Note 5 at Acts 13:2: It is very interesting that the scripture speaks of these men "ministering" to the Lord. How can we minister unto the Lord? What are His needs?

The Lord created everything for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11), even us. Man was created to fellowship with God. Sin caused man to quit communing with God, but Jesus paid for our sins to once again bring man back into harmony with His creator (2 Cor. 5:18). As we give the Lord our love through praise, worship and service, we minister to the Lord.

The Lord "needs" us to display our love. The Levitical priesthood ministered to the Lord (Num. 3:4; Dt. 10:6; 1 Sam. 2:18; 3:1; 1 Chr. 6:32; Heb. 10:11). Peter's mother-in-law ministered unto Jesus by fixing his food and possibly washing His feet, etc. (Mt. 8:15; Mk. 1:31; Lk. 4:39). Other women ministered unto Jesus by giving Him money (Lk. 8:3). In heaven, thousands and thousands minister unto Him with praise and worship (Dan. 7:10).

These prophets and teachers in Antioch were ministering unto the Lord through their praise and worship. When the scriptures admonish us to bless the Lord (Ps. 34:1; 133:1-3; etc.), they are not instructing us to simply say the words, "bless the Lord." Rather, they are instructing us to tell Him of our love and thankfulness. That blesses God!!

Note 6 at Acts 13:2: How did the Holy Spirit speak to these men? There is no indication that it was through an audible voice but rather through the gifts of the Spirit that are detailed in 1 Corinthians 12-14. The Lord used one or more of these men. Saul could have dismissed this, but He didn't despise prophesying (1 Th. 5:20).

Note 7 at Acts 13:2: Notice that the Lord said, "for the work whereunto I have called them." Prophecy can never be the sole foundation of our actions. A true prophetic utterance will always confirm what the Lord has already spoken in your heart. The Lord had already spoken to Saul about what He wanted him to do (Acts 9:15-16; 22:14-15).