"I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."
Though his real name was Joseph, he became known as “Barnabas,” an apt nickname meaning “song of Encouragement.” Barnabas had a knack for recognizing and encouraging others’ potential. His most notable beneficiary? None other than the apostle Paul.
Even after his dramatic conversion, Paul frightened Jewish Christians- so much so that when he reached Jerusalem they all kept their distance. Wasn’t this the fire-breather who had hurt so many believers? But Barnabas took his life in his hands and went to see Paul. Convinced that his conversion was genuine, Barnabas led Paul to the apostles and introduced them (9:26-27)
Later, when the first Gentile church sprang to life in Antioch, Barnabas encouraged these new Christians and then thought of a role for Paul (11:25-26). Barnabas helped Paul find his real calling: to nurture churches that crossed Jewish-Gentile lines. (Paul would eventually become known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”) Soon God would handpick the two of them to leave Antioch on the first missionary journey (13:1-3).
Reflection
It’s interesting to examine your life to see if there has ever been a time when you are pulled in an opposite direction from family, friends, or church. In chapter 13, there is an incident- that is the first of several occasions in Acts- showing Paul turning away from the Jews. When the Jews rejected his message, he went to the Gentiles. Eventually he became known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” even though he maintained a deep love for his own people. (Romans 9:1-5)
Even after his dramatic conversion, Paul frightened Jewish Christians- so much so that when he reached Jerusalem they all kept their distance. Wasn’t this the fire-breather who had hurt so many believers? But Barnabas took his life in his hands and went to see Paul. Convinced that his conversion was genuine, Barnabas led Paul to the apostles and introduced them (9:26-27)
Later, when the first Gentile church sprang to life in Antioch, Barnabas encouraged these new Christians and then thought of a role for Paul (11:25-26). Barnabas helped Paul find his real calling: to nurture churches that crossed Jewish-Gentile lines. (Paul would eventually become known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”) Soon God would handpick the two of them to leave Antioch on the first missionary journey (13:1-3).
Reflection
It’s interesting to examine your life to see if there has ever been a time when you are pulled in an opposite direction from family, friends, or church. In chapter 13, there is an incident- that is the first of several occasions in Acts- showing Paul turning away from the Jews. When the Jews rejected his message, he went to the Gentiles. Eventually he became known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” even though he maintained a deep love for his own people. (Romans 9:1-5)
1 comment:
Paul explained the completion of the Jewish faith in Jesus and urged them to continue in the grace of God. The Jews rejected the message but the Gentiles were glad and honored the Word ot the Lord. Through Jesus the light of salvation is offered to all who believe and they are appointed for eternal life.
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