使徒言行録13:1-3 Acts 13:1-3,

In the New Testament times, there was a large city called Antioch in the province of Syria under the Roman Empire. Antioch was the capital of Syria province and an international city where people from various countries lived. There was also a Christian church in this city. When people who believed in Jesus were persecuted in Jerusalem, they fled to Antioch and settled there. These people preached Jesus to the people of Antioch, and as a result, more people came to believe in Jesus, and a church was established.

The church in Antioch welcomed Barnabas, an outstanding Christian from the church in Jerusalem, and received his guidance. Later, Saul, who had been converted from Judaism was invited to become a leader through Barnabas’ kindness. Under the good leadership of Barnabas and Saul, the church in Antioch grew further and even sent offerings to encourage the church in Jerusalem, which was suffering from famine and persecution.

In addition to Barnabas and Saul, the church in Antioch had other leaders, including Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch. These leaders gathered together to worship Jesus and seek his guidance, asking what the church in Antioch should do next. They fasted and prayed earnestly. In response to their prayers, the Holy Spirit said giving them an amazing answer: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The phrase “the Holy Spirit said” refers to Jesus, who was in heaven, sending the Holy Spirit to answer the prayers. And he revealed, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul.” “The work to which I have called them” refers to preaching Jesus’ salvation to those who do not know him.

Thus, Barnabas and Saul set out on their journey to preach Jesus. Before they departed, the other leaders performed a ritual called “laying on of hands,” placing their hands on them and sending them off. As it says, “They laid their hands on them and sent them off.” “Laying on of hands” is placing hands on the head of the persons being sent off and praying that the Holy Spirit will be with them and that they will receive the grace of Jesus. Even today, when someone is appointed to an important ministry in the church, this “laying on of hands” is performed. For example, when someone is ordained as a pastor, they receive the “laying on of hands” at a presbytery meeting. This ritual symbolises that Jesus, the head of the church, is blessing and appointing them to their ministry.

Barnabas and Saul were appointed by the church in Antioch to preach Jesus and were sent to places where people did not know Jesus. They then went to the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea and travelled throughout what is now Turkey, preaching Jesus. Saul later came to be called Paul. Through the work of Paul, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, many people came to believe in Jesus. Not only in biblical times but also in our present age, the Holy Spirit is at work. He chooses those who will preach Jesus and reveals his will through church meetings, saying, “You shall be the pastor of the ○○ Church.” Furthermore, the Holy Spirit grants the power to preach Jesus to those who become pastors. Not only that, but he also grants the heart to believe in Jesus to those who hear about Jesus.