#BibleStudy. Expressions of Faith. Acts Ch 12. Listen

² 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.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:2-3

This is the beginning of Saul’s missionary career.

Saul and Barnabas are two of five named as “prophets and teachers” in verse one. 

• That’s significant.

Why did the church in Syrian Antioch choose that pair?

• That’s a trick question.

The Holy Spirit spoke to the church and named Saul and Barnabas to be set apart.

• The church was worshiping and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke.
• At some point in the service, the worshippers took time to listen.

Today’s American churches put a lot of time and effort into the worship service.

• More often than not, there’s little to no time allocated for listening.
• Singing, background music during prayer, and preaching all provide auditory input.
• Too many worship leaders consider silence what television and radio call dead air.

Prophets and teachers were abundant in the Syrian Antioch church.

• It would have been easy, maybe even natural, for a worship service to emphasize human auditory input.

What if the church in Syrian Antioch had not heard the Holy Spirit’s words?

• The book of Acts might have ended at Chapter 12.

Take time today to listen for what the Holy Spirit is saying to you.

 

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