Act 13:1-3 | Burkitt | STEP | Observe here, That the city of Antioch being the first Gentile city which entertained the gospel, there were at that time several prophets and teachers in that city to instruct the people, and to lay the foundation of a Christian church amongst them: And amongst others, there was found one very eminent person named Manaen, who was of that high rank and quality, that he was brought up with Herod at court; and, as the learned Lightfoot thinks, was converted there by the preaching of St. John the Baptist: Yet this man, contemning with Moses the pleasures of the court, did think it no disparagement to him to be a teacher at Antioch. Learn thence, That God is pleased to manifest the freeness of his grace, in effectually calling some of all sorts and ranks of men, to the knowledge and obedience of the gospel, and to a participation of the benefit offered in and by the Lord Jesus Christ: "Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch."

‏ Acts 13:1-3

Observe here, That the city of Antioch being the first Gentile city which entertained the gospel, there were at that time several prophets and teachers in that city to instruct the people, and to lay the foundation of a Christian church amongst them: And amongst others, there was found one very eminent person named Manaen, who was of that high rank and quality, that he was brought up with Herod at court; and, as the learned Lightfoot thinks, was converted there by the preaching of St. John the Baptist: Yet this man, contemning with Moses the pleasures of the court, did think it no disparagement to him to be a teacher at Antioch.

Learn thence, That God is pleased to manifest the freeness of his grace, in effectually calling some of all sorts and ranks of men, to the knowledge and obedience of the gospel, and to a participation of the benefit offered in and by the Lord Jesus Christ: "Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch."

Observe here, How the Holy Ghost takes occasion when the teachers of the church at Antioch were assembled together in God's presence, and about his work, to give them particular instructions and directions concerning his will and their duty.

Observe farther, The solemn charge given by the Holy Ghost, to set apart Saul and Barnabas by solemn imposition of hands, for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles: This was a great work, and not to be undertaken without a special call from God; therefore says the Holy Ghost, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul to the work whereunto I have called them:" Which words prove both the Deity and personality of the Holy Ghost: He who calls ministers to the office, and unto whose service they are separated, is both God and a distinct person in the Godhead; but this the Holy Ghost did: "Separate me Barnabas and Saul."

Here note, 1. That the work of the ministry is a separate work. Ministers must be set apart for the work of the ministry before they undertake it; a call from God is not sufficient without a separation by man.

Note, 2. That this separation ought to be performed by the chief ministers of the church, who have authority from Christ to separate and set others apart for the works of the ministry. The Holy Ghost said to the teachers of the church at Antioch, "Separate me."

Note, 3. That this solemn act and ordinance ought to be performed in a very solemn manner, by fasting, prayer, and imposition of hands.

Note, 4. That when thus performed, it is agreeable to the mind, and according to the institution and appointment of the Holy Ghost: "The Holy Ghost said, Separate, &c."

Note lastly, Though the office of the ministry be an honourable office, yet withal it is laborious work. Separate them for the work whereunto I have called them. It is a work that requires attendance, and zealous application, both in season and out of season. Praying, preaching, administering sacraments; guiding and governing the flock by private admonition, and public censure: These are weighty works, found so now by those that perform them faithfully, and will be found so at the great day, by the slothful and negligent.

How can that be esteemed by any slight and inconsiderable work, unto the faithful performance thereof so great a reward is promised, and to the omission whereof so dreadful a woe is denounced?

If Satan destroy men's souls, he shall answer for them as a murderer only, not as an officer intrusted with the care of them; but if the watchmen doth not warn, if the shepherd doth not feet, if the prophet doth not only for the souls that have miscarried, but for an office neglected, for a talent hidden, and for a stewardship unfaithfully administered.

Lord! how unable shall we be at the making up our accounts, to endure the hideous outcries of distressed souls, saying, Parentes sensimus parricidas: Our guides have misled us, our watchmen have betrayed us, our stewards have defrauded us, and the following of their evil example has undone us.