Acts 13:2First missionary journey
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them." Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
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Interpretation

Scripture invites a ministering fasting that is worked out in solitude and community in Acts 13:2—look for "fasted" and "served". Let ministering fasting in the use of resources—carry peace past preference.

Context

The setting is Acts—early church history, developing ministering fasting. Read in Acts 13, its force becomes clearer. Listen for “fasted” alongside “served”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Long‑standing tradition credits Acts to Luke. Acts is frequently described this way: Same author as Luke; orderly account of early church.. Scholars commonly date Acts AD 80–90. The setting is the First missionary journey (early church history). From Jerusalem to the nations by word and table. Greco‑Roman historiography style.

More details
Traditional:Luke
Modern scholarship:Same author as Luke; orderly account of early church.
Date:AD 80–90
  • Greco‑Roman historiography style.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not affect the core meaning.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46