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.
c. Have a limited vision and can't see beyond the church doors.
d. Have neither a “vision” nor a “mission statement.”
e. Argue and dispute about a word rather than finding agreement in the word.
2. The most significant 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 talented 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 actual 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.
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 in teaching the doctrine of Christ.
b. Further, he speaks of “good soldiers of Jesus Christ.” Find men who are willing to endure hardness. Men who have hazarded their lives for the gospel’s sake. Don’t find complaint in the work when it becomes difficult; endure it as a good soldier.
ILLUSTRATION: Good soldiers don’t whimper and whine about difficulties. Discuss the 101st Airborne Division’, 50 Mile Road March, in June 1962.
c. Finally, he instructs him, "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. 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 he, "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 cornerstone, 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, being the chief cornerstone,” Ephesians 2:19-20.
3. Like many churches today, this congregation needed settling and encouragement.
ILLUSTRATION: Will you go, send, or pray? If not, then someone needs to repent!
E. Barnabas accepted the challenge and went to Antioch to oversee the work and help out. Jesus said, "The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few," Luke 10:2.
ILLUSTRATION: 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.
ILLUSTRATION: 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 strangers 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. Remember Paul’s words: "I plant, Apollos water, but God who giveth the increase. So then, neither is he that planteth anything nor 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 the 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 rejoiced in the success of those working in Antioch!
ILLUSTRATION: Brethren’s Visit to Billy Washington’s work in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
B. Notice his message: "With the 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 was willing to water it. The real work begins after the gospel meeting. This work includes preaching, counseling, encouraging, and mentoring the membership.
2. Barnabas was a "man of faith and full of the Holy Ghost." He charged them and encouraged 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 the whole purpose of heart and 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, 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 Greek words differ slightly. Most churches have some problems at some point or another. The solution is simple: stick it out and 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. It Sounds like 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 labor is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
D. But why Barnabas? First, he was a Levite and was from 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. Consider,
1. He was a generous brother! Giving money is easy when you have already given yourself to the Lord, 2 Corinthians 8:5.
2. 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. Ladies, you should be looking for a man with these qualities.
ILLUSTRATION: Brother squeezes a Nickel so tight that the Buffalo rides the Indian.
3. Haggai’s warning: “Now 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 to put it into a bag with holes,” Haggai 1:5-6; Matthew 6:19-21.
4. Malachi asked: “Will a man rob God? Ye have robbed me,” Malachi 3:8-10.
E. The church needs a lot of exhortation. It seems most of the preaching after conversion was 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, and 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 thee 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 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 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 go down to Antioch, but Barnabas and Paul are preparing the church for this visit.
c. Now, look at the man's character 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 wrote: "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and the faith," Acts 11:24. It seems he possessed many great qualities of life. Christians should aspire to these blessed virtues. Peter wrote about these in 2 Peter 1:5-11.
1. Character is what you are! Reputation is what others 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. This is the person Jesus describes as having “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 “Will All Good People Be Saved?”
NOTE: Download this lesson from SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
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 authentic leadership. Great leaders (preachers and elderships) seek to empower others and contribute to the church's growth and development (spiritually and materially). Good leaders know how to delegate work, responsibility, and authority. Here are some sound character traits and behaviors 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 cooperate with the leadership and membership.
4. Are not concerned about who gets the credit, but ensure 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.
7. Consider these outstanding characteristics of Paul and Barnabas. Observe,
a. Barnabas shared a unique relationship with Paul. Barnabas sought Paul to help build and strengthen the church as the work began growing in Antioch.
1) Ministers must learn to be team players, not only coaches.
2) Paul and Barnabas's work complemented 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 integrate into the Jerusalem church, Acts 9:26-30. Now, he brings him to Antioch to help him. Good men will find suitable men to help do great things for the Lord.
ILLUSTRATION: Some pray for help; others get out and 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 who opposed him in his preaching, Philippians 1:15-17. No church will develop beyond its leadership and ministers' vision and spiritual graces. You can be confident of this,
a. If a congregation fails, we need only look at its leadership—or the lack thereof.
b. If successful, we will find that 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 given 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.”
NOTE: Download our lesson, “Setting Things in Order,” by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, from SermonCentral.com. It discusses the work of all these church leaders.
3) To Timothy: “If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires 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; Titus 1:5-11.
