Class Lesson July 9, 2017

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

Until recently, not many people were familiar with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease—an incurable, progressive, muscle-weakening disease that ultimately ends in death.

Then the ice-bucket challenge emerged in the summer of 2014. People were challenged to pour a bucket of ice and water on their heads to raise awareness for ALS and encourage donations for research. Whoever did this challenge could then challenge others. 

Thanks to videos being posted on social media, the idea went viral. People all over the country and around the world jumped on the bandwagon and took the challenge. By the end of 2014, few did not know about this fatal disease. More importantly, over $100 million was raised, allowing research efforts to be tripled.

The early Christians didn’t need an ice-bucket challenge to motivate them to share Christ. They had the message of life, and they were eager to spread the good news. In the Book of Acts, we meet a man named Barnabas who took the challenge to follow Christ and then spent his life encouraging others to do the same.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Acts 11:19-21 

19 Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 

Two characteristics stood out about the church in its earliest days: it was a movement among Jews, and it was largely confined to Jerusalem. All of that changed when Stephen was killed (see Acts 7:58–8:1). Stephen was the first martyr in the church, and his death sparked a wave of persecution against Christians in Jerusalem. As a result, believers scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Thankfully, “Those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). 

Our passage mentions that believers scattered to three places in particular: Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. They shared the gospel in these places, but they shared it with “no one except Jews.” Why? Because many of the early Christians viewed their faith in Christ as a natural extension of their Jewish heritage. In other words, sharing the gospel with Jewish people was in their comfort zone. 

That approach changed in Antioch, where some believers “began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.” The good news pushed them out of their comfort zones and spurred them to talk with people who weren’t like themselves. 

This shows us that difficulties and persecution are not barriers to sharing the gospel. Without a doubt, these early Christians faced persecution, but they allowed that persecution to push them into new areas of evangelism. Wherever they went, they encouraged people to follow Christ.

Acts 11:22-24 

22 News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 

People need leadership. Teams need coaches, businesses need CEOs, and churches need pastors. The early church had the leadership it needed in Jerusalem, and those good leaders sought to encourage other churches and ensure they were teaching and growing as they should. That’s why they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 

Barnabas was an ideal choice for several reasons. He was from Cyprus (see 4:36), as were some of the believers who initiated the movement of God in Antioch. This also meant Barnabas was a Hellenist—a Jew whose language and culture was more Greek than Hebrew. These things positioned him well to assess what God was doing among the Gentiles. 

Once in Antioch, Barnabas did three key things: 

1. He saw the grace of God at work. Why did Barnabas see God’s grace? He was looking for it! God is working even now; we simply need the eyes to see.                                                                              
2. He rejoiced. When we focus on seeing God at work, we’re drawn to praise Him. Barnabas’s spiritual eyes and joyful heart naturally led him to do the third thing.                                                                   
3. He encouraged. Barnabas was a consistent source of encouragement to others. His true name was Joseph, but he had such a habit of encouraging others he was renamed Barnabas, which meant “son of encouragement” (4:36).

Barnabas’s actions grew out of his character. The text says “he was a good man”—someone who consistently treated others with love and dignity. He was also “full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” When Luke wrote the Book of Acts, he used a similar description for Stephen (see 6:5). This is a fitting description of a person who totally trusts God and lives surrendered to the power and work of the Holy Spirit. 

Hopefully, we all have a “Barnabas” in our lives—someone who encourages us to grow closer to Christ. At the very least, we can ensure our friends and family members have a “Barnabas” in their lives if we determine to be people of encouragement ourselves.

Acts 11:25-26 

25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. 

The church in Antioch was growing “and large numbers of people were added to the Lord” (11:24). Barnabas needed help, and he knew who he wanted: Saul (whom we know as the apostle Paul). 

Barnabas was already familiar with Saul, having befriended and supported him after his experience on the road to Damascus. It’s likely that Paul spent about ten years preaching in Syria and Cilicia—the area of his hometown (see Gal. 1:21-23)—after his conversion. 

