Acts 11:19-30 (ESV)
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Barnabas was sent by the church in Jerusalem to teach and exhort in Antioch. Many were added to the Lord. Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and brought him back to help in Antioch. Saul and Barnabas met for a whole year with the church in Antioch and taught many people. We reach in this chapter in Acts that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
May we be like those in Antioch. May we follow the exhortation of Barnabas to remain faithful and with steadfast purpose. May our purpose be centered on that which is pleasing to God. After Saul and Barnabas had been in Antioch teaching a year Agabus foretold by the Spirit that there was to be a great famine. The Christians in Antioch sent relief by Barnabas and Saul, according their ability, to help those living in Judea. What a great example.
Barnabas truly was a brother of encouragement. He encouraged the church in Antioch and think of his influence on Saul by seeking him out to help in teaching in Antioch. We never know how we might aid another by asking for their help and how God can use us in encouraging others in his service.
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