Friday 11 June 2010

Background

Today the Church celebrates the life of the apostleBarnabas.

The early 'followers of the Way' of Jesus suffered severepersecution. Some had been killed and others had fled toneighbouring countries. There were also disputes about whether thegood news of the gospel should be kept within the Jewish communityor whether it was a universal gospel for all people and shouldtherefore be taken to the Gentiles (non Jews).

The missionaries who travelled to Antioch in southern Turkeypreached to both Jews and Gentiles and many became believers. Avibrant Church was soon established, formed of both Jews andGentiles. News of this inclusive Church soon reached the motherChurch in Jerusalem and they decided to send one of their bestrepresentatives, Barnabas.

Barnabas was second only to Paul in the leadership he offered tothe early Church. When he arrived in Antioch he was delighted tosee and to experience the presence of the living God amongst thebelievers. Barnabas got to work, moving among the people,preaching, praying, offering words of encouragement, nurturing thebelievers in their faith. With Barnabas, described as being "a goodman, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" offering them suchleadership, the Church there continued to grow. Barnabas was soencouraged that he sent for Paul to come and join him in Antioch.Paul arrived and together these two great apostles remained there awhole year.

So the largest church outside Jerusalem was firmly established andit was in Antioch that the followers of the Way of Jesus were firstcalled Christians.

This must have been a very exciting place to be. Here in Antiochwere people full of faith and devotion, who welcomed all comersboth Jew and Gentile. It was a growing, inclusive church with acommitment to the poor and sending relief to those suffering fromfamine. And the church enjoyed the leadership of two great apostlesof the early church - Paul and Barnabas. It was a model church: theliving God made known through God's Church.

To Ponder

Reflect on the contribution that Barnabas made tothe life of the early Church.

What is there still for us to learn today fromthe witness of Barnabas?