Acts 9:26–28; 11:21–26

Bible Studies for Life 
Director, Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence, Samford University

STICK WITH ENCOURAGEMENT

Acts 9:26–28; 11:21–26

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway holds the record as the longest continuous bridge over water. Connecting the cities of Metairie and Mandeville in southern Louisiana, the longer of the causeway’s two bridges is nearly 24 miles in length. These parallel bridges are marvels of engineering and construction. The ruler-straight roadways required more than 650 concrete spans each and a total of 9,500 pilings to support them. The benefits of the first bridge, completed in 1956, were immediately recognized. A second bridge placed beside the original was constructed in the late 1960s. 

We understand the importance of bridges when we travel. They span obstacles and connect two places. There are other bridges we need as we travel the journey of life and faith. These bridges are not concrete or steel. Sometimes they come in the form of a person who serves as a bridge-builder, helping span the distance between individuals. This week’s lesson is about one such person. Barnabas was a great bridge-builder who knew the importance of encouragement in relationship building.

Encourage Acceptance (9:26–28)

The Christians in Jerusalem were understandably skeptical of Saul when he presented himself for “membership” in their community. Most Christians still called him Saul the Persecutor. He narrowly escaped a group of Jews in Damascus who were determined to kill him for his religious side-changing. No wonder he retreated to the deserts of Arabia for three years. Sometimes our own “Damascus Road” encounters with Christ require time for reflection as we consider their meaning and impact. Occasionally such encounters lead to unexpected and surprising changes in our lives, not easily understood by others.

Thankfully for Saul, Barnabas took the courageous step of becoming a relational bridge-builder on his behalf. He set aside caution to come alongside Saul, befriend him and learn more of his story. As a result Barnabas became convinced of his sincerity and was an advocate on Saul’s behalf. Had Barnabas not been the relational bridge-builder for Saul, what might have become of him and his missionary role to Gentiles?

Encourage Growth (11:21–24)

The book of Acts describes the unhindered spread of the gospel. Sometimes the places reached and the people who responded were unexpected. After many Gentiles believed through the preaching of Peter and others, Peter was summoned to give a report to church leaders in Jerusalem. They were converted Jews uncomfortable about Gentile believers. Upon hearing Peter’s testimony their conclusion was “to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life” (v. 18). The spread reached Antioch, a strategic city for trade and commerce. The curious Jerusalem church sent Barnabas, a trusted member of their fellowship, to assess the situation there. When he saw the work of the Spirit he rejoiced with the new believers, encouraging them to remain faithful. He did not immediately return to Jerusalem however. He saw an opportunity for the gospel to spread to Gentiles beyond Antioch. And he knew someone uniquely qualified for the task.

Encourage Service (11:25–26)

The Antioch believers discovered what the Jerusalem believers already knew: Barnabas was a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (v. 24). After Saul’s post-conversion visit to Jerusalem and threats on his life he “laid low” in Tarsus for several years. But Barnabas had not forgotten him. He anticipated Saul had grown in his faith. Knowing Saul’s story, he wisely recognized how God could use him. Barnabas made the effort to connect him with the Gentiles in Antioch. Soon, Saul abandoned his Hebrew name in favor of his Roman, Gentile name — a strategic decision. Who could have imagined the far-reaching missionary impact that came through Paul?