So Barnabas “went to Tarsus to search for Saul.” 

One of the best ways to encourage people to serve and minister is to let them work alongside us. Jesus did this with His twelve apostles; Saul (later called Paul) would do it with others like Silas, Timothy, and Luke (see Acts 15:40; 16:1-3,10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1–28:16). And that’s exactly what Barnabas did, as well. Saul was not a novice to ministry. He had been preaching and teaching, but now Barnabas brought him to Antioch to help with the church. Together “they met with the church and taught large numbers.” 

Saul already had a missionary zeal, and Barnabas was always looking for opportunities to encourage others to come to Christ. The church at Antioch had also been blessed with several other learned prophets and teachers. Under their collective leadership, it’s no surprise this church was the first the Holy Spirit called to send out a missionary team—and that team was none other than Barnabas and Saul (see 13:2). 

Notice the pattern of Barnabas’s encouragement of Saul. Barnabas had been the one who sought out “Saul—also called Paul” (v. 9). They served together in the beginning as “Barnabas and Saul.” As their ministry progressed, however, Paul took the more prominent role. Over time, they became “Paul and Barnabas” (v. 43). Barnabas was quite willing to step back and allow Paul to take the lead. 

How can we encourage others to step up and serve? As we follow the example of Barnabas, we can: 

• Let the person watch. When you’re teaching and mentoring, start by modeling what to do. For example, let the person observe you sharing your faith. 

• Serve together. Let the person participate and lead right alongside you. 

• Hand off. Let the person do the task or ministry on his or her own. You’ve mentored, trained, and guided. Now let the person run with it, but always be there with encouragement and praise. 

Encouraging people brings great value wherever we go, both inside and outside the church. Make the choice to encourage others in their relationships with Christ and in their fellowship with one another.

LIVE IT OUT

We are surrounded by people who need encouragement. What will you do to encourage others to grow in Christ and serve Him? 

• A note of thanks. Identify one person who has encouraged you. Write a note to him or her and express your gratitude for that help and encouragement. 

• A word of encouragement. Take time this week to encourage someone in their walk with Christ. Make a call, write a note, or come alongside someone you know needs a word of support.

• A relationship of encouragement. Develop an ongoing relationship with someone that includes regular meetings. Mentor this person in a particular area of life and encourage his or her growth in Christ.

Are you ready to see encouragement and support go viral in your church? In your community? If so, you can be the catalyst by choosing to encourage those around you to grow in Christ and grow together as the body of Christ.

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Teacher Notes:

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Who has been the most encouraging person in your life?

• Parent, colleague at work, pastor, teacher, youth worker, SS teacher, spouse, uncle, aunt, grandparent

In our lesson this morning, there were many in the early days of the church that thought the gospel only belong to the Jews! 

• They didn’t want to rise above their prejudice and reach out to Gentiles.
• They didn’t believe that God’s favor was for all people.

But thankfully, there were some who took the Great Commission to heart, and sought to reach people of all nations. Today, we are recognizing one great leader of the faith, his name is Barnabas, who encouraged everyone who believed.

Barnabas Moments:

1. When Saul, the fiery persecutor of the church, came to Christ, he attempted to join the believers in Jerusalem. He faced only shunning until Barnabas spoke on his behalf. 

2. When Gentiles began coming to the Lord in great numbers in Antioch, Barnabas encouraged them in their faith. 

3. Later, when Paul did not want John Mark to accompany them on their 2nd missionary journey, Barnabas separated himself from Paul to take John Mark under his care and travel with him.

This lesson focuses on Barnabas’ assignment to investigate the preaching of the gospel that was taking place in Antioch. The believers there dared to depart from the norm to preach to the Gentiles. Barnabas not only endorsed them, he joined them in ministry and subsequently brought Paul to join in the ministry of preaching and teaching as well. Barnabas encouraged anyone and everyone to follow Christ, to grow in their walk with Christ, and to serve Christ. 

Point: Encourage people in their relationships with Christ and with one another.

