Set Apart

Pete Kersker - Jul 03, 2026

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).

Barnabas and Saul spent a year in Antioch equipping the new believers to love (God and people) and to serve (one another). Three more people learned to serve by teaching. Once they were equipped, the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to go.

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).

You may recall that the word "holy" simply means "set apart". Saul and Barnabas were called to be set apart from the church in Antioch to serve in a different way. They were equipped, teamed up, and, now, called by the Holy Spirit to go. So, they were set apart by the church in Antioch to go.

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:3 NIV).

The students (disciples) had become teachers. The three prayed for the two, and then let them go. They stayed behind to teach God's people in Antioch so they would all grow in their walk together with God.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).

Have you ever seen someone set apart (ordained) for missions or ministry?
Who laid hands on them? Did they stay behind to continue to serve you?
How does an ordination ceremony serve the church?