Acts 11:19-30
Dear RTB’ers,
Barnabas’ qualifications: …for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith… (v. 24a) What more could be said of a believer? And how does this “good man” serve the community of believers? …he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord. (v. 23b) Here we see Barnabas again encouraging the believers as he did when he gave proceeds from the sale of land (Acts 4:36-37) and when he affirmed Paul to the Jerusalem church (Acts 9:27). One of my favorite Bible characters. …for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith… Well qualified!!
Barnabas was sent to Antioch by the Jerusalem leaders. When he arrived and surveyed the situation he immediately determined that he should find Saul and bring him. This again reflects Barnabas’ confidence in Saul’s conversion and his knowledge of Paul’s gifts. Paul was entirely literate, probably conversant in Greek and Aramaic, and was raised in the Roman city of Tarsus (modern Turkey). So he would have been well qualified to meet with those Hellenistic Christians in Antioch – a cosmopolitan city, third only to Rome and Alexandria in the Roman Empire. It’s amazing how God puts the people he needs in the places where they are needed.
So I ask myself, “Am I where I am needed?” Are you?
Blessings!
I’m inspired by Barnabas! His encouragement to others, his leadership, and his wisdom in bringing another in to help when needed—we would call him a “team player” today.
And by Fred’s question: Am I serving where I am needed?