Acts 13:1-3

Acts 13:1-3 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. There were several good preachers in Antioch. But the Holy Spirit indicated that Saul and Barnabas were special. The Holy Spirit made it clear to the whole church as they prayed and fasted. Fasting means that they did without food for a time so that they could pray more. When someone fasts, they get hungry. And each time they feel hungry, they are reminded to pray. In Bible times, some people fasted once a week so that they could pray more. Some also fasted while praying for a special request. But fasting is not for a show. Fasting is something private between someone and God. And the people at Antioch were fasting, asking for God’s direction. And God answered them. And with God’s blessing, and the church’s prayers, Saul and Barnabas went out to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ!