The word of the Holy Spirit

“While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them’” (v 2) The timing the Holy Spirit spoke was “while they were serving the Lord and fasting.” ASV translated the word “serving” as “ministering.” Which in the Old Testament, refers to the service of priests and Levites in the sanctuary. This was likely not a regular worship service but a special prayer meeting. (2) Why did they hold this special prayer meeting? The five leaders likely felt a deep need to seek the Lord’s will concerning Gentile evangelism. Fasting was a way to focus more earnestly on prayer. (3) It is believed that this was a prayer meeting involving the whole church. A message from the Lord would impact the entire congregation. What was the message? (1) The Holy Spirit likely spoke through one of the prophets. Here, the emphasis is on the Holy Spirit as a person. The guidance of the Holy Spirit was prominent in the early church because the New Testament was not yet complete, and the church needed ongoing revelation. The leaders sought to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. (2) The Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” (a) Barnabas and Saul were named. This reflects the principle of working in pairs. (b) Saul had already received his calling earlier. Acts 9:15-16 states, “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.’” God’s plan always comes to fulfillment when the time comes. The plan God had for Paul was entering a new phase. The same is true for us. If we walk faithfully with Christ each day, when the time comes, the next steps we must take will become clear.