Saul & Barnabas Sent Off

Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark are sent off on the first missionary journey. The way is open to the Gentiles, and this journey busts it wide!

This first journey stirs up both Jew and Gentile. It also establishes churches in several regions. Saul and Barnabas don’t decide on their own to undertake this missionary trip. God commissions them to go. Let’s rejoin our story as Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark return to Antioch.

Holy Spirit, lead my journey today as surely as You led Saul’s. Direct my steps as I follow his as he spreads the good news of Jesus. Make this journey ‘real’ to me. Show me what You want me to see; direct my eyes to the important things.

♥ ♦ ♥

Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark are happy to finally have arrived in Antioch. They have been traveling for three weeks.

“I am looking forward to staying somewhere for more than two days” says John Mark.

“Why ‘two days’” asks Barnabas.

“Because stopping for the Sabbaths was nice, but we had to get up and go on the next day. Two days allows for a Sabbath and a rest.”

Saul smiles and shakes his head. “What ever happened to the exuberance of youth? You sound like an old man already.”

“I think I aged a decade on the journey” says John Mark as he mimics trying to get the kinks out of his back and shoulders.

“He is spoiled” adds Barnabas. “Too accustomed to sleeping in soft beds. NOT the life of an apostle” he adds with a smile.

“I’m here aren’t I” protests John Mark with a smile of his own.

“Let’s get to the home of the believers. We can let you rest your ‘weary bones’ there” Saul says with a laugh.

The believers are excited to see Saul and Barnabas again. They welcome John Mark with enthusiasm too.

“It is wonderful to have you back. How long will you stay with us this time?”

“As long and the Lord leads us to” answers Saul.

The three men meld into the church seamlessly. Saul and Barnabas, who were originally leaders, return to leadership positions alongside Simeon, Lucius, and Manaen. These three kept the church going in Saul and Barnabas’ absence. They are prophets and teachers for the body at Antioch.

John Mark joins in the ministry of supporting the leaders. He helps, along with others, to order the daily tasks, ensure that those who wish to speak with one of the leaders has that opportunity, and to perform whatever task they may be called upon to do for the body of the Lord.

John Mark makes friends easily and finds himself folded into tight circles of men. They encourage one another in the Lord. They also hold one another accountable in all areas of their lives. John Mark thrives is these groups!

It has been two months since the three men rejoined the Christians at Antioch. Saul and Barnabas are with the leadership group, worshiping the Lord, praying and fasting for direction for the church. As the group is focusing their attention on the Lord, the Holy Spirit speaks in their midst.

“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2).

All the men heard this directive from the Lord. No one would ever say that Saul and Barnabas put themselves forward. Saul knew he had a call on his life, but he patiently waits for the Lord to raise him up or direct his paths.

After hearing the direction of the Holy Spirit, all the leaders continue to pray and fast. This is an important task and they want all the Lord’s favor on this endeavor. After completing their time of fasting, three remaining leaders draw Saul and Barnabas into their center. They lay hands on them and commit them to the Lord.

“Lord Jesus, we commit into Your hands our brothers Saul and Barnabas. Use them as a mighty tool for Your kingdom. Lead their steps as they set off into the world to spread Your word. Order their minds, protect their hearts, prepare their words, and watch over them physically. They are Yours Father God. We are grateful for the time they have spent with us. We look forward to the stories they will bring back on their return. And, yes Lord, bring them back to us from time to time, for we value the wisdom You have placed within each of them. In the mighty name of Jesus, go forth and spread the gospel!”

Saul and Barnabas talk that night about their journey. Where they will start and what to bring with them. One thing they want to bring is John Mark.

“He has proven himself valuable the whole time we have been together.”

“He also complained about the journey from Jerusalem” says Saul.

“I honestly think it was only in jest though” reassures Barnabas.

“I agree. Besides, he is still young. He needs this experience.”

“It’s settled then. We will take John Mark along” says Barnabas with finality.

Saul outlines the plan, as he sees it. “I want to set out from Seleucia. I think our first stop should be in Cyprus. I know that it is rumored that some of the brothers might have made it that far, but I want to be certain. And, as I am called to the Gentiles, this is a good place to start.”

“Agreed brother. Then we will ask the Lord where to go from there.”

Morning finds Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark down by the shore. Barnabas’ favorite captain sees them and greets them warmly.

“Hello my friends! Are you in need of travel arrangements again?”

Barnabas is surprised to see him this far south. “We are my dear captain, but not in the direction we last sailed. We are going to Cyprus. Do you sail that direction?”

“No. We stay along the coastline. Deep water requires