First ReadingActs 11:21b-26; 13:1-3
From the Acts of the Apostles
21The hand of the Lord was with them,and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.22The report concerning them came to the ears of the assemblywhich was in Jerusalem.They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,23who, when he had come,and had seen the grace of God, was glad.He exhorted them all,that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.24For he was a good man,and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith,and many people were added to the Lord.
25Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.26When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly,and taught many people.The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
some verses are not read1Now in the assemblythat was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2As they served the Lord and fasted,the Holy Spirit said,“Separate Barnabas and Saul for me,for the work to which I have called them.”
3Then, when they had fasted and prayedand laid their hands on them,they sent them away.