Book of Acts - Chapter 13 - Verse 3

In this verse, it describes a common practice in the early Christian church known as commissioning. The act of fasting and praying before laying hands on a person signified a conveying of authority and blessing onto that individual for a specific ministry or task. By sending them away, the church leaders were effectively endorsing and supporting the appointed individuals as they embarked on their mission. This act of commissioning is seen throughout the New Testament as a way to acknowledge and empower individuals for their service in spreading the gospel and furthering the kingdom of God. It was a way to ensure that those being sent out were equipped and covered in prayer before embarking on their journey. This verse serves as a reminder for believers today to seek God's guidance and empowerment before stepping out in faith to fulfill the calling that He has placed on their lives.

In this verse, the act of fasting and praying before laying hands on individuals and sending them away signifies a solemn and intentional gesture of commissioning and consecration. Fasting and prayer are often used in the Bible as a means of seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and blessing. By fasting, believers humble themselves before God and seek His will with earnestness. Through prayer, they communicate directly with God, seeking His intervention and favor. The laying on of hands is a symbolic act of imparting spiritual authority, blessing, or ordaining someone for a specific task or ministry. In this context, it signifies the transfer of authority and God's empowerment for the mission ahead. The combination of fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will and empowerment in the sending out of individuals for ministry or service.