The church at Antioch had a wonderful diversity among its teachers (v1). This also shows how teaching in the church is not meant to be one man’s task.

This is a very important passage in showing how God calls (v2). Today being called is often seen just as a personal thing, but here in Acts the church was involved in determining if someone was a called to a particular work. That is why today when someone feels called to the ministry their calling has to be examined and confirmed by the church.

As a church we should be praying for God to help us guide all believers as to how they serve. Every believer has God-given gifts and an important part to play in the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12 v4-7).

The laying on of hands (v3) was an ordination, the setting apart of Barnabas and Saul for this special missionary work. When the church identifies how people are to serve they have the responsibility to support them in their work with prayer and fasting (v3).

This praying was not just once but ongoing. The fasting was going without food to concentrate on prayer and to show the Lord their seriousness in this. How serious are you in supporting those who serve the Lord particularly in full time Gospel work?