Acts 11:25-26

 

 

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard about the great number of Gentiles coming to the Lord at Antioch, they sent their trusted representative, Barnabas, to the city. His real name was Joseph, but he had been nicknamed “Barnabas” by the apostles, which according to Acts 4:36 meant “Son of Encouragement.” He was from the tribe of Levi and grew up on the Island of Cyprus. He once sold a field and gave all the proceeds to the apostles for distribution to the poor (Acts 4:37).

 

When Barnabas went to Antioch and saw how the Lord was moving there, he was overjoyed. He immediately decided to take the 4-day journey to Tarsus to look for Saul.

 

Why? The Bible doesn’t answer this question. Perhaps it was because Barnabas saw something in Saul that he didn’t yet see in himself. Or perhaps it was because he had heard Saul (whose name was changed to Paul) describe the word that Ananias had first spoken over him.

 

For the Lord had told Ananias, “Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Certainly, the first great gospel movement among the Gentiles was at Antioch.

 

Regardless, Barnabas went to get Saul when he saw the great need for disciple-makers in Antioch. The two of them worked together there for a full year.

 

It was Barnabas who introduced Saul to the apostles when they had at first refused to see him. And it was Barnabas that went to find him when his help was needed at Antioch. Would “Saul” have ever become “Paul” without Barnabas?

 

 

1. Father, grant me the wisdom to seek and recognize the mentors you place in my life. Help me to be open to their encouragement and direction, leading me closer to Your purpose.

 

2. Lord,, give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and pursue Your calling with faith and determination. Help me to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth in my spiritual journey.

 

3. Father, grant me the discernment to see the gifts and potential in those around me, as Barnabas saw in Saul. Help me to be an encourager, nurturing and supporting others in their walk with You.

 

4. Lord, help me to be faithful in serving wherever You call me. Give me a willing heart to respond to the needs around me and to support the growth of Your kingdom.