Commissioning of Paul and Barnabas

In the Acts of the Apostles, the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas by the church in Antioch illustrates the importance of fasting and prayer in spiritual discernment. The church, while worshiping and fasting, received guidance from the Holy Spirit to set apart these two men for a significant missionary task. This moment signifies a transition in the early Christian movement as they prepare to spread the gospel beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles. The act of laying hands on them highlights not only their divine calling but also the communal aspect of support and blessing from the church before embarking on their journey.