INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Commission of Barnabas
2. The Consolation of Barnabas
3. The Character of Barnabas
Remarks.
1. After the conversion of Cornelius and the persecution that arose as of the result of Stephen's Stoning, the gospel had 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, exceeded only by Rome and Alexandria. And from Antioch there will precede three missionary journeys; and, the name “Christian” was first spoken there.
2. First, we will consider Barnabas’ commission. He was sent by the church at Jerusalem, "as far as Antioch" to help out. He was a Levite from the country of Cyprus, by birth. This was customary in the first century, as you recall, Peter and John went down to Samaria after the work had been started by Philip, 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 look over the situation; after all there were Gentiles converts, as well as Jews in this congregation. When he got there, “he seen the grace of God, and was glad.” He brought a simple message, being the Son of Consolation, and that was to encourage them all "with purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord." In other words, continue “with the Lord.”
4. Lastly, we will investigate Barnabas’ goodly character and manner of life. He is described as being a, "good man, full of the Holy Ghost and faith." It is men with the character traits as these which make a tremendous impact in the church, and in their communities. The church today needs more men like Barnabas; men who are first equipped in the word; and then, willing to take on the responsibility of doing 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. Clearly Luke points out, it was not the evangelistic spirit of the Jerusalem church which caused the work of Samaria or Antioch to get started, but a hand full of dedicated men not afraid of criticism or rebuke from misguided men. The church at Jerusalem had become dormant, stale, and 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 in 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 afar off that were 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, it was not to 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?" Illustrate: The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-37.
4. Finally, when Peter returned from Caesarea: "They that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou wentest in to 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 work of the church at Jerusalem and elsewhere.
d. They disguise their evils 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." Illustrate: Matthew 25:14-30.
1. These are congregations that:
a. Never makes full use of Gods spiritual blessings.
b. Are too busy with building funds, rather than building the body of Christ.
c. Have a limited vision, can't see beyond the church doors.
d. Have neither a “vision statement” nor “mission statement.”
e. Argue and dispute about a word, rather than finding agreement in the word.
2. The greatest problem facing the church of Christ today is not ungodly living; but, the sin of complacency or (self-satisfaction). If the church is not going forward, then it is slipping backward. The one talent man held his own, but went to hell.
3. Jesus addressed him as: "Thou wicked and slothful servant." And, said further: "Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Will we be an Antioch or a Jerusalem church?
C. The church at Jerusalem was doing some great things. It was training young men like Barnabas to go and help out. This is the true test of any congregation, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission: "Go, teach, baptize, and teach them again," Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:39.
1. We must build a strong teaching and preaching task force!
2. Paul wrote Timothy: “And the things which thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2. Notice:
a. First, he speaks of “competent men.” Find and develop faithful men to teach faithful men; who have been faithful teaching to the doctrine of Christ.
b. Further, he speaks of “good soldiers of Jesus Christ.” Find men that are willing to endure hardness. Men who have hazard their lives for the gospel’s sake. Don’t find complaint in the work when it becomes difficult; endure it as a good soldier.
Illustrate: Good soldiers don’t whimper and whine about difficulties.
c. Finally, he instructs him that: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier,” 2 Timothy 2:3-4.
d. Illustrate: 101st Airborne Division, 50 Mile Road March, 1962.
D. Barnabas' commission was simple: "Go to Antioch and help out," Acts 11:22.
1. He was numbered with the prophets of old; who heard their calls to duty. Like Isaiah, when the Lord asked: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me," Isaiah 6:8.
2. Why, did he go? Not to start this work, but to ensure it was built upon a firm foundation. Isaiah wrote: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste,” Isaiah 28:16.
a. Peter said of Christ: “This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become head of the corner,” Acts 4:11-12.
b. Paul wrote of this foundation: “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation,” Romans 15:20.
He sought to sail in uncharted waters!
1) First, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity,” 2 Timothy 2:19.
2) Further, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus,” 1 Corinthians 3:11.
3) Finally, “Now therefore ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and ye are built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ…,” Ephesians 2:19-20.
3. This congregation needed settling, and lots of encouragement, like so many churches today. Illustrate: Will you go, send, pray? If no, then we need to repent!
