CONTINUE
IN FAITH Saturday January 23,
2016
Text:
Acts 11:19 – 24 Memory
verse: v 23
The first preachers of the gospel at
Antioch were people dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was
meant to hurt the church was made to work for its good. They concentrated on
the Jews only (11:19) but some other preachers from Cyrene and Cyprus (in
present North Africa) came also and preached to Gentiles in Antioch. Divine
power attended their preaching and many believed the truth of the gospel (11:21).
The Church at Jerusalem on hearing that the gospel had reached Antioch sent
Barnabas to them.
Barnabas was a great link between the
Jewish believers and Gentile believers. He was a wise choice to go to Antioch
for a number of reasons. From Cyprus, he would have had a natural national
connection with the evangelists who had started the movement in Antioch.
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. His name
means “Son of Encouragement” (4:36), and he lived up to it as he encouraged the
believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas came and confirmed what was
earlier preached. He didn‘t try to show off as a ‘senior believer.’ Christians
should partner one another in the gospel because we all are meant to work for
Christ who owns the Church. Barnabas urged them that they should be firm and
resolute in their new found faith despite trials and temptation that may come
their way. Are you source of encouragement to people around you as Barnabas
was?
Food
for Thought:
Barnabas lived up to his name. Are you living up to your name as a Christian?
Prayer: May I live up to my name as a Christian, O Lord, and source of encouragement to people around me in Jesus name.
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