January 19, 2025 Recap

Yesterday's text continued the story of the relationship between Barnabas and Saul.  It may help to be reminded of the backstory of these two men.  

After leaving Arabia, Saul went to Jerusalem. He wanted to join himself with the disciples.  He no longer belonged with the Pharisees.  His place was not in the Temple. Saul had joined himself with Jesus Christ and the followers of Christ were now his brothers.

There was only one problem, the disciples did not trust Saul.  They were afraid of him and didn't believe in his conversion.  Maybe he was a spy.  Maybe he wanted to drag them off to the chief priest or to prison. Worse yet, he may want to kill them.

But Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement according to Acts 4:36, stood in defense of Saul.  He took Saul to the apostles and told of how God had spoken to Saul on the Road to Damascus, struck him blind, and then Jesus healed him.  Barnabas stepped out and stood beside Saul.  What great courage it took for Barnabas to testify of the Lord's transformation of this one-time persecutor of The Way.

When Saul returned to Jerusalem, he traveled freely in the city, speaking out boldly in the Name of the Lord.  Many were angered because of  his strong preaching of the gospel.  He was not timid and even argued with the Hellenistic Jew.  Because of this, he found himself with a target on his back.  Acts 9:30 says the brethren, in order to save his life, put him on a ship in Caesarea and set him off to Tarsus.

Picking up on Sunday's scripture...

In Acts 11 we read that the church was scattered to many coastal cities on the Mediterranean Sea and the Island of Cyprus because of the stoning of Stephen. Large numbers believed on the Lord.  When Jerusalem heard of this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

Verses 25-26 says Barnabas left for Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Everyone needs a Barnabas.  The one person who will encourage us, defend us, and believe in us.  Saul's ministry flourished because Barnabas remembered his tenacity and his love for the Lord. In my life, I look around and I see several Barnabas. 

On the flip side...

Shouldn't we be like Barnabas?  When we see someone suffering in ministry or in conflict with other Christians, we should always seek peace and resolution.  We should stand with and defend those who need a friend.  Loving God's church and our brothers sometimes takes courage.  Be a Barnabas!