Paul Encouraged for Mission
After Paul's Damascus-road experience, some of the apostles were not convinced that he was a true disciple (see Acts 9:26). Perhaps they feared he was sent as a spy to infiltrate the church and cause further problems. At that time, Barnabas stood up for Paul and defended him (vss. 27, 28).
Barnabas was "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" (Acts 11:24, NIV), and he was a tremendous help to Paul as he began his ministry.
Read Acts 11:19-24. How did the church begin in Antioch? How successful were the missionary endeavors?
The leaders of the church in Jerusalem heard about the new group of believers in Antioch—one of the three leading cities of the Roman Empire at that time. Immediately they sent the highly respected Barnabas to help establish and build up the church.
Read Acts 11:25, 26. Why do you think Barnabas chose Paul to help him?
Acts is full of surprising events: Saul, the persecutor, becomes Paul, the missionary; the gospel of salvation becomes good news for all, not just for the Jews; and now Paul ministers to a church established indirectly as a result of his persecution.
For a year Barnabas and Paul taught the people. As the church grew in strength, it developed a spirit of compassion and ministered to others. The new church members sent financial help to their brothers and sisters in Judea, who were suffering from a severe famine (Acts 11:28-30). Thus, they were not going to hoard their own blessings; when a need came, they were ready to help.
The church in Jerusalem, hearing about Antioch, sent Barnabas to work with it. And Barnabas, knowing about Paul's calling, brought Paul to help. And that church, hearing about the needs in Jerusalem, sent aid to it. What lesson can we learn about helping others with the things that we ourselves have been blessed with?
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