I. A Great Movement Begins Acts 11:19-21 

19 Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 

Two characteristics stood out about the church in its earliest days: it was a movement among Jews, and it was largely confined to Jerusalem. All of that changed when Stephen was killed. 

A great movement begins toward the Gentiles. 

• It began among “they which were scattered”. They had scattered after the stoning of Stephen. A great persecution broke out against the church. A man named Saul had started a crusade to arrest Christians. Persecution is never good, but God has a way of using it for His glory and for the advancement of the gospel. Believers scattered to different places, but they continued to spread the message of Jesus. Some traveled to Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch. Some men in Antioch decided to share Christ with the Gentiles. They had probably heard about the conversion of Cornelius, and Peter’s testimony before the leaders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:1-18). A large number of Gentiles came to faith in Christ.

Why do we shy away from certain movements or groups of people?

• They are different from us, maybe they don’t speak English as their first language, they live in different (maybe not so nice) neighborhoods, they live on the other side of town, don’t know how to relate to them, they already have their own religion … they might be upset if we try to convert them.

How do we know if God is at work in a movement or group of people?

• Movements: Occupy Wall Street, Tea Party, Anti-globalization, Black Power, Labor movement, Gay Rights, Antiwar, Women’s Rights, Civil Rights. In the fall of 1989, the Berlin Wall was torn down. Weeks later, a Communist government in Romania was overthrown. Germany was soon reunited as a single nation, and not long after that, the Soviet Union was officially dissolved. For the first time in decades, Eastern Europe was wide open to the gospel. Great revival movements were also taking place in Kenya and in South Korea. Was God at work? 
• God’s at work: In 1990 the Promise Keepers movement began (1990 – 1997): Whatever happened to Promise Keepers? Was God at work?
• We must use good discernment in determining whether or not a movement is really of God. Genuine revival movements are characterized by exalting Christ and the truth of God’s Word. If a movement is driven largely by heresy, then it is not of God.

Why are we to share the message of Christ with everyone?

• The Great Commission says to do so, Christ’s mandate to share the gospel with the world is still relevant for our day. They need Jesus also, Jesus loves them, died for them … they need to hear about it. God will bless the faithful telling of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Point: Encourage Anyone and Everyone to Follow Christ

The Lord will use various circumstances, movements, and people to accomplish His purposes. Christ’s mandate to share the gospel with the world is still relevant for our day. We are to share the gospel with those who are “like us,” and with those who are not like us. God will bless the faithful telling of the good news of Jesus Christ.

II. A Great Leader Emerges Acts 11:22-24 

22 News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 

People need leadership. The church at Jerusalem heard what was happening in Antioch. They sent Barnabas to investigate. They wanted him to see if this movement was really of God. Barnabas was widely respected and trusted. That’s why they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 

What made Barnabas a good choice?

• He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. Known as a man of discernment, probably older and wise. A fitting description of a person who totally trusts God and lives surrendered to the power and work of the Holy Spirit. 
• A large number came to the Lord. God was at work here.
• He had already shown his generosity by selling a piece of property and donating the proceeds to the church (Acts 4:36). When Luke wrote the Book of Acts, he used a similar description for Stephen (see 6:5). Barnabas rejoiced over what he saw. He reassured the leaders that they were doing the work of God. He encouraged the new believers to remain devoted to Christ. More people came to faith in Jesus. 

What did Barnabas encourage them to do?

• Remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts - to grow closer to Christ
• This encouragement is no different than what a parent wants and shows in their love for their children - they want to see them grow and mature. Children can’t grow without the assistance of parents and other caring adults. It’s the same regarding our growth as Christians. We need each other. We have the opportunity to challenge and encourage others to grow spiritually and to become all they can be in Christ. With the exception of God Himself, the early church perhaps knew no greater encourager than Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, who was a major influence in the Jerusalem church and eventually became a missionary partner of Paul. He was such a model of encouragement that he was given the nickname by which we have come to know him best: Barnabas, “son of encouragement.”

Who has been a Barnabas in your life? Someone that encouraged you to grow closer to Christ.

