How Does the Holy Spirit Speak? Acts 13:1-3










13 1 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. 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.


Remember it was at the church in Antioch that the believers were called "Christians".  This is also near the area where Saul was converted on the way to Damascus.  The passage says there were in the church both "prophets" and "teachers". These are two of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to Jesus disciples at Pentecost.  A prophet was someone who brought a word from God.  God used them as messengers in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament they brought words of exhortation and encouragement which built up the body of Christ.  Teachers explained how the stories and prophecies from Old Testament all pointed to Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. Teachers helped the believers to apply God's word to their everyday lives so they could become mature and effective for God's work in the world.    

 But now was the time for the church to "go out".  As the church was worshipping and fasting the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work for which I called them to."  You might ask how the Holy Spirit spoke?  The most plausible explanation is that they spoke through the prophets.  After all that is how spiritual gifts operate.  The Holy Spirit empowers us to do and say the things God would have us say and do.  

 In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul explains the nature of the gift of prophecy, 

 "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy." 

 The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity.  The Spirit speaks.  He speaks through men and women of God who faithfully transmit the message God has laid on their hearts and minds.  These prophecies can happen in a sermon, a bible study, or prayer meeting.  Like the early church we need to encourage the gift of prophecy in people.  Like any spiritual gift it is to be used to glorify God and build up the body of Christ for the work of mission and minstry.   

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