E. Barnabas accepted the challenge, and went to Antioch to oversee the work, and just help out. Jesus said, "The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few," Luke 10:2. Illustrate: A Few Good Men. The Lord doesn't need a whole platoon; to do his work. He doesn't even need "a few good men." The Lord only needs an Army of One. Notice:
1. The Lord sought for a man. Jehovah said to Ezekiel: "And I sought for a man among them; that should make up the hedge; and stand in the gap before me for the land; that I should not destroy it; but I found none," Ezekiel 22:23-30. Illustrate: I found none among them. What Jehovah had found was:
a. The prophets preying on (not praying for) the people, (“saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken”);
b. The priests profaning the law, (“putting no difference between the holy and the profane, the clean and the unclean”);
c. The princes perverting justice, (“destroying souls, to get dishonest gain”); and
d. The people whose hands were polluted, (“having used oppression, and robbery, they vexed the poor and needy: yea, they oppressed the stranger wrongfully.”)
2. Praise God! The Lord found men from Cyprus and Cyrene and blessed their work, in Antioch. Luke wrote how the Lord favored their work:
a. One, the men of Cyprus and Cyrene: "The hand of the Lord was with them; and great numbers believed, and turned unto the Lord," Acts 11:21.
b. Two, Barnabas’ work: "And much people were added unto the Lord," Acts 11:24. Under Barnabas preaching, the Lord converted many of the Gentiles.
3. Let’s remember Paul’s words: "I plant, Apollos water, but God who giveth the increase. So then, neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God giveth the increase...For we are laborers together with God," 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. The Lord has commissioned you! Will you go and do the work he has prepared you to do? I am confident you will! Now let’s look at the “consolation of Barnabas,” while he labored in Antioch.
II THE CONSOLATION OF BARNABAS
A. After Barnabas arrived in Antioch, Luke wrote: "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord," Acts 11:23.
1. It was abundantly clear that the grace of God was poured out on these Gentiles. He saw their conversion to the gospel.
2. They had, "believed and turned unto the Lord," Acts 11:21.
3. He was glad, and rejoices in the success of those working in Antioch!
4. Illustrate: Brethren’s Visit to Billy Washington’s work in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
B. Notice his message: "With purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord," Acts 11:23. Consider these things about Barnabas.
1. Barnabas hadn't planted the work, but he was willing to do some watering. The real work begins after the gospel meeting. This work includes exhorting, counseling, encouraging and mentoring of the membership.
2. Barnabas was a "man of faith and full of the Holy Ghost." He charged them, exhorted them unto dedication and faithfulness “unto the Lord.”
3. Barnabas knew building the church took time, patience, and hard work.
4. Barnabas knew the formula for growing the church. That formula simplified:
a. Give God all the praise: "Praising God.”
b. Grant favor to all people: “Having favor among all the people.”
c. Growth is divinely produced: “And the Lord added to the church daily those that were being saved," Acts 2:47. Folk weren’t “joining” the church; but, were being “added” to the church by the Lord. I wish I had some help up in here!
C. His message was simple: “Cleave unto the Lord.” The Gr., word is prosmeno, means to stay further, i.e. remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in:—abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with). With purpose of heart, and full determination of the body, soul and spirit, remain faithful to the Lord. Notice:
1. Joshua encouraged the children of God to, “cleave unto the Lord,” Joshua 23:8. Faithfully serving the Lord; is something we all must decide, Joshua 24:15.
2. The word “cleave” in Gr., proskollao, it could also be used to define one’s purpose of heart in marriage, Matthew 19:5. It means to be: “glued unto; to adhere:-cleave, join (yourself), and there remain.”
3. The idea is the same; though the words are slightly different in Greek, however. Most churches have some kind of problems; at some time another. The solution is simple; stick it out, and to work it out. We got the standard. What’s lacking is a sincere desire and attitude of heart to maintain the, “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:1-3.
4. Sound likes the admonition of Paul to the Corinthians: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
D. But why Barnabas? First he was a Levite and of the country of Cypress himself. His surname Barnabas given by the Apostles, meant the "Son of Consolation," Acts 4:36-37. Illustrate: Mission Work Among the Churches of Christ. Notice:
1. He was a generous brother! It’s real easy to give your money when you have already given yourself to the Lord, 2 Corinthians 8:5; Matthew 6:19-21.
2. Illustrate: Buffalo and Nickel. Ladies you should be looking for a man with these qualities. And if you have one, you ought to be thankful to God for him each day of your life. A generous church helps others, Acts 11:27-30.
3. Haggai’s warning: “Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes,” Haggai 1:5-6.
4. Malachi asked: “Will a man rob God? Ye have robbed me,” Malachi 3:8-10.
E. The church is in need of much exhortation. It seems the majority of the preaching after conversion was that of faithfulness and dedication to the Lord. Notice Peter's preaching: "With many other words did he testify and exhort," Acts 2:40. Consider also:
1. First, Paul's exhortation: “After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them saying, ‘men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on,’” Acts 13:15.
a. Confirming souls: "Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God," Acts 14:22.
b. Exhortation: "And when he (Paul) had gone over those parts and had given much exhortation, he came to Greece," Acts 20:2.
