Theme: The Impact of Unsung Heroes in the Bible
Topic: Barnabas: A selfless disciple
Main Text: Acts 4:32-37, Acts 9:26-30, Acts 11:19-30, Acts 13:1-5
Key verse: Acts 11:24: “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (NKJV)
Introduction:
The early church was marked by a culture of unity that was wonderful evidence of the work of God’s Spirit among them. Because of their unity, they regarded people as more important than things. They recognized God’s ownership of everything; it all belonged to God and His people. Because God had touched their lives so deeply, they found it easy to share all things in common. Those who had lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds and laid them at the apostle’s feet so that they could be used to meet the needs of the thousands who had become believers while in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost far away from their own homes. One outstanding example among them was Barnabas.
Q1. Read Acts 2:36-37,41-45, Acts 4:31-37(1a) What characteristics marked the community of 1. the first church? (1b) Contrast the generosity of the early church, especially Barnabas with Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5:1-4. (1c) What lessons can we draw from the passages read for (a) and (b)?
Paragraph 2:
“Barnabas” was a nickname for Levite from Cyprus living in Jerusalem. His real name was Joses (or Joseph) but his noble character and ability to encourage was such that he was better known as Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement. When Saul returned to Jerusalem, having spent three years in Arabia (Gal 1:18), the believers were afraid of him and refused to believe that he was a disciple. It was Barnabas that had the courage to befriend Saul and convince the other believers in Jerusalem that Saul was had in fact been converted and was now their brother, Paul (Acts 9:26).
Q2. (2a) Acts 11:24 says three things about Barnabas: he was a good man; he was full of the Holy Spirit; he was full of faith. Discuss the meaning and significance of these character traits. (2b) Have you ever found yourself doubting the genuineness of another’s professed faith in Christ? What convinced you otherwise? (2c) Discuss the marks of a true believer (e.g. Galatians 5:22-24).
Paragraph 3:
Antioch (or Syrian Antioch) was the third largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria. It was a major centre of commerce and the home of a large Jewish community. It was also known as a vile city full of gross immorality, secret cults, and pagan worship. Except for Cornelius (Acts 10), the gospel had been preached only to Jews or their near cousins, Samaritans, until we see the first outreach to uncircumcised Greeks (Gentiles) at Antioch. The Church at Antioch was a mixed gathering of Jews and Gentiles, many of whom had escaped in Jerusalem. The events at Antioch were of such significance that the leaders in Jerusalem felt it necessary to investigate in the same way that they had checked out the outpouring in Samaria that followed Philip’s ministry there. The emissary trusted with this important task was Barnabas. Not only did he confirm that this was indeed the work of the Lord, but he also sought out Paul in Tarsus and brought him to strengthen the work in Antioch. Together they created the first missions operating centre that sent not only missionaries but also financial relief to believers far and wide. It was at Antioch that believers gained a distinct identity becoming known as “Christians” or, members of the party of Christ, because their conduct reflected the Christ that they professed. Given the context, the people of Antioch who first coined that phrase did not mean it as a compliment!
Q3. Read Acts 4:18-21, 31, Acts 11:19-21, Acts 12:1-4,24 (3a) What encouragement can we take from these accounts of the early church as our brethren face persecution in many mission fields today? (3b) How can we develop characteristics like the early church in our communities today? (3c) What can we learn about living as a Christian from Barnabas?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to do our part as members of the body of Christ in fostering unity among the brethren for the propagation of the gospel. Amen
