Wednesday 11 June 2014
- Bible Book:
- Acts
] came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." (vv. 23-24a)
Background
Today's passage reminds us of the great encourager, the ApostleBarnabas, and takes us back to a much earlier stage in Paul'sstory. Those who believed in Christ and had become followers of theWay, were becoming scattered across the Mediterranean provinces, astheir faith became the subject of persecutions. Yet even as theyscattered, and in an age with none of the advantages of moderntelecommunications, they sought to support and encourage oneanother. The members of the church in Jerusalem sent one of theirnumber, Barnabas, to the group of believers in Antioch. On arrivingthere, we are told that he could see the grace of God, in thenumbers of people joining the community there.
Barnabas first of all encouraged them, by recognising theircommitment and strengthening their faith and prayerfulness. He thenset out for Tarsus in order to bring Paul amongst them, recognisingperhaps that the influence of this zealous convert would be ofgreatest benefit in this fledgling community. We are told that Pauland Barnabas spent a whole year with them, and that it was herethat the followers of Christ were first called "Christians" (v.26).
The fruits of Barnabas' spirit of encouragement did not end there.When famine was experienced or anticipated across the region, thefollowers set about organising practical help and sending it, viaBarnabas and Saul, to the other Christian communities. It issignificant that the birth of the new communities bearing the nameof 'Christian' are linked from the outset with acts of practicalcompassion and encouragement. The man who "saw the grace of God" atwork became instrumental in enabling countless others to experiencethe grace of God in practical and life-changing ways.
To Ponder
- Can you think of an instance where the grace of God has beenmade more tangible for others through practical help? Whathappened?
- Who have been the encouragers in your own journey offaith?
- Is there someone who is waiting for their courage or faith tobe kindled into action by you? What are you going to do aboutit?