Note 5 at Ac 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 (Re 4:11), even us. We were created to fellowship with God. Sin caused us to quit communing with God, but Jesus paid for our sins to once again bring us back into harmony with our Creator (2Co 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 (Nu 3:4; De 10:6; 1Sa 2:18, 3:1; 1Ch 6:32; and Heb 10:11). Peter's mother-in-law ministered unto Jesus by fixing His food, possibly washing His feet, etc. (Mt 8:15, Mr 1:31, and Lu 4:39). Other women ministered unto Jesus by giving Him money (Lu 8:3). In heaven, thousands and thousands minister unto Him with praise and worship (Da 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, 134:1-3, 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 Ac 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 (1Co 12-14). The Lord used one or more of these men. Saul could have dismissed this, but he didn't despise prophesying (1Th 5:20).

Note 7 at Ac 13:2: Notice the Lord said, "For the work whereunto I have called them" (emphasis mine). Prophecy can never be the sole foundation of our actions. True prophetic utterances will always confirm what the Lord has already spoken in our hearts. The Lord had already spoken to Saul about what He wanted him to do (Ac 9:15-16 and 22:14-15).