Acts 13:2

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

As these men were ministering to the Lord [i.e., this probably means worshiping] and fasting, the Holy Spirit said [to one of them by way of inspiration]: “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me, [commissioning them] to do the work for which I have called them.”

Cross References

Galatians 1:15

But then it was the good pleasure of God, who set me apart [for this purpose] before I was born, to call me [to this ministry] through His unearned favor.

Acts 9:15

But the Lord replied to him, “Go on your way, for Saul is someone I have especially chosen to carry my name to the [unconverted] Gentiles, kings and the Israelites.

2 Timothy 1:11

of which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.

1 Corinthians 12:11

Now all of these [supernatural gifts] are the work of one and the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them to each person individually as He desires.

Romans 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, [who was] called to be an apostle, [and] set apart for [preaching] the Gospel of God.

1 Timothy 2:7

I was appointed to be a preacher [of this testimony] and an apostle and teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. (I am telling the truth and not lying).

Acts 22:21

Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away from here to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 14:26

And from there they sailed to Antioch [in Syria], from where they had [originally] been committed to God’s favor for [carrying out] the work which they had just completed.

Colossians 4:17

And tell Archippus [Note: He may have been the preacher at Colosse or Laodicia. See Philemon 1:1-2]; “See to it that you fulfill your ministry [there], which you have received in [the service of] the Lord.”

Luke 2:37

and has been a widow [all these years], and is now eighty-four years old.) She has never left the Temple, but worships [God] by fasting [i.e., going without food and/or water for religious reasons] and praying night and day.

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, you should pass on to trustworthy men who will be able to teach other people also.

Ephesians 3:7

I was made a minister [of the Gospel] according to the gift of God’s unearned favor, which was given to me according to the working of His power.

Acts 13:3

Then, as these prophets and teachers fasted and prayed [for the two men], they placed their hands on them [signifying their appointment for this ministry] and sent them away.

Acts 10:30

Cornelius [then] said, “Four days ago, when I was at home, praying at the appointed hour (i.e., three o’clock in the afternoon) [See verse 3], suddenly a man in bright clothing appeared in front of me.

Acts 10:19

While Peter was thinking about [the meaning of] the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Look, there are three men [here] looking for you.

Acts 8:29

The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go on up close to the chariot.”

Matthew 6:16

“In addition, when you fast [i.e., go without food and/or drink for religious reasons], do not be like the hypocrites with long faces; for they go around with gloomy expressions on their faces in order to advertise that they are fasting. It is true when I say to you; these people have [already] received their reward.

Hebrews 5:4

And no one takes on himself the honor [of head priest], but [he is appointed only] when he is called by God, as was the case with Aaron.

2 Timothy 4:11

Luke is the only one [of my fellow-workers still] with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you for he [will be] helpful to me in [my] ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should be sober-minded about everything, [willing to] endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Corinthians 11:27

I have worked and suffered. I have often gone without sleep, been hungry and thirsty, often gone without food [i.e., for spiritual reasons], been cold and had inadequate clothing.

2 Corinthians 6:5

[We have been] beaten, jailed, and mobbed. [We have] worked hard, missed sleep and gone without food.

1 Corinthians 7:5

Do not deprive each other [of these marital rights], except by mutual agreement, so that you can spend the time in prayer. Then resume [normal sexual] relations again, so Satan is not able to tempt you [i.e., to have an affair] because of your lack of self-control.

Romans 15:16

in appointing me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I am serving like a priest in preaching God’s good news, so that the Gentiles might be like an acceptable sacrifice [to God], dedicated by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10:15

And how can people preach [anywhere] unless they are sent out? Even as it is written [Isa. 52:7], “How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news [of salvation through Christ]?”

Acts 20:28

So, pay close attention to your [own] lives, and to all [members] of the flock [i.e., the congregation] of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [i.e., elders, shepherds or pastors]. Provide [spiritual] food for the church of the Lord which He purchased by [shedding] His own blood.

Acts 6:4

But we will continue earnestly in prayer and the preaching of God's word.”

Luke 10:1

Now after these things [happened] the Lord appointed seventy-two other disciples [Note: Some ancient manuscripts say “seventy.” This group would have been in addition to the twelve. See Luke 9:1], and sent them two by two on ahead of Him into every town and locality that He planned to visit.

Acts 4:36

And Joseph, who was called by the apostles, Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), was a descendant of the Jewish tribe of Levi, whose family originated from [the island of] Cyprus.

Acts 13:4

So, as they were sent out by [the direction of] the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia [a seaport], and from there they sailed on to [the island of] Cyprus.

Matthew 17:21

{Some manuscripts contain this verse:} But this kind [of spirit] can not be driven out except by praying and fasting.}