Acts continues to record the spread of the message of
Christ. In Acts 11:19-30, Luke, the writer of Acts, gives an account of the
conversion of Gentiles in Antioch. The first witnesses to the Antioch Gentiles
came from Hellenistic Jewish believers from Cyprus and Cyrene. It specifically
says that while others who were dispersed from Jerusalem preached only to the
Jews, “there were some of them . . . who came to Antioch and began speaking to
the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.” [vs. 20]
The Jerusalem Church heard about these conversions and sent
Barnabas to check things out. “Then when he had come and witnessed the grace of
God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain
true to the Lord.” [vs. 23]
My first question to myself is, “Do I encourage others in
the faith to have resolute hearts and to stay true to the Lord?” But then the
second question I had was, “Am I resolute in heart and mind to the Lord?” That
question caused me to wonder what my life should look like if I’m to be
resolute of heart and mind. And, what sets me apart from the general population
that makes it obvious to others that I am true to the Lord Jesus?
Barnabas’ encouragement to the Antioch believers is also an
encouragement to us. We should have resolute hearts and should do everything as
Jesus would have us do to remain true to the teachings of Jesus. Some
manuscripts translate “to encourage” as “to exhort” or “to plead with.” It has
a sense of urgency to it. It is something we are to be about on a regular,
daily or moment to moment, basis. Our lives should be set apart by our zeal for
doing the right things (according to Jesus’ teachings and according to the Word
of God).
I’m challenged today by Barnabas’ example and by the
exhortation to be resolute in heart and mind in serving Jesus. How can I be an
encourager today and how can I keep Jesus’ teachings before me at all times?
This will take some thought and prayer, but it is something I must do.
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