The Holy Spirit separates Saul (soon to be called Paul) and Barnabas to the special work to which He had called them. It is interesting to note that the direction seems to go to the assembly at Antioch as well as to Saul and Barnabas. The Spirit clearly shows us here the importance of fellowship in the assembly among the believers and those who are special servants of the Lord.
As they go forth, Satan raises up many different kinds of foes to withstand the preaching of the gospel. Paul begins in each location to which he comes by preaching the gospel to the Jews. When they reject the wonderful message of love and forgiveness from the heart of God, he turns to the Gentiles with the same message.
1. The Spirit records that though He was sending Saul and Barnabas on a special service, He commanded the assembly in Antioch to show fellowship with them by the laying on of hands. It is important to note that God does not send His servants on missions which will cause them to stand independent of the assembly, even though they are individually responsible to God for their special work. What was one of the special characteristics of the early assembly soon after it was formed? Acts 2:___
2. In Galatians, Paul recounts some of his early missionary work as guided by the Spirit. What was it that James, Cephas (Peter) and John “gave” to him and Barnabas? Galatians 2:___
3. Why was it that Paul could have such joy in his prayers for the believers at Philippi? Philippians 1:___
4. The Apostle John desired that those to whom he was writing would be able to have fellowship with him. What was this fellowship based upon?
1 John 1:___
5. What does Paul warn the Corinthian believers that they are not to have fellowship with? 2 Corinthians 6:___