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.
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.
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.”
Those who were scattered everywhere as a result of the persecution [being waged against the church] because of Stephen’s [death], traveled as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, declaring the message to Jews only.
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.
Then after some days Paul suggested to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we proclaimed the message of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”