Both Paul and Barnabas had already received their commission from God Himself, and the ceremony of the laying 162 on of hands added no new grace or virtual qualification. It was an acknowledged form of designation to an appointed office and a recognition of one's authority in that office. By it the seal of the church was set upon the work of God.

Både Paulus og Barnabas havde allerede fået deres kald fra Gud selv, og højtideligheden med håndspålæggelse indebar ikke nogen ny nåde eller særlig adkomst. Det var den anerkendte form for beskikkelse til et embede og en anerkendelse af ens myndighed indenfor dette embede. Hermed havde kirken sat sit segl på tjenesten for Gud.