Acts 11:13-26 Saul has not taken on his new name yet, but what I would like you to note this morning is Barnabas' role in the life of Saul, the new believer. Although Saul (Paul) was quite likely more highly educated than Barnabas, Barnabas did not leave Saul to flounder while he grew in his faith as a believer. He first of all encouraged the other disciples to accept Saul (Acts 9:26-28) and now he has sought him out to join him in ministry in Antioch (Acts 11:22-26). Barnabas, whose name means 'encourager' was doing just that. He evidently recognized that even though Saul had a very eventful conversion he should not be left alone to figure out what this meant. Barnabas hunted Saul down and brought him to Antioch where they joined in ministry for a whole year. Barnabas discipled Saul.
Notice the qualities Barnabas was known for. Other than encourager he was faithful to the church(22), he rejoiced in God's saving grace(23), he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith and was a faithful witness(24). But amidst his church given responsibility to teach he sought out another man whom he even put more time into -Saul. One who disciples figuratively takes another under his/her arm and guides, teaches, exhorts in the faith.
This morning my question is, Who are you discipling? Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples!
God bless you, Pastor Paul
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