2. Further, the minister’s work is: "To reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine," 2 Timothy 4:2. Paul encourages Timothy to grow and excel in his work of the ministry. He mentions three areas:
a. His public life: “These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in the word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:11-12.
b. His pulpit life: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given three by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery,” 1 Timothy 4:13-14.
c. His private life: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee,” 1 Timothy 4:15-16.
3. Finally, faithful ministers and leaders will always encourage the church to be strong and faithful against all trials and difficulties. Notice:
a. This was necessary at Antioch, because Barnabas knew that there was a storm of contentions and divisions brewing against the Gentiles; that would come from the “sect of the Pharisees” now in Jerusalem.
b. These evil and contentious men would eventually make their way down to Antioch; but Barnabas and Paul are preparing the church for this visit.
c. Now, let’s look at the character of the man, and see what made his preaching and work in Antioch so powerful and successful.
III THE CHARACTER OF BARNABAS
A. Character or conversation means, his manner of life. Luke rote: "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith," Acts 11:24. It seems he possessed many great qualities of life. All Christian should aspire for these blessed virtues. Peter wrote regarding them, 2 Peter 1:5-11.
1. Character is what you really are! Reputation is what other think you are! Luke says: "He was a good man." The Holy Spirit called him a “good man.” So he was an upright, virtuous man, possessing sincere convictions.
2. This is the same word Jesus used: "For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust,” Matthew 5:45.
3. A good tree. “A good tree – bringeth forth good fruit,” Matthew 7:16-20.
4. What does God require? Notice: "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy; and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8.
5. Good moral character does not mean one is saved. Cornelius Acts 10:1ff. There must be in the person what Jesus describes as, “a good and honest heart,” Luke 8:15. A person with a good and honest heart; will be obedient to the gospel message, once it is heard and understood. We discussed this in our lesson: Cornelius’ Conversion.
B. A good man knows when he is over his head in a work. He will ask for help and seek counsel from others, Acts 11:25-26. Why? Because a good man does not have an identity problem! Barnabas sought for Paul; and brought him to Antioch. Barnabas demonstrated real leadership. Great leaders (preachers and elderships) seek to empower others; to contribute in the building the church. Good leaders know how to delegate work, responsibility and authority. Here are some sound character traits and behavior of good men. Notice, they:
1. Will seek help and always accept sound counsel from others.
2. Are never concerned with occupying the chief seat among men.
3. Always cooperates with the leadership and membership.
4. Are not concerned about who gets the credit, but, ensures the work gets done.
5. Recognizes they are called to serve; and not to be served.
6. Are not selfish in sharing the benefits of success with the team.
Consider these great characteristic about Paul and Barnabas. Notice:
a. Barnabas shared a unique relationship with Paul. As the work began to grow in Antioch, Barnabas sought out Paul to help build and strengthen the church.
1) Ministers must learn to be team players, not only coaches.
2) The work of Paul and Barnabas complimented each other, and caused great success and growth in the church at Antioch.
3) I see that here in this congregation, among these brethren!
b. Barnabas helped Paul to integrate into the church at Jerusalem, Acts 9:26-30. Now, he brings him to Antioch to help him. Good men will find good men, to help do great things for the Lord. Illustrate: Some pray for help; others go find it!
c. Barnabas knew of Paul’s character. They were men of kindred spirit.
6. However, not all preachers can work together. At times jealousy and envy will creep into the assembly, and be seen in the speech and behavior of its ministers. Paul addressed this conduct of those that opposed him in his preaching, Philippians 1:15-17. No church will develop beyond the vision and spiritual graces of its leadership and ministers. Notice:
a. If a congregation fails, we need to only look to its leadership; or the lack of it.
b. If it is successful, we will find a sound and faithful leadership exists there.
c. God has placed leadership in the church for a specific purpose. Paul wrote:
1) To the saints at Ephesus: “And he (Christ) gave some apostles, and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-12. Notice:
a) The New Testament pattern for church leadership (evangelists, pastors and teachers). The Lord has gave gifts; the Holy Spirit has made them; and the Father has set them in the church, Ephesians 4:7-8; Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:18; 1 Corinthians 12:28.
b) Deacons: To minister, serve and preach the word, Acts 6:1-7; Acts 6:8-15.
i. Philip was a deacon, Acts 6:5.
ii. Philip was also an evangelist, Acts 8:1-13; Acts 8:26-40; Acts 22:8-15.
iii. This is the New Testament “pattern” for evangelism.
c) Elders: To oversee, minister and teach the word, 1 Peter 5:1-4.
i. Oversee the church, Acts 20:28-32.
ii. Feed the flock of God: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; Titus 1:9-11.
iii. This is the New Testament “pattern” for edifying the body of Christ.
