A Vision Beyond Jerusalem

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Commission of Barnabas

2. The Consolation of Barnabas

3. The Character of Barnabas

Introductory Remarks.

1. After the conversion of Cornelius and the persecution that arose due to Stephen's Stoning, the gospel reached other cities beyond Jerusalem. Men traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching Christ unto people other than Jews. Luke wrote: "The hand of the Lord was with them, and great numbers believed and turned unto the Lord." Antioch was the third largest city, and it was exceeded only by Rome and Alexandria. From Antioch, there will precede three missionary journeys, and the name “Christian” was first spoken there.

2. First, we will consider Barnabas’s commission. The church at Jerusalem sent him "as far as Antioch" to help out. He was a Levite from Cyprus by birth. This was customary in the first century; as you recall, Peter and John went down to Samaria after Philip had started the work in Acts 8. So, his commission was to “go to Antioch.” This was in keeping with the Great Commission and the vision of Christ.

3. Second, we will discuss Barnabas’ consolation when he got to Antioch. He was wise enough to take time to assess the situation; after all, there were Gentile converts, as well as Jews, in this congregation. When he arrived, "he saw God's grace and was glad.” He brought a simple message, being the Son of Consolation, to encourage them all "with the purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord." In other words, continue “with the Lord.”

4. Lastly, we will investigate Barnabas’ good character and manner of life. He is described as a "good man, full of the Holy Ghost and faith." Men with character traits like Barnabas significantly impact the church and their communities. The church needs more men like Barnabas, who are first equipped in the Word and then willing to do the Lord's work, far and near. Let’s consider our first point, “the commission of Barnabas.”

BODY OF LESSON

I THE COMMISSION OF BARNABAS

A. Luke points out that it was not the evangelistic spirit of the Jerusalem church that caused the work of Samaria or Antioch to get started, but a handful of dedicated men not afraid of criticism or rebuke from misguided men. The church in Jerusalem had become dormant and stale, and it was no longer visionary or missionary-minded. Notice:

1. First, the view of Jesus for the church was worldwide: "Ye shall be witness of unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth," Acts 1:8. Jesus told his apostles this at His ascension.

2. Peter on Pentecost, "For the promise is unto you, and your children, and to all that are far off," Acts 2:39. This promise included both Jews and Gentiles. Notice:

a. The Gentiles were the Lord’s: “Other sheep I have,” John 10:16.

b. Paul called the Gentiles “the far off who are made nigh” by Christ.

c. He wrote to the Ephesians: “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh,” Ephesians 2:11-17.

d. The gospel started with the Jews but did not end there! Romans 1:16; Acts 13:46. Its gospel message included all nations, races, and people of the world.

3. Further, the “Great Commission” had become lost and stifled by the leadership in the Jerusalem church. They were toiling over the question: "Who is my neighbor?"

ILLUSTRATION: The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-37. Discuss the parable of Jesus to the Jewish lawyer and the Pharisees. The real question is: “Who behaved like a neighbor to the stranger?”

4. Finally, when Peter returned from Caesarea: "They that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou wentest into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them," Acts 11:1-18. Consider:

a. These men were called: "Certain of the sect of the Pharisees," Acts 15:1-5.

b. Elsewhere: "Men from James," Galatians 2:12. (James, the Lord’s brother).

c. These men from James troubled the saints and disrupted the church's work at Jerusalem and elsewhere.

d. They disguise their evil intentions and pretense of "keeping the church pure."

B. It took the death of Stephen, a fellow servant, to cause the church to move beyond the gates of Jerusalem. Luke wrote: "They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word," Acts 8:4. Too many churches today are just keeping house! I call them "one-talent churches." ILLUSTRATION: Matthew 25:14-30. Review Jesus’ parable of the Talents.

1. These are congregations that:

a. Never makes full use of God's spiritual gifts and blessings.

b. They are too busy building funds rather than building the body of Christ.