "The Holy Spirit (Hagion Pneuma) said…" (He is the sender)

Respond to the Spirit’s Selection – "Set apart (aphorizō) for me Barnabas and Saul…"

Realize the Spirit’s Sovereignty – "For the work to which I have called them…" (God chooses the mission)

Church Planting is not a human endeavor but a Spirit-directed movement. We must listen, discern, and obey.

III. PRAY EARNESTLY BEFORE SENDING

“Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.” (Acts 13:3, CSB)

Prayer preceded the mission, not as a formality but as a necessity. The phrase “laid hands on them” signified a commissioning and blessing.

Fasting and prayer show total dependence on God’s power.

Laying hands was not giving authority—but affirming God’s call.

The church sent them, but it was ultimately God who was sending them.

“Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”” (Matthew 9:38, CSB)

Prayer is not an afterthought—it is the engine of multiplication. We must pray for laborers, equip them, and affirm them before sending them.

Intensify Our Intercession – "After they had fasted and prayed (proseuchomai)…"

Impart Spiritual Affirmation – "And laid their hands (epitithēmi cheiras) on them…" (Commissioning)

Initiate the Mission – "They sent them off…" (Obedience follows prayer)

The church’s role is not just to gather but also to give and go. Prayer must fuel multiplication and church planting.

IV. PROCEED UNDER THE SPIRIT’S DIRECTION

“So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.” (Acts 13:4, CSB)

The word “sent” (apostellō) is the same root for "apostle"—it means "to send with a commission." Church Planting is not a personal adventure but a Spirit-led assignment.

The Holy Spirit, not personal ambition, sent them.

They traveled strategically—Seleucia was a major port, Cyprus was a familiar land.

Obedience to the Spirit results in movement.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8, CSB)

We must be ready to go when the Spirit sends us. We don’t just sit and wait—we actively obey. Where is God calling you to go?

Go with the Spirit’s Guidance – "So being sent (apostellō) out by the Holy Spirit…"

Go to Strategic Locations – "They went down to Seleucia…" (A key port city)

Go in Bold Obedience – "And from there they sailed to Cyprus…" (Paul’s first missionary field)

We are not sent by personal ambition but by the Spirit’s commission. Let’s go where He leads.

V. PROCLAIM THE WORD WITH SUPPORT

“Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant.” (Acts 13:5, CSB)

The mission wasn’t just about movement—it was about message. The first priority was to preach in Jewish synagogues where people already had knowledge of Scripture.

They went where people were already gathered for worship.

They proclaimed the word boldly—it was their main priority.

They had John Mark as an assistant (diakonos)—teamwork matters in church planting.

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2, CSB)

We don’t just go—we preach. Church Planting is not just social work—it is gospel work. Every mission must prioritize the word of God and involve a team.

Reach the Destination – "Arriving (katēntēsan) in Salamis…" (Obedience brought them to their mission field)

Reveal the Gospel in Public Spaces – "They proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues…"

Rely on Ministry Partners – "They also had John as their assistant (diakonos)…" (Team-based ministry)

The mission is not for one person alone. We need co-laborers to strengthen the work. Discipleship and church planting are team efforts!

Conclusion:

We leverage our lives and local church for the Kingdom by multiplying disciples and churches.

Prioritize Spirit-led service – Seek God first before strategy.

Perceive the Spirit’s summons – Let God choose and call the laborers.

Pray earnestly before sending – Missions must be prayer-driven.

Proceed under the Spirit’s direction – Obey God’s timing and leading.

Proclaim the word with support – Missions is a team effort, not a solo endeavor.

Final Challenge:

Are you prioritizing worship and prayer in your life and church? Are you listening for the Spirit’s call? Are you praying, sending, or going?

Let’s be a church committed to multiplying disciples and planting churches—just like Antioch!