The Holy Spirit

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Acts 12:25-13:12 (5/19)
Apostle for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Pascha
The Holy Spirit: Acts 12:25-13:12, especially vs. 2:
"As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"

While the Person and ministry of Christ our God constitute the subject
matter of the four Gospels, the Person of God the Holy Spirit and His
ministry dominate the early Church history found in the Acts of the
Apostles, for the Spirit is named in almost every chapter. In the few
chapters where He is not specifically identified, His presence and work
will be manifestly evident "between the lines" to any perceptive reader.

Look, for instance at Acts 14:9,23; 27:10.
The Acts passage assigned for today provides three examples of God the
Holy Spirit at work, ordaining, sending, and bestowing charisms. In each
of the cases, notice how carefully the Spirit of God carries out His
ministry - invariably in cooperation - in synergy with flesh-and-blood
human beings who are open to Him and seeking His graces. Should not this
be each of us!?

Take the ordination of Barnabas and Saul as Apostles: the infilling
action of the Holy Spirit came upon these two when they were already
serving as prophets and teachers, in ministries of the Church at Antioch
(Acts 13:1). They were well-known for their godliness and spiritual
illumination (Acts 9:19-20,27; 11:22-26). They provide a clear instance
of existing leaders moving from lesser to greater ministries. It is the
Spirit's way in Orthodox Christianity.

Next, observe the liturgical setting: "As they ministered to the Lord
and fasted..." (Acts 13:2) - or literally, "As they performed the
liturgy to the Lord and fasted...." The pattern continues today, for
Ordinations still occur within the context of the Divine Liturgy.
What about the fasting? It is not stated if their ordination occurred
during a fasting season or in anticipation of ordination. St. John
Chrysostom believed that it was for ordination. "A great, yes a great
good is fasting: it is circumscribed by no limits. When need was to
ordain, then they fast: and to them while fasting, the Spirit spake."
But heed his point about the worship and fasting - that "...there was
need of great sobriety." May such be your model for your life!
What does it mean, "...the Holy Spirit said..." (vs. 2)? God clearly has
instructed the Church to proclaim the Gospel to the nations (Mt. 28:19;
Acts 11:18). Obediently, in Antioch the Church did so; and their pagan
neighbors saw the Spirit working for "...a great number believed and
turned to the Lord" (Acts 11:21). Within the good order of the Church,
members and leaders of pure hearts still hear the Holy Spirit speaking
in their hearts; and they act in obedience.

What about the thousands and millions beyond Antioch? One does not have
to think long to understand why St. John Chrysostom believed there was a
"need to ordain." The Spirit was speaking to them by moving within their
hearts. No audible theophany was needed. Through their prophets and
teachers, they agreed in the Spirit as He poured wisdom upon them. They
opened themselves through worship and fasting, and the Spirit revealed
His candidates. The community heard and understood: these were "worthy."
Then, after additional fasting and prayer, they "...laid hands on
them..." (Acts 13:3) This is why our Bishops take candidates before us
and say, "Wherefore, let us pray for him, that the grace of the all-Holy
Spirit may come upon him."

The Holy Spirit, by ordination, sent them forth. Also, being men, they
needed His grace for ministry. But, since the Life-giving Spirit ever
"...completeth that which is wanting ...through the laying on of hands."
Thus, wherever Barnabas and Saul went, the Spirit guided them (Acts
13:4) with His charisms, His gifts of knowledge, and insight - even when
they met perversion (vs. 10). As St. John Chrysostom notes: "...it shows
that the Spirit did all."

Through communion with Thee, O Blessed Spirit, may we ever serve Christ
our Lord.