• Hopefully, we all have a “Barnabas” in our lives—someone who encourages us to grow closer to Christ. 

What does it look like today to be a Barnabas to others today? What are some practical ways we can help others grow in their walk with Christ? What are some ways our group can help each other mature spiritually?

• We need encouragers, it is important that new believers be mentored, they need to be encouraged and reinforced in the right things they are doing/believing, they need to be guided away from misunderstandings, false concepts, they may need instruction in how to live out their new-found faith, they need advice on how God wants their lives to change 

Point: Encourage Anyone and Everyone to Grow in their Walk

The growth of the church is ultimately a work of the Lord. New believers need to be encouraged in their life of faith. 

As a people of the Lord, we can contribute to a climate for spiritual growth by having attitudes shaped by our faith and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. What does that mean?

III. A Great Ministry Begins Acts 11:25-26 

25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. 

Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul. This was the same Saul who had persecuted the church after the stoning of Stephen. He was now a follower of Jesus. Barnabas had introduced him to the leaders in Jerusalem, and assured them that his conversion was genuine (Acts 9:27). Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch. God had told Ananias that Saul was to bear his name “before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15-16). Saul had already preached Christ in synagogues (Acts 9:20-21), and Barnabas may have recognized his potential. He and Saul ministered in Antioch for a year. The disciples “were called Christians first in Antioch”. The name “Christian” simply means “follower of Christ”. It may have been intended as a derogatory label. Up to this point, Christianity had been regarded as a sect of Judaism, but now it was taking on a life of its own. Antioch soon became a center of world missions. Paul and Barnabas were sent out from Antioch as the first missionaries (Acts 13:1-3). Paul continued to use Antioch as a home base (Acts 15:26; 18:22).

Why do you think Barnabas went for Saul (it had been about 10 years since their acquaintance in Jerusalem)? 

• Needed help due to the growth of the church, knew that Saul was a dynamic speaker/teacher, this would get Saul involved in a church growth situation, Barnabas’ goal was church growth – saw the opportunity to get good help, may have been thinking ahead to opportunities for future ministries together.

Notice the pattern of Barnabas’s encouragement of Saul. Barnabas had been the one who sought out “Saul—also called Paul” (v. 9). They served together in the beginning as “Barnabas and Saul.” As their ministry progressed, however, Paul took the more prominent role. Over time, they became “Paul and Barnabas” (v. 43). Barnabas was quite willing to step back and allow Paul to take the lead. 

How can we encourage others to step up and serve? 

• One of the best ways to encourage people to serve and minister is to let them work alongside us. Jesus did this with His twelve apostles; Saul (later called Paul) would do it with others like Silas, Timothy, and Luke. And that’s exactly what Barnabas did, as well. Saul was not a novice to ministry. He had been preaching and teaching, but now Barnabas brought him to Antioch to help with the church. Together “they met with the church and taught large numbers.”
• Saul already had a missionary zeal, and Barnabas was always looking for opportunities to encourage others to come to Christ. Be a mentor, help develop new believers. Help others grow in Christ.
• Encouraging people brings great value wherever we go, both inside and outside the church. Make the choice to encourage others in their relationships with Christ and in their fellowship with one another.

Point: Encourage Anyone and Everyone to Serve

Lookout for believers who can be enlisted in Christian service. The effectiveness of an individual’s personal ministry can be strengthened by enlisting others as partners. The teaching ministry is vital to church growth. Christians are to reflect Christ in all they do.

As Henry Blackaby often says, “Find out where God is working, and get involved.” Don’t be a wet blanket; be an encourager!

LIVE IT OUT

Most of us can make a long list of people who have encouraged us spiritually, initially to receive Christ, then to strengthen our relationship with Him, and to find ways to serve Him in the life of the church. It may have been a spouse, other family members, a pastor, a teacher, or a friend. We are grateful for them and the difference they have made to us. Of course, the greater issue is to whom have we been an encourager in a similar way? If someone you know made his or her list of spiritual encouragers, would your name be on it?

Hope to see you on Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan