APOSTLES NEED BARNABUS RELATIONSHIPS Apostles greatly benefit from having Barnabus-type apostolic relationships that can help them consdierably in the early phases of their ministry when many are suspect of their calling. in Acts 9:27 we see Barnabus intriducing Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem at a time when no disciples in Jerusalem believed Saul was even saved, let alone called to apostleship. After this introduction, where by the way, Barnabus had actually risked his reputation for Saul, Saul was able to move around Jerusalem freely, and preach. At least that is, until he again caused a commotion and had to get out of town and escape to Caesaria because some where looking to kill him. This conversion of Saul actually had the effect of causing a time of peace to come to the churches, and for them to be strengthened and encouraged and grow. All this was possible because one apostle named Barnabas risked to vouch for Saul. Barnabas later had been sent by the Jerusalem leaders to investigate reports of a revival breaking out in Antioch - the 3rd largest city in the Roman Empire a couple hundred miles north of Jerusalem. When he saw the evidence of Gods amazing grace there being poured out on the Gentiles, he went and got Saul to come and minister with him there for a year. He knew they needed what Saul had to go to the next level, and again risked to bring him there. Saul ministered there as a prophet and teacher with Barnabas, until they were sent out in Acts 13:2. After that Paul stepped into the fullness of his apostleship and they were known as apostles thereafter. This strategic move by Barnabas had long term ramifications, as Antioch become a regional, territorial, governing, apostolic church, and apostolic hub for Saul becoming Paul - the apostle. Apostles need Barnabus relationships.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 18:56:35 +0000
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