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 placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:1-3 NIV
In Chapter 11, Barnabas was sent to Antioch to see what was going on. He saw that God was moving among those folks and went to get Saul to help him disciple them. This church wasn’t started by Jerusalem’s apostles. It actually started with a few Greek-speaking guys who were running away from persecution in Jerusalem. They started sharing their beliefs with some Greeks they met along the way. God blessed it, and it became a powerful church.
By Chapter 13, this church has prophets and teachers working and worshipping there. It seems to me that the church should have more than just a pastor and some deacons. The whole fivefold offices working together in a supernatural way should be a regular thing. It’s interesting that none of the guys mentioned here with Barnabas and Saul are famous. But they were prophets and teachers. There are more of them than we realize or acknowledge. Be bold, let God use you.
These people were worshiping the Lord and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke. We don’t know how He spoke, but I think it was probably through one of the prophets who were present. The church today needs to hear from heaven just as much as this church did. Why do we not see more of the supernatural? Maybe we’re not worshipping and fasting enough. Often our gatherings consist of a mini-concert and a motivational speech. That’s not what God had in mind. Can we move away from managing and marketing and focus more on manifestation, please?
I’m going to church today expecting that God will speak to us by His Spirit. There will be lots of prayer and worship. People that no one has heard of will speak and minister in the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit. Many will find their calling and be empowered and encouraged to step up in ministry. This week, I’m going to insert “Tucson” where these verses say “Antioch.” I would encourage you to do the same with the name of your town. It’s time for church to be alive again.
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