ILLUSTRATION: Who can be a Bishop or a Pastor? Does this include a woman as well?
a) If a man in Gr., is eí tis, or a' tes; which means if any: —he that, if a(-ny) man, desireth the office. The word and context imply “a man, not a woman.” I know some will argue differently. If they are honest, all one has to do is continue reading this scripture's entire content in its context. No man or woman of integrity and reverence for the scriptures will ignore Paul’s message in his instructions to Timothy and Titus. Observe,
b) He must be the “husband of one wife,” 1 Timothy 3:2.
c) He must be: “apt to teach” or a skillful teacher of 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 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 a ransom for many," 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 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 does not have 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. B. W. Johnson wrote: “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, one of the world's cities in greatness, commerce, and wealth. It became the great missionary center for converting the (entire) Gentile world,” 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 that 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 have been a black African from Cyrene who was part of the leadership in Antioch. Two other men of color also possibly comprised the church’s leadership.
d. Dr. Gareth L. Reese wrote: “And Simeon, who was called Niger —Niger is a Latin name meaning black. And the title (evidently) has some allusion to his color. It appears that he was a Negro (African). Nothing more is known of him than what is (here) given by Luke, though some have attempted to identify him with Simon the Cyrene, who carried the cross of Jesus. We think it to be more in harmony with ancient ways to say that this title was given to Simon to distinguish him from other Simons in the New Testament,” Page 454. See References below. (The words in parentheses are mine for clarity). I agree with this author's comments and observations. Consider also,
1) Niger or black was the surname of Simeon (Acts 13:1). Perhaps given to him like other surnames were given to Barnabas and others, Acts 1:23; Acts 4:36.
DEFINITION: “Niger.” “He was probably so-called because of his dark complexion.” Reference: Easton’s Bible Dictionary, 1897. Read your Black Printer Cartridge for its definition. Malas, Níger, is of Latin origin: black. This was the surname of the prophet Symeon, a Christian in Acts 13:1, BLB.org. [I suspect with all confidence this is the same Symeon Luke wrote: “And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country (field), and on him, they laid the cross, that he might bear it,” Luke 23:26. EGNT says a field, not a country, Page 233.] Observe this: there is,
2) Little or no mention of these men's work in the church at Antioch has found its way into most secular writings (even in our prominent Christian Universities and Educational Institutions). Most sermons do not mention them or their missionary efforts at all. How sad and incomplete is our record and knowledge of their work among the Gentiles? For these reasons,
3) I mention it because I want to witness that God has used people of color to spread the gospel of Christ in the first century, just as he is doing today. I make no excuses for their literary omissions. I thank God He remembers their work like Cornelius's works and alms among the Jewish people.
4) I want to correctly inform you that the kingdom of God was allowed to spread into Europe, Asia, and Africa because of the church's leadership at Antioch, not because of 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! Only spoken by children of the evil one. Of which I pray for even now. That God might forgive them of such evils.
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, somebody!
c) The Lord is still using us today to build the kingdom of God to His glory and honor.
ILLUSTRATION: Marshall Keeble was the black Alexander Campbell among the black and white churches of Christ in America. And no one loving brother in Christ would deny it!
2. Further, the church at Jerusalem was still arguing over the Gentile's entrance into the church – while the church at Antioch was: "Preaching the Lord Jesus unto the (Jews and) 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 (in my judgment):
a. The flag of leadership moved from the Jerusalem church to Antioch. Why did the church in Jerusalem lose its vision, Acts 1:8? Why were they hesitant to evangelize Samaria and other surrounding regions? I shudder to guess why Jerusalem and Judea were unresponsive to the spiritual needs of Samaria and the Gentile nations. That’s another lesson. However,
b. The Antioch church would be the springboard 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.
ILLUSTRATION: The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, Matthew 21:33-43. Read and comment, time permitting. Emphasize verse 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” nearly to burn out. Consider,
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 was "biting and devouring one another instead of evangelizing.” 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 in Jerusalem and elsewhere.
ILLUSTRATION: 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; Galatians 3:1-5. These men from James had sown confusion and discord among the Galatia church; they would soon arrive at the Antioch church. Fortunately, Paul would be there to begin to turn the tide of confusion and divisions among the people of God.
D. Full of Faith. Men of faith will confront the 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 decided to address it with a letter. Acts 15:6-24. The Holy Ghost would direct the church to understand this teaching.
ILLUSTRATION: The Letter to the Gentiles, Acts 15:24.
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.
ILLUSTRATION: 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 can 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 that 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 indeed concerned 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” 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 addressed you and your work in the message! If not, “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 congregation's men 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. 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. Let God's blessings help the congregation where you labor 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. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: “Come unto me all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
ILLUSTRATION: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience," 1 Peter 3:20-21.
Consultations and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
The People’s New Testament with Explanatory Notes, by B.W. Johnson, 1891.
The New Testament History Acts, by Gareth L. Reese, Copy Right, 1991.
This lesson was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, on 9/13/2024.
