Ordination of Barnabas and Saul to the missionary work.
I. The SPIRIT OF MINISTRATION will always find its opportunities opened to it. Antioch full of the zeal of new converts. Signs of the Spirit there. Eminent men—representing both wide sympathies and considerable culture and intellectual power, probably accompanied with some wealth.
II. The NEW ENTERPRISE should be undertaken in the spirit of prayerful dependence and self-consecration.
III. ORDINATION an act of brotherhood and recognition of spiritual gifts as essential to the ministry.
IV. DIVINE GRACE unites with human judgment and effort. Barnabas and Saul had approved themselves faithful by their visit to Jerusalem. Commendation by the brethren there; desire to enter on the larger field; apparent fitness for it. Loss as it was to Antioch, a Church which looks far afield for its blessings always receives them abundantly. "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth."—R.