Chapter 13 marks a sharp shift in the focus of Luke’s account of the early church in Acts. Up until this point, Peter has been the main character through whom God was working to establish and grow the early church. From here on out, that focus shifts to Saul, also known by his Gentile name, Paul. The book of Acts will document Paul’s three missionary journeys as well as his adventurous voyage to Rome. Here in chapters 13 and 14, we read of Paul’s first missionary journey, this one taken with his friend and co-worker Barnabas. I could share a bunch from these two chapters, but as has been my habit, I will just focus on a short passage from each chapter and share some of my thoughts as I read through these chapters during my quiet time.
Acts 13:2-3 – As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off. Man, is this rich! I am just struck by so many things in these two verses. Notice what the leaders of the church in Antioch were doing: worshiping and fasting. I think we can also assume that included within that worship and fasting was corporate prayer. The leadership may have been seeking direction from the Lord and He answered through His Holy Spirit. They were humble and dependent and truly seeking. God honored that attitude. He designated two people for His purposes in bringing the gospel beyond Antioch, namely, Barnabas and Saul. What I find interesting about that is the God chose the two most influential and gifted of that church and removed them from Antioch for his purposes. When the church raises up and equips people for leadership, they are not to horde them for themselves but make them available for God to send and use them. That is what the Antioch church did. They continued to fast and pray and then commissioned Saul and Barnabas for the work God had called them to. May we be quick to send our “best and most gifted” out from our own church to be used by God as he determines.
Acts 14:21-22 – After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith…(CSB) At the completion of their first missionary journey, Saul and Barnabas reverse course, revisiting the cities where they had planted churches. As we look at v. 22-23, we can see their priorities for establishing healthy churches in these regions. First, they strengthened the new followers of Jesus by encouraging them to continue in the faith. True believers will persevere in following Jesus, no matter the circumstances, because God has promised to keep them. Second, they warned them about the inevitable hardships that would face them as followers of Jesus. A good disciple of Jesus will count the cost of following his/her master and will know their calling to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. Third, and very near and dear to my heart, they appointed elders in every church. Notice the plural elders. Ideally, there should be a plurality (more than one elder) leading and shepherding every congregation of the Lord. Healthy, biblically qualified leadership is essential for the growth and sustenance of a local church. Rick and I often pray that God would raise up additional elders for our body. It is a good thing to desire to serve in such a capacity. If anyone thinks that God may be preparing them for eldership at MCC, please let us know!
Blessings in your reading!