Sent Out

Sent Out

Acts: Church on the Move
Acts 13

Introduction: What Does a Successful Church Look Like?

A successful church is not measured merely by attendance or programs. True success includes preparing and sending people. A healthy church integrates worship, service, discernment, and commissioning.

Text: Acts 13:1–3

In Antioch, while the church was worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…” After prayer and fasting, they laid hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13 marks a major shift in the story of the early church. The focus moves from Peter’s ministry to the Jews to Saul (Paul) and the mission to the Gentiles. Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem (Acts 12:25) and are then sent out from their local church in Antioch to Cyprus and beyond.

Main Idea: The church must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and continue sending workers into the world.

I. Both the Senders and the Sent Must Be Faithful and Trust God’s Timing and His Direction

Paul’s missionary calling in Acts 13 did not happen overnight.

Acts 9:13–16 shows that God had called Saul years earlier to be an instrument to the Gentiles. Yet 10–14 years passed before this missionary commissioning.

During that waiting season:

• Paul did not force opportunities.

• He continued serving faithfully.

• He partnered with leaders in prayer and fasting.

• He discerned the Spirit’s leading in community.

The word translated “worshiping” also carries the meaning of serving—performing the ordinary duties of the church.

The pattern is clear:
God calls those who are already serving.

Likewise, the church in Antioch was faithful. They sent their very best leaders. Sending is costly—but obedience always is.

Main Idea: The church must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and continue sending workers into the world.

II. The Sent Ones Must Be Ready for Opposition and Rejection

Paul preached first to the Jews. His sermon (Acts 13:38–41) clearly proclaimed:

• Forgiveness through Jesus

• Freedom from what the law could not accomplish

• A warning not to reject God’s work

At first, many were eager to hear more (Acts 13:42–44). But opposition soon followed. Jealousy turned into contradiction and reviling (Acts 13:45–46).

Even though Paul was:

• Faithful

• Thoughtful

• Contextualized

• Bold

He was still rejected by many.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, Paul explains his missionary strategy: becoming “all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel.

Faithfulness does not guarantee applause. Often, it invites resistance.

Main Idea: The church must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and continue sending workers into the world—even when opposition comes.

III. Be Faithful in Your Calling and Trust that God Will Bring About the Results that He has Planned

Acts 13:47–52 shows two simultaneous realities:

• Gentiles rejoice and believe.

• Jews stir up persecution and drive Paul and Barnabas out.

Verse 48 makes something clear:
“As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”

God was working even through rejection.

Paul could have been discouraged. Instead, he shook the dust from his feet and moved on. The gospel had already taken root.

The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit—even in the face of persecution.

Our responsibility is faithfulness.
God’s responsibility is results.

Preach like it depends on you.
Sleep like it doesn’t.

Main Idea: The church must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and continue sending workers into the world—because there are still people appointed to eternal life who need to hear the good news.

Conclusion

Commissioning is part of church health. Let's be a sending church! 

Homework: Read Romans 10 (Read – Reflect – Respond – Rest)