18. “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
A happy proof of divine life! Even the strong Jewish prejudices of these brethren from Jerusalem were subdued when they realized that the blessing had gone out to the Gentiles, and it was most surely a work of God. Their happy submission to the will and work of God had equally happy results—peace, quietness and praise being offered to God. May we earnestly covet this same spirit with one another!
19. “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.”
Though Peter and the believers at Jerusalem had realized that God had opened the door of blessing to the Gentiles, other believers who had fled there had not heard. They remained faithful to what they knew, so that as godly Jews they preached to the Jews only. God desires that each believer act according to the light they have. In doing so, more light will then be given.
20. “And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.”
The gospel of the grace of God cannot be contained. National prejudice, Scriptural ignorance, religious persecution—none of these things can stop the good news from being preached to the lost. In the very place where the first Gentile assembly was established, the gospel is preached. Let us, gathered to the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, never give up the precious privilege and the vital importance of preaching the gospel—wherever we live.
21. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.”
When the Lord is in the work, great blessing is sure to result. We also learn that believing is not enough. There was an appropriate action which followed their faith in the message they heard—they turned to the Lord. Let us see to it that the reality of our Christian faith is, in like manner, proven by our actions.
22. “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.”
The brethren at Jerusalem prove the working of the grace of God among them that began with Peter’s visit to Cornelius. Then they had waited until Peter came to them at Jerusalem. When he arrived, he was chided for having contact with Gentiles. But now, upon receiving the happy report of the Spirit’s working among Gentiles in Antioch, they send a brother (who has their moral confidence) to help. Barnabas was not going as an evangelist, for then he, as Philip (see Acts 8), would have moved as guided only by the Spirit of God.
But what happened in Antioch affected the assembly in Jerusalem. Those who administered there sent one of their own with explicit restrictions. Such fellowship and interaction is needed among brethren today when such issues arise.
23. “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.”
Barnabas, realizing that God was working, begins shepherding by encouraging and building up the new flock of God. May we never lose sense of the critical value of fatherly care among brethren—whether it be the babes in Christ or mature believers. Encouraging, shepherding ministry is desperately needed today among God’s dear people.
24. “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”
Here we have the qualifications of one who desires to build up believers and assemblies—and we have the happy result of such service, but not a word about gift. The Spirit of God mightily uses a servant who walks righteously and in faith.
25. “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul.”
This shepherd recognizes that the sheep need more than he had—he was “diligent to know the state of [the] flocks” (Prov. 27:2323Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. (Proverbs 27:23)). Barnabas knows of one who had been raised up of God for this very purpose and immediately leaves to find Saul. His official service for the assembly at Jerusalem in no way impedes his desire to find a vessel that could be used in greater blessing among these new converts. May we display this same sweet spirit—recognizing and using gifts that God has given to others, for the blessing of His beloved sheep.
26. “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
These two faithful men teach the assembly at Antioch the doctrines of Christianity. Though Saul took the lead, Barnabas gave adequate witness to the truth of his words (2 Cor. 13:11This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2 Corinthians 13:1)).
27. “And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.”
The assembly at Jerusalem proves a source of blessing to the new assembly in Antioch. It ought to be so with assemblies today—able to provide the needed blessing and balance lacking in another.
28. “And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar.”
Another gift is sent to help the assembly at Antioch—a prophet. As mightily used as Barnabas and Saul had been, they gave place to one who had a ministry from the Lord to fulfill. Are we willing to do the same?
Ed.