Apostles: Barnabas
For the next few devotions we're going to be looking at Paul's list of Spirit-empowered roles in the life and work of the church. He names Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists and Pastor-Teachers. (Eph4:11)Today we'll be thinking about Apostles. Another description for an Apostle could be "Pioneer" or "Founder" or "Starter" or "Establisher." Some suggest that missionaries are basically Apostles, especially when they're initiating a new work.
An apostle goes where "no-one has gone before". They are entrepreneurial and can work well in new/unknown territory. They are creative and think outside the box.
In our reading there are two sets of pioneers. The first example is the men from Cyprus and Cyrene who crossed racial and cultural boundaries to reach out and establish a new group of believers. (We might also call them Evangelists.)
The other example is Barnabas who come to turn a group of converts into a church that would eventually become the sending church of the New Testament.
Look at Barnabas' attributes:
- Spiritually attuned: he could see God was at work
- Found his joy in the growth of the church
- Was an encourager who helped people to persevere
- A good man - ethical, consistent, reliable
- Full of the Holy Spirit (i.e. he was led and guided by the Spirit)
- Full of Faith: willing to trust God
An addition Barnabas was remarkable for his ability to think outside the box - when he needed help teaching the church, he found Saul/Paul (who no-one else was willing to take a risk on) and involved him in the discipleship of the church. This also showcases his humility.
In summing up: An Apostle or Pioneer joins up with what God is already doing and just helps to give it shape. We're here today because of Apostles who started churches and planted the communities that nurtured us.
| Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. (Acts11:20-24) |
