It is interesting that Luke describes only the end of the process of confirmation. The church is the key to timing in deployment. There is no mention of testing Saul and Barnabas's ministry gifting as part of confirmation, probably because they have been ministering in the Antioch congregation for over a year (11:26). The need for testing must be deduced from other Scriptures (such as 1 Tim 3:10).

The "release" (NIV sent off) of the missionaries from their duties so that they may undertake this other work is marked by prayer, fasting and the laying on of hands. Fasting and prayer constitute earnest intercession for full equipping in the grace of God and the Spirit's full and successful working through Barnabas and Saul in the mission (compare 14:26 and the answer to the prayers in 13:9-12, 43, 48; 14:3, 10; compare also 4:29, 31, 33). The laying on of hands is probably not ordination for lifelong ministry (14:26 declares the work complete; contrast Kistemaker 1990:456) nor authorization to the apostolate. Rather, the church in an act of solidarity with the missionaries both commissions them as its representatives in this evangelistic mission (note the use of "apostle" to describe both Barnabas and Paul in Acts 14:4, 14) and commends them to God's grace and blessing (14:26). Luke is silent regarding the church's responsibility for financial support of these missionaries.

Antioch, then, becomes a model for the missionary vision and missionary deployment of every church. A church that embodies cultural diversity and has spiritually gifted, sensitive and obedient leaders will release into Christ's service those so called, earnestly interceding for them and standing in solidarity with them. With more than half the world's population yet to hear the gospel for the first time, our Lord needs many more Antiochs.