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Paul and Barnabas are chosen as Apostles by the Holy Spirit

Ambrosius Francken I.

Late 17th century

Oil on panel

Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp – Collection of the Flemish Community, Inv. No. 139

Inscription: ILLIS/ DOMINO ET IEIVNANTIBVS/ DIXIT SPIRITVS SANCTVS:
SEGREGATE MIHI SAVLVM/ ET BARNABAM IN OPVS AD QVOD ASSVMPSI
EOS. [As they were worshipping the Lord
and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and
Saul for the work to which I have called them] (Acts
13:2)

Barnabas is a teacher and community leader in Antioch and supports Paul as he reorients his life. Together, they undertake the task of spreading the Christian faith. In his painting, Ambrosius Francken I captures the moment when Barnabas and Paul are solemnly blessed by the community of Antioch and sent forth on their first missionary journey.

The bright radiance in the upper right corner can be interpreted as an allusion to the Holy Spirit: like the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, Barnabas and Paul do not become apostles through their own power, but are chosen. Paul now counts himself among the apostles.

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy | Fritz Steinbacher, Thomas Laske
May 22, 2026
Concert recording

Choirs of the Münster Cathedral Music Department, Münster Symphony Orchestra
Cathedral Choirmaster Alexander Lauer, Conductor
Concert recording (May 22, 2026, St. Paul’s Cathedral)
Photo: Marius Jakoby, Münster

Ambrosius Francken I, Paul and Barnabas chosen as apostles by the Holy Spirit, inv.no. 139, photo: Hugo Maertens, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp - Collection Flemish Community (public domain)
Ambrosius Francken I, Paul and Barnabas chosen as apostles by the Holy Spirit, inv.no. 139, photo: Hugo Maertens, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp - Collection Flemish Community (public domain)
Paul and Barnabas are chosen as Apostles by the Holy Spirit