Acts 13:4So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
The setting
Seleucia, Syria, ~47 AD. Paul and Barnabas board a merchant vessel at the bustling port, watching the Syrian coastline disappear as they sail toward Cyprus with no return ticket.
The emotion here: amazed at witnessing the gospel going global for the first time
The original word
ekpempō (ἐκπέμπω) — to send forth with mission and purpose, not casual departure
Why it matters
Seleucia was Antioch's seaport, 16 miles away and one of the busiest harbors in the Roman Empire
Read with care
What most readers miss in Acts 13:4
Luke emphasizes the HOLY SPIRIT sent them — this wasn't human strategy but divine deployment
Common misconceptionMost people focus on Paul's courage, but Luke is showing this was the Holy Spirit's strategic expansion plan, not human initiative.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Acts 13:4
Bible Genome reading
Acts 13:4 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Acts 13:4 comes from the book of Acts, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Luke. The dominant emotion in this verse is starting, with a comfort power of 25% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include obedience, journey. Notable phrases: sent out by the Holy Spirit; went down to Seleucia; sailed to Cyprus.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same starting
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
— Genesis 1:1
“God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.”
— Genesis 1:3
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and t…”
— Acts 1:8
“Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receiv…”
— Acts 2:38
Your reflection
What does Acts 13:4 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "starting"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.