Acts 13:4 – “The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.”
Extended Explanation
This verse marks the beginning of Barnabas and Saul’s (Paul’s) first missionary journey. After being set apart by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by the church in Antioch (Acts 13:2-3), they now begin their travels to spread the gospel. The verse makes it clear that they were not going on their own initiative but were “sent on their way by the Holy Spirit.”
Their first destination was Seleucia, a port city about 16 miles from Antioch. From there, they set sail for Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. This journey was not random—Barnabas was originally from Cyprus (Acts 4:36), so it made sense to start in a place he knew well. The gospel had already reached some parts of Cyprus (Acts 11:19), but now Paul and Barnabas were going there with a focused mission to preach the good news.
The emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s leading shows that this mission was not just a human strategy—it was God’s plan. The Spirit was actively guiding them to the places He had prepared for them to go.
Historical Context
At this time, Seleucia was a major seaport for Antioch, making it a natural starting point for anyone traveling by sea. It was a well-developed city in the Roman Empire and played a key role in trade and transportation.
Cyprus, where Barnabas and Saul were headed, was an important island with a significant Jewish population. It was also a Roman province, meaning it had Greek and Roman influences. Cyprus was known for its trade and its religious diversity, including pagan worship of various gods. This made it a strategic place to begin spreading the gospel, as it was a crossroads for different cultures.
By choosing to go to Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas were following a pattern Jesus had set—starting in familiar areas before going out to broader regions (Matthew 10:5-6; Acts 1:8). It was a natural and wise way to take the gospel outward from Antioch.
Theological Implications
- The Holy Spirit is the one who sends and directs God’s work. Paul and Barnabas weren’t acting on their own ideas or personal desires. The Spirit was leading them, showing that mission work is God’s work, not human effort.
- Obedience to the Holy Spirit is key. When God calls, His people must be willing to go. Barnabas and Saul immediately obeyed and set out on their journey.
- God uses ordinary places for extraordinary purposes. Seleucia and Cyprus were normal cities filled with regular people going about their daily lives. But through Paul and Barnabas, God was bringing His message of salvation to these places.
- God’s mission is intentional. The journey to Cyprus was not accidental. God had prepared this place and these people to hear the gospel at just the right time.
Literary Analysis
Luke, the writer of Acts, presents this verse in a straightforward way, emphasizing action and movement. The phrase “sent on their way by the Holy Spirit” makes it clear that this mission was divinely led, not just a personal decision.
The sequence of movement—from Antioch to Seleucia to Cyprus—mirrors other patterns in Acts where God’s mission expands outward in steps. This literary structure highlights the deliberate spread of the gospel from one location to another, showing how God’s plan unfolds in stages.
The verse is brief, but it carries a lot of meaning. It marks a major shift in the book of Acts—up to this point, the gospel had mostly spread within Jewish communities, but now, a missionary effort was being launched to reach the Gentile world.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.
- Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His followers that they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, which begins to unfold in this passage.
- John 16:13 – Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide His followers into all truth, just as He guided Paul and Barnabas.
- Romans 10:14-15 – Paul later writes about the importance of being sent to preach the gospel.
- Isaiah 6:8 – The prophet Isaiah responds to God’s call by saying, “Here am I, send me,” much like Barnabas and Saul.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that mission work is not just for the apostles—it is still happening today. The Holy Spirit continues to call and send people to share the gospel in different places. Whether it’s traveling across the world or sharing Jesus in our own communities, God is actively directing His people to bring His message to others.
It also teaches us that obedience to the Holy Spirit is crucial. When God calls, we must be ready to follow, even if it means leaving behind comfort or familiar surroundings.
Furthermore, it encourages us to trust that God has a plan. Barnabas and Saul didn’t know everything that would happen in Cyprus, but they trusted that God was leading them. In the same way, Christians today can trust that when God sends them somewhere, He has already prepared the way.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He sends people to share His message of salvation. He does not leave people in darkness—He actively sends messengers to bring them the good news of Jesus. Just as He guided Barnabas and Saul to Cyprus, He continues to guide His people today to places where His love needs to be made known.
This also reveals God’s personal involvement in His mission. He doesn’t just sit back and hope people figure it out—He actively directs and equips those He sends. This shows that God is not distant but deeply involved in bringing His love to the world.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20, where He told His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Barnabas and Saul were fulfilling this Great Commission by traveling to Cyprus.
It also reflects Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus declared that He was sent to proclaim good news to the poor, release the oppressed, and bring sight to the blind. Now, through His followers, that mission continues.
Additionally, in John 20:21, Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Just as Jesus was sent into the world, now Paul and Barnabas were being sent in His name. Their journey is part of the ongoing work of Christ, reaching more and more people with the truth of the gospel.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this passage teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in mission work?
- How do we know when God is calling us to go somewhere or do something for His kingdom?
- Why do you think Barnabas and Saul started their mission in Cyprus? What does this teach us about sharing the gospel in familiar places first?
- In what ways can you be “sent” by God in your daily life, whether at work, school, or in your community?
- What steps can you take to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
Acts 13:4 is a reminder that the Holy Spirit is actively guiding God’s people in His mission. May we be willing and ready to go wherever He calls!