A Man on a Mission

“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. 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. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” Acts 11:22-24

The Gospel had spread from Jerusalem to Antioch, a city about 300 miles to the north, and many people had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. When the news came back to the church in Jerusalem about the large numbers of people being saved in Antioch, they wanted to send someone from their midst to teach the new believers in Antioch more about Jesus in order to help them grow in their faith. They chose a man named Barnabas because he was a good man and was filled with the Holy Spirit. When Barnabas got to Antioch and saw how many people had been saved already and their eagerness to learn about the Lord and obey His Word, he went to Tarsus and asked Saul to join him in his efforts to teach the people in Antioch. Barnabas and Saul were in the city of Antioch for one year teaching the new believers and sharing Christ with those who had not heard. The believers in Antioch were so fervent in their desire to follow the Lord that the people in the city began to call them “Christians.” Of course, this became the universal name of the followers of Christ, but it happened first at Antioch. Barnabas not only had a great impact on the city of Antioch; his influence is still felt all around the world today!