Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Ordination of of Paul and Barnabas

Bible > Topical > Christian Minister

◄ Christian Minister: Ordination of of Paul and Barnabas ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The ordination of Paul and Barnabas is a significant event in the early Christian church, marking the formal commissioning of these two apostles for missionary work. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 13:1-3, and it highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church's mission and leadership.

Biblical Account

The account of the ordination is found in Acts 13:1-3 : "Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. 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.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Context and Significance

The church at Antioch was a vibrant and diverse community, known for its strong leadership and prophetic gifts. It was here that believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). The ordination of Paul and Barnabas was a pivotal moment, as it marked the beginning of the first missionary journey, which would significantly expand the reach of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to the Gentile world.

The selection of Paul and Barnabas was not a human decision but a divine directive. The Holy Spirit's instruction to "set apart" these men underscores the importance of divine calling and guidance in Christian ministry. The church's response—fasting, praying, and laying on of hands—demonstrates the communal and spiritual nature of ordination. It was an act of obedience and submission to God's will, reflecting the early church's reliance on the Holy Spirit for direction.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit's role in the ordination of Paul and Barnabas is central. The Spirit's command to set them apart for a specific work highlights the belief that true ministry is initiated and empowered by God. This event serves as a model for the church, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and the recognition of God's calling in the lives of individuals.

Laying on of Hands

The laying on of hands is a significant ritual in the ordination process, symbolizing the impartation of authority and blessing. It is an ancient practice rooted in Jewish tradition, used to confer a blessing or commission someone for a specific task. In the context of Paul and Barnabas, it signified the church's recognition of their calling and their support for the mission ahead.

Implications for Christian Ministry

The ordination of Paul and Barnabas underscores several key principles for Christian ministry. First, it highlights the importance of spiritual preparation, as seen in the church's fasting and prayer. Second, it emphasizes the necessity of divine calling and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Finally, it illustrates the communal aspect of ministry, where the church collectively discerns and supports those called to serve.

This event set a precedent for the church's understanding of ordination, emphasizing that true ministry is not merely a human endeavor but a response to God's call, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and supported by the faith community.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:3
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... Immediately after their ordination Paul and Barnabas entered on their ... the return
of this young minister from Perga ... by the feet of a Christian missionary, they ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... not to be ministered unto, but to minister; it was ... was acknowledged in the early
Christian Church; and ... in the apostolic age in which ordination was conferred ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... gospel: whereof," declares Paul, "I was made a minister. ... The Christian church was
at this time entering upon ... only the simple record of their ordination and of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... best Divines, as not appliable to Christian churches;) but ... For then a Minister in
neglecting to preach ... ordination, although Act.1. be alledged, where Matthias ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm

Heralds of the Gospel
... Holy Ghost," Paul and Barnabas, after their ordination by the ... mother was a convert
to the Christian religion, and ... It is the duty of the minister of Christ to ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 17 heralds of the.htm

The Holy Catholic Church.
... took John Mark with him as his "minister" on his ... to include all the duties of the
Christian life ... of interest and activity, in consequence of the ordination of S ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ix the holy catholic.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... necessity, and dignity of the Christian ministry, sec ... The next question is, Whether
a minister should be ... the expression, I understand the ordination itself; as ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... A Christian minister is a person who in a peculiar sense ... We shall rejoice if any
other Christian societies of our ... upon the nature of an ordination, after which ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

Acts xiv. 14, 15
... that is good for edifying, that it may minister grace unto ... [719] paramuthia ie by
the ordination of elders ... visited on this journey) is made by Paul and Barnabas ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi acts xiv 14.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... Christ as minister of the circumcission, refused to take ... civill peace; so the Magistrate
(if Christian) is subject ... to one another in their ordination, or upon ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm