A New Calling

Pete Kersker - Jun 29, 2026

During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:27-30 NIV).

Barnabas and Saul (Paul) ministered to (served) the believers in Antioch for a year. At the end of that time, the Lord sent a prophet who told them about an impending famine. They had grown in their love for one another enough that they collected a donation to help the people in Jerusalem and the surrounding area through the famine.

When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark (Acts 12:25 NIV).

Barnabas and Saul were the two people the church trusted the most to carry the gift to Jerusalem. So, they did. Once this mission was completed, they returned to Antioch. It was becoming their home church.

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 (Acts 13:1 NIV).

Their time in Antioch was fruitful. Many people had come to the Lord and some of them had grown enough to become prophets and teachers. The church had become healthy enough that the Lord was about to give Barnabas and Saul a new calling.

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" (Acts 13:2 NIV).

Have you had "seasons" when you learned from the Lord's minister (servant)?
Have you had "seasons" of ministry where you have served?
How did you know the Lord was saying it was time for a season?