Acts Chapter 13 part 1

Paul and Barnabus are chosen for the minitry to the Gentiles. Acts 13:1-3 (KJV) 1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Prayer and fasting was done for the first missionaries going out into the world to spread the gospel of Christ.  These missionaries were commissioned by the church.