2) To Titus: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee,” Titus 1:5-9. The evangelists are sent to: “Set things in order.”
3) To Timothy: “If a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife... apt to teach... one that ruleth well his own house...,” 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Illustrate: Who can be a Bishop?
a) If a man in Gr. is eí tis, a' tes; which means if any:—he that, if a(-ny) man, desireth the office. The word and context implies “a man, and not a woman.”
b) He must be the “husband of one wife,” 1 Timothy 3:2.
c) He must be: “apt to teach” or a skillful teacher the word of God, 1 Timothy 3:2.
d) He that ruleth well “his own house,” 1 Timothy 3:4-5.
e) He must be able: “Both to preach the sound doctrine; and to refute those who contradict it,” Titus 1:9. Shut the mouth of the gainsayers! Expose their error.
4) These men hold offices of service to the church; not positions of power in or over the church! These leaders work together to spread the word; and to strengthen the body of Christ.
d. If you want to be great. Jesus said: "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give his life," Matthew 20:26-28.
e. Good men are just as comfortable in the back seat, as in the “front (chief) seat.”
Oh, I don’t have any help in here! Are you listening to me?
C. Full of the Holy Ghost. This signifies the fruit of the spirit was in his life, Galatians 5:22-23. All Christians must cultivate these same fruits in their lives, 2 Peter 1:5-11. Paul: "Now if any man has not the spirit of Christ," Romans 8:9. Now let’s look at the leadership and spiritual makeup of the Antioch church. Notice:
1. First, The church at Antioch was filled with the Holy Spirit, Acts 13:1-3.
a. The city of Antioch was the capital of the whole province of Syria, including Palestine, situated on the Orontes river a short distance from the sea. It was next to Rome and Alexandria of the cities of the world in greatness, commerce and wealth. It became the great missionary center for the conversion of the entire Gentile world. Reference: People’s New Testament with Explanatory Notes, B.W. Johnson, 1891, page 465.
b. The Holy Ghost used "Spirit filled men" from North Africa, (Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen) to lead in the evangelism of the Gentile nations. Recall Barnabas was from (Cyprus)? See Acts 4:36-37. Notice, Barnabas became part of the church’s leadership in Antioch.
c. Cyrene was a city in northern Africa (touching the Mediterranean Sea). The word Niger means "black." Simeon is believed to be a black African from Cyrene; part of the leadership in Antioch. Possibly, two or three other men of color made up the church’s leadership.
1) Niger or black was the surname of Simeon (Acts 13:1). He was probably so called, because of his dark complexion. Reference: Easton’s, 1897, Bible Dictionary.
2) Little or no mention of these men's work; in the church at Antioch, has found its way into most secular writings. Most sermons do not mention them at all.
3) I mention it because I want to bear witness - that God has used people of color to spread the gospel of Christ in the first century; just as he is doing today.
4) I want to correctly inform you that the kingdom of God was allowed to spread into Europe, Asia, and Africa because of the leadership of the church at Antioch; and not due to the leadership at Jerusalem.
a) (Don’t let anyone tell you that we as a people [black ministers]; have not had an instrumental role in the planting; growth and development of the church of Christ)! That’s a lie!
b) The Lord used men of color in the 1st century; because of their love and dedication to the vision and work of Christ! Amen, and amend.
c) And, the Lord is stilling using us today in building the kingdom of God unto His glory and honor. Illustrate: Marshall Keeble, was our Alexander Campbell.
2. Further, the church at Jerusalem was arguing over the Gentile's entrance into the church – while the church at Antioch was "preaching the Lord Jesus unto the Grecians, and the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed and turned to the Lord," Acts 11:20-21. Because of this failure of the church:
a. The flag of leadership move from the Jerusalem church to Antioch. Why, the church at Jerusalem had lost the vision, Acts 1:8. If we don’t rise to the occasion, God will send someone else to do it! And what shall be our end?
b. The Antioch church would be the spring board for three missionary journeys unto the Gentile nations; to advance the cause of Christ, beyond the "city of Jerusalem." Barnabas and Saul would be the first missionary team sent from Antioch, Acts 13:2-3.
c. Illustrate: The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, Matthew 21:33-43.
