Wednesday 11 June 2008
- Bible Book:
- Acts
"The next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe." (v.20)
Background
This is one short extract from Paul's many journeys. He usuallyhad a companion, and on this occasion it is Barnabas, who isremembered by the Church today. The pair had been sent out asenvoys by the Church in Jerusalem with authority to preach aboutJesus. In some places their work was very successful and in othersrather a failure. Eventually Barnabas left Paul after adisagreement about other companions (
On this occasion their travels have been partly the result ofneeding to run from angry, attacking crowds in Iconium (inmodern-day Turkey). But here in Lystra Paul has performed a miracleand a crippled man has been healed. As a result, the crowd try toworship Paul and Barnabas as Hermes and Zeus (two Greekgods).
They responded by tearing their clothes - which should have made itclear that they regarded the crowd's response as blasphemy. InsteadPaul and Barnabas try to direct people to the worship of theliving, true God. Even so, the adoration of the crowd appears to begoing to continue.
But mass gatherings are very fickle! And adoration and hatred arevery close, especially when people refuse to live up toexpectations. It must have taken great courage, after Paul'srecovery from his stoning (
Perhaps this persistence is a reflection of God's attitude. Paulbecomes known as a missionary and a founder of churches throughoutEurope and Asia. Barnabas, the 'encourager', is replaced by othercompanions. But it is Barnabas who took John Mark (who may havebeen a Gospel writer) to Cyprus when Paul would have rejectedhim.
To Ponder
How would you compare the adulation ofcelebrities with this story? You might also reflect on how peoplesometimes seem to delight in the failures and mistakes of thesesame celebrities.
How important are companions? Some people choosea spiritual companion to support them in their relationship withGod, and meet with them regularly. What are the benefits ordisadvantages of this?