Holston Daily Devotional December 4, 2020

Focus Scripture

The Church in Antioch

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 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 church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, 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.

25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch

Devotion

The name Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement”. With the exception of Jesus, I probably appreciate the ministry of Barnabas more than any other New Testament character. Who among us does not aspire to be an encourager?

The setting of our Bible story is one of great persecution. Stress and fear were at an all-time high. The church was tempted to see its mission field comprised of an exclusively Jewish audience because those were the people the first Christians understood the best.

In recent weeks, many of us likely sought comfort among those who think and feel like us. Now as then, we know how it feels to be in settings where we do not know how our theology, or our world view will be received. So rather than offend, we remain silent.

In our Bible story from the Book of Acts, there were a few brave Christians who bucked that trend. They did not just confine their contacts to Jews, but sought a wider audience among the Greeks in Antioch. Their efforts were rewarded. V. 21 says: “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”

So Barnabas, “The Son of Encouragement” went to Antioch, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, even more were brought to the Lord. Barnabas and Paul lived and worked in Antioch for a year. While there, they were called Christians the first time.

I love hearing that the nickname “Christian” was so closely associated with a character like Barnabas. I wonder how much of the initial success of the church could be attributed to his gift of encouragement.

Our nation and our world are in need of encouragers. 2000 years ago, the church was changed when believers shared the “Good News” with strangers. I hope that as contemporary Christians, we will take the example of the church at Antioch to heart. Let’s step across aisles, streets and driveways to see if we can meet people where they are, and not wait until the world is safe from uncomfortable conversations. Perhaps the Spirit will move just as mightily through us as it did through the faithful followers of Christ at Antioch.

Prayer

Holy God, make us instruments of your Good News in our world. Allow our words and our actions to be signs of encouragement. Give us the courage to see people not as strangers, but as other children of God. Amen.