3. Finally, the Antioch church would carry the light of faith unto the Gentiles. The church at Jerusalem had allowed their “flame of faith” to nearly burn out. Notice:
a. Solomon wrote: "Where there is no vision, the people perish," Proverbs 29:18.
b. Hosea wrote: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee,” Hosea 4:6.
c. Samuel wrote: “And the child ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; (because) there was no open vision,” 1 Samuel 3:1. God refused to provide direction through his prophets.
d. Amos wrote: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it,” Amos 8:11-12.
e. When a church rejects the message of God; He will send them, “a famine for the word of the Lord.”
4. The Jerusalem church instead of evangelizing, they now “bite and devour one another.” Paul warns: “Take heed that ye be (are) not consumed one of another,” Galatians 5:15. These, “men from James” were disrupting the work of the Lord.
5. Illustrate: The church at Galatia. They had allowed these same men to come into the church and "bewitched them” so; that they had departed from the faith, Galatians 1:6-12. These men from James had sown confusion and discord among the church at Galatia; and they would soon arrive at the Antioch church.
D. Full of Faith. Men of faith will confront opposition. They realize that their mission is to: “Confirm and defend the gospel of Christ,” Philippians 1:7. Notice:
1. First, Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to confront the “men from James,” as well as the apostles and elders regarding this doctrine, Acts 15:1-5.
2. Further, the church debated the merits of this teaching and came to a decision, Acts 15:6-24. Illustrate: The Letter to the Gentiles, Acts 15:24. The Holy Ghost would direct the church in an understanding regarding this teaching.
3. Finally, men of faith will get things done. They know God will provide. Barnabas was a man of genuine faith. They understood: "That all things are possible with God," Matthew 19:26. Notice:
a. Jesus said, "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive," Matthew 21:22. Paul wrote: "I can do all things," Philippians 4:13. There is a time for prayer; but there is also a time for action.
b. Paul's request of the Thessalonians: "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course; and be glorified, even as it is with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all men have not faith," 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3. Illustrate: Brethren who lack faith. I can't see how. We don't have any money! Let's wait awhile.
c. Men of faith. Carnal minded men can’t understand how “men of faith” can see the “Who” when they face challenges! Good men focus on “Who” can make it possible – not “how” impossible it might appear. Our God is able!
d. Hear Paul: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work,” 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:13.
E. No wonder the text concludes with: "And much people were added unto the Lord," Acts 11:24. Notice how God blessed and honored this congregation. The, "Disciples were called Christians first at Antioch," Acts 11:26. It was not the Jerusalem church which received this honor, but Antioch. This was a caring, working, and visionary congregation.
1. Before I conclude, let me share what I believe made the church at Antioch so successful. Are you ready for this? The church had:
a. Leaders who were truly concern about souls and not roles.
b. Leaders who displayed a spirit of cooperation and not one of competition.
c. Leaders who were sincerely committed to evangelism and the Great Commission.
d. Leaders who could see opportunities and not be persuaded by opposition.
e. Leaders who were concerned with results and not who got the credit.
f. Leaders who did not have to occupy the “chief seat,” in order to play on the team.
g. Conclusion: Is there a good man in the house? Do you know who you are in this work? Can you stand and speak for Jesus without: “fear or favor?” If so, I have been addressing you and your work in the message! If not, then: “We Need a Revival,” in your house!
2. Is there a leader in the house? I’m encouraging you to leave here and first be a leader yourself with the qualities of Barnabas and Paul. Then, teach the men of the congregation where the Lord sends you to become such leaders.
3. I charge you to be as zealous in establishing church leadership as you will be in converting souls. Then and only then will your ministry be as successful as the men in our lesson.
4. Cultivate this vision, believe it, live it, and then preach it. And let Gods blessings help the congregation where you labour to achieve His vision.
5. I trust I said something today to help you in your ministry. I leave you with these words: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine....Watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5. In conclusion then, let’s summarize what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Commission of Barnabas
2. The Consolation of Barnabas
3. The Character of Barnabas
B. Summarize Main Points.
1. The Commission of Barnabas: Go to Antioch.
2. The Consolation of Barnabas: Cleave to the Lord.
3. The Character of Barnabas: A good man, full of the Holy Ghost and faith.
C. Invitation. Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
D. Persuade. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11. "Today is the day of Salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2.
E. Motivate. I hope it shall not be said of you; as it was of the children of Israel by Jeremiah: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20 illustrate: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience."
