Minister to the University, Samford University, Ph.D.
Sharing Christ in All Places
Acts 13:1–3; 14:1–7, 21–23
As I write this lesson from my office on the campus of Samford University, I can look out one window at a chapel that seats 300 and out another window at a chapel that seats 750. We are blessed with facilities and staff to pursue learning and spiritual growth with dedication. Furthermore, on the brief three-mile drive from my home to campus, I pass six churches. As residents of the Bible belt, we can easily forget that such is not the case in all parts of our country or world. Early believers recognized the vast needs around them, and Acts tells the story of how they communicated the gospel in both word and deed.
Respond to God’s Call (13:1–3)
The church at Antioch was well-staffed with prophets and teachers who were ministering and fasting with diligence for the sake of the gospel. When the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul to leave Antioch, the believers responded supportively by praying, fasting and laying hands on them to set them apart for the task. We should note that the laying on of hands was not an ordination in the sense we know today. They were being commissioned for a task not appointed to an office. The early believers merely sought to encourage Barnabas and Saul through prayer and personal touch. The Antioch church was not jealous of the fact they were leaving to use their skills elsewhere. Church members were encouraged that the kingdom of God was expanding through the skills of ministers they knew and loved.
Overcome Obstacles (14:1–7)
While on their mission, Barnabas and Paul entered the Jewish synagogue at Iconium, where they met tremendous success and resistance. After seeing many Jews and Greeks believe in Christ, the Jews who refused to believe stirred up resistance to the gospel. In response, the Lord empowered Barnabas and Paul to perform many signs and wonders. Still the city was divided and as the missionaries were about to be stoned, they fled to surrounding areas where they continued to evangelize. Barnabas and Paul were committed to their missions work in spite of both inconvenience and danger.
In a society in which evangelization costs us little, we often assign little value to the gospel. We profess belief but do not alter our lifestyles accordingly. We claim that gospel proclamation is important but rarely risk inconvenience or safety to tell the story of Christ or to seek justice for others in Christ’s name. We reduce evangelism to sermon or brief testimony and disconnect the task from sustained relationships and risky compassion. As a result, we rarely experience or expect the miraculous to accompany our evangelistic efforts. Early believers viewed evangelism as including compassionate care for people as well as proclamation, and they were willing to risk their lives to see the job done.
Strengthen the Believers (14:21–23)
When they had opportunity, Barnabas and Paul returned to strengthen the believers they had left behind along their journey. They taught, encouraged and appointed leaders to continue their work. They also warned the believers that they too would experience opposition. It is noteworthy that Antioch was among the churches to which they returned. By sending out missionaries, the church in Antioch received practical teaching, encouragement and vital testimony to God’s work around the world. Through their commitment to advancing the gospel, the Antioch church received the blessing of seeing God use many in their congregation to accomplish great things. Their willingness to send out leaders resulted in those leaders returning to appoint more leaders to shepherd the congregation.
Our sacrifices for the sake of the gospel are never made in vain and never without additional blessings. When we are committed to advancing the gospel and raising leaders who will do so, we may find we receive more than we sacrifice. What we give up in personal convenience and safety, we get back in spiritual blessings to which our own leisure cannot compare. The question is this: do we trust God’s divine economy, or are we more committed to the American culture of ease?
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