Certain Uncertainty: Sent Out

Acts 13 begins what is often called “The Acts of Paul,” because Paul becomes the dominant figure of Luke’s narrative. It is the recording of Paul’s first missionary journey, one that would span about two years (AD 46-48) and 1,200 to 1,500 miles (Acts 13:1-14:28.) Acts 13:1-12 records for us the “sending out” of these missionaries. A moment that is that is both hesitant and hope-filled. Like parents sending out their children for the first day of school or the day they move out, it’s more than a goodbye—it’s a declaration: “you’re ready, you’re loved, you’re not alone.” What happens from Antioch isn’t a scattering of the disciples like Jerusalem, it’s a purposeful, Spirit-led sending.