- Covered In His Dust
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- Acts Chapter 13
"When disciples followed a rabbi, they followed him closely so they would never be out of his sight, never be someplace where they couldn’t hear him speak. They followed him so closely that his sandals often kicked up dust."
May you be covered in His dust.
If this is your first time getting Covered in His Dust, WELCOME!
👉🏽 Read Chapter 13 HERE in the ESV or HERE in the NKJV, before reading my notes. If you don’t, my notes won’t make sense.
You can access previous notes on Acts and Luke HERE.
Good morning, Saints! ☀️ (It’s morning somewhere.)
In Acts Chapter 13, there’s a shift from Peter and the focus on Jerusalem to Paul, who starts his missionary journeys. We also see Saul’s name changed to Paul, marking a new chapter in his mission to spread the gospel to the Gentiles.
"Saul" was his Hebrew name, fitting for his background as a devout Jew and Pharisee. But as he began spreading the gospel to Gentiles, he adopted "Paul," a Roman name that would resonate more with the diverse audiences he encountered throughout the Roman Empire.
Paul was a Roman citizen because he was born in Tarsus, a city in the Roman Empire, and likely inherited this status from his family. Roman citizenship was valuable, offering special rights and protections that most people didn’t have. This gave Paul certain advantages, like the right to a fair trial and the option to appeal directly to Caesar—which we’ll read about later in Acts.
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
The “church at Antioch” isn’t referring to a physical building. "Church" meant the community of believers—the people, not a place.
Church buildings, as we think of them today, didn’t exist yet. Believers met wherever they could find space—usually in homes, but also in town squares and sometimes even in synagogues.
There were likely multiple small gatherings across the city, all considered part of "the church in Antioch."
Prophets and teachers were seen as two different gifts in the early church.
Prophets: Heard directly from God and share His messages. This could involve guidance for the present or sometimes insight into future events. Prophets played a key role in encouraging and strengthening believers.
Teachers: Those with the gift of teaching could clearly explain Scripture and Jesus’ teachings. They helped believers understand and apply God’s Word, giving them a strong foundation for spiritual growth.
I just want to point out the Greek translation of “Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch,” mainly because we just learned about this horrible family.
Μαναήν (Manaen) - the name Manaen
σύντροφος (syntrophos) - companion or one brought up with or foster brother
Ἡρῴδου (Herodou) - of Herod
τοῦ τετραάρχου (tou tetrarchou) - the tetrarch
“Foster brother” shows a closer relationship than “one brought up with"”
The text tells us that Manaen was "brought up with Herod the Tetrarch" (Herod Antipas), meaning they likely had a close relationship from childhood. This is the same Herod who ordered John the Baptist’s execution and mocked Jesus during His trial.
Here in Acts, Manaen is listed with the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch.
So what?
I think there are a number of lessons we can take from this.
Our background or past associations don’t limit God’s call on our lives.
We can step away from environments or influences that don’t align with God’s values and find a new purpose in Him.
God can use anyone—regardless of how we were brought up, regardless of our past mistakes or former connections.
Though he grew up with a ruler known for his cruelty, Manaen chose a different path.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Depending on which version of the Bible you read, it’s either “they were worshipping the Lord” (ESV) or “as they ministered to the Lord” (NKJV).
To me, those are different.
The Greek word λειτουργέω (leitourgeō) can mean both "to minister" and "to worship."
I’ve never thought about ministering to the Lord. The idea here goes beyond worship through singing or praise; it’s about dedicating ourselves entirely to God’s work, staying fully focused on Him.
This perspective can inspire us to see worship not only as praise but as serving God in everything we do, with a heart fully devoted to Him.
What does ministering to God look like practically?
Studying Scripture with Intention: Reading the Bible not just to gain knowledge or check it off a list but to understand God’s heart and align our lives with His will. It’s letting His words shape our actions and attitudes.
This is something I continue to work on. I’m constantly refocusing my heart.
Serving Others as an Act of Worship: Jesus emphasized serving "the least of these" as a way of serving Him. Ministering to the Lord often looks like helping those around us—whether by meeting practical needs, listening, encouraging, or simply showing kindness.
Ask God to bring people into your life who need help—they’re all around you. He’ll answer those prayers. Make sure you’re listening.
Fasting and Sacrifice: Just as in Acts 13, fasting can be a way to set aside personal desires and focus fully on God, letting Him refine us and speak to us in that dedicated time.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.”
Jesus teaches that fasting should be done humbly and privately, as a personal devotion to God.
Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.
Daniel’s fasting is paired with prayer and repentance, seeking God’s mercy for his people.
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
It’s important to slow down here and recognize the role of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit filled them with boldness, empowered them to do miracles, and helped them spread the gospel beyond what they could do on their own. It was God’s power at work in them, not their own.
Eight days ago, I challenged myself to read the entire Bible in 60 days. Tomorrow, I’ll finish the New Testament.
Reading 20 chapters a day has brought themes to light that I’d never noticed before.
Like fasting—it’s more than just abstaining. It’s a form of worship.
And the presence of the Holy Spirit? It’s everywhere, from beginning to end.
You can’t read the New Testament in 10 days and miss the undeniable, life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles is available to us today.
Paul’s First Missionary Journey
(CLICK HERE and scroll down to see “photos of map locations”)
They also had John as their assistant.
John (Mark,) who eventually wrote the Gospel of Mark, is mentioned as an assistant to Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
John Mark is also Barnabas's cousin, and he later became close to Peter, which is likely how he gathered much of the information he included in his Gospel.
Many scholars believe the Gospel of Mark reflects Peter's firsthand account of Jesus’ ministry, with Mark acting as Peter’s scribe or interpreter. So when you read Mark’s Gospel, it’s like getting an inside look at Jesus’ life from Peter’s perspective.
What a resume!
He was on Paul’s first mission, cousin to Barnabas, and a close friend of Peter.
Seeing the Gospel of Mark in this light brings a whole new perspective. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be reading it with fresh eyes next time.
That’s it for today, but keep an eye out for a quick update on Wednesday.
Seven Minute Inspiration
I love you,
George
Uncovering Scripture
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George Sisneros is a full-time missionary in Guatemala and the founder of Ordinary Missionaries and the El Rosario Christian Academy for Boys.
He’s been married to his wife, Vonda, for 26 years. He’s a father to nine children, five adopted.
George and his family are expanding to Cuba in 2024.