Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles
3 - Paul's Friend Barnabas
In the previous two talks in this series looking at the life and work of Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul the Apostle, we have discovered how, as a result of his encounter on the road to Damascus, he became a believer on the Lord Jesus Christ, the one whose followers he had been persecuting. We have also discovered facts concerning his calling into Christ’s service, and his early commitment as a new believer. Because of his conversion and his fearless preaching of the Lord Jesus to the Jews in Damascus, his life was threatened and with the help of the believers he escaped from the city, being lowered in a basket through an opening in the wall, and made his way back to Jerusalem.
The story continues in Acts chapter 9. In Jerusalem he tried to join with the Christians there, only to find that initially they were afraid to receive him knowing his reputation as a persecutor of the believers. They found it hard to accept that Saul had become a dedicated follower of the Lord Jesus, who was now his Lord and Master. However, God’s hand was clearly upon Saul, and he directed another fine man of God, called Barnabas, to speak up for him and become his sponsor. We read that Barnabas took Saul and brought him to the Apostles and recounted how Saul had met with the Lord and been wonderfully converted, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. In consequence the church in Jerusalem welcomed Saul into their fellowship, recognising his sincerity and his desire to honour the Lord.
Barnabas was a delightful servant of Christ whose name we understand to mean “Son of Consolation”. He was an encourager, and all the evidence shows that he became just that to Saul in his time of need. As you look back over your life as a Christian you can probably think, as I can, of those in your experience who have helped and encouraged you in your times of need. Consolation is love in action, and we recall the words of our blessed Lord to his disciples as he was about to leave them. He told them of a new commandment which required them to love one another as He, the perfect example, had loved them. By this, He told them, everyone will know that you are my followers. Barnabas certainly followed his Lord’s example by his kindness and consideration to Saul when it was most needed. We must never forget that when we came to Christ, we became members of God’s family. We all need each other in those times of stress and difficulty that we face in our lives and a timely word or act of encouragement can often make all the difference. Are you an encourager in the family of the Lord where you are?
Saul’s story is continued in Acts chapter 9 verse 28. Once again he began to preach Christ fearlessly to the Jews, and once again his life was threatened, so the believers escorted him to the seaport of Caesarea for his own safety. From there he sailed northwards for his hometown of Tarsus near the south east coast of
Asia Minor. Little is known of the eleven years or so that he was in Tarsus, though they must have been spent in preparation for his God appointed future work.
We pick up the story again in Acts chapter 11 verse 22 where Barnabas appears once more. He is sent to the newly formed church in Antioch in Syria where he spends some time with them. Barnabas is described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. What a commendation this is for a spiritual leader. Only a man with qualifications such as these would be able to stimulate and teach faithfully the many new Christian believers in that infant church in Antioch. We note the very stirring message Barnabas had for the believers. It was that they should remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. It is only those with the qualifications that Barnabas had who can faithfully and effectively lead and teach God’s people in local churches today. It is those whose lives honour Christ, and who are truly led by the Spirit, trusting in Him in all things as they minister to the Lord’s people.
After this, Barnabas went to Tarsus in search of Saul, and it appears that after some difficulty he found him, and on finding him told him of the need of the church at Antioch for teaching and the building-up of the believers there. In seeking out Saul, Barnabas had recognised that the size and nature of the work in Antioch was beyond the abilities of the available leadership. What was needed was a man who could give a powerful testimony of his own conversion and provide what was necessary in establishing this new church. So Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch and together they met with the church and taught them for a whole year. These were the final years of Saul’s preparation for the ministry to which the Lord had called him.
As we read Luke’s account of these things, we see two hints that we are entering a new era in the history of the early church. First, he speaks of “the church” in Antioch, showing us that this company of believers is now a separate entity, independent from that in Jerusalem. He then signals this new era by recording the introduction of the new name that was given to the believers there. In Acts chapter 11 verse 26 we are told that, “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” We are not told if it was the believers who first used the name themselves or if it was a name given to them by those outside of the church who saw that they were truly disciples or followers of Christ. It is possible that the name was given mockingly by those who opposed them. Whatever the reason, no better name could have been given which so clearly identified them with their Lord and Saviour.
There are many ideas about today as to what makes a person a Christian. I was encouraged on looking at the definition of the name given in my universal dictionary. Here is what it says: “A Christian is one who professes belief in Jesus as the Christ - or Messiah - and follows the religion which is based on his example and his teaching. Further, a Christian is one who shows in his life the qualities or spirit of Christ.” But while all that is true, I remember as a young believer hearing a preacher say, concerning what it means to be a Christian, that it is only when you recognise that you are a sinner in need of a Saviour, and realise from the word of God that this Saviour is the Lord Jesus Christ, and you repent and turn from your sin, believe and accept this Saviour and invite him into your life that you become a Christian. As you do this Christ responds immediately and He becomes “Christ in you” through his Holy Spirit and you are born again. So the name Christian is a wonderfully suitable and descriptive title for all those who have truly placed their faith in Christ.
The challenge is to be sure, even if you are known as a Christian, that you have personally trusted in the Saviour, and are showing in your life the qualities and spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ as an evidence that you are following Him and have the God-given right to be called a Christian.