The Church at Antioch: the Sending out of Barnabas and Saul. Prophets and teachers are mentioned by Paul (1 Corinthians 12:28) after apostles; at Antioch there are no apostles, the prophets and teachers act as the instrument of the Spirit. Barnabas has remained at Antioch (Galatians 2:13), interested in the Gentile mission (Acts 11:19-26). For Lucius of Cyrene, cf. Acts 11:20 *. Manaen, foster-brother, or playmate, of Herod Antipas, must have been brought up at Rome (Josephus, Ant. XVII. i. 3). Saul comes last; he is not a young man at this time, but would be about forty-four years old. The ministry of prophets and teachers is spoken of in Didaché xv. Fasting is a preparation for communication of the Spirit. The separation of Barnabas and Saul takes place after a regular form, with fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands by the body of which they are themselves members and to which they may themselves have suggested it. There is no inconsistency between this passage and Paul's assertion (Galatians 1:1) that he is an apostle not from men nor through men.
Related Commentaries of Acts 13:1
Acts 13:1-3
1 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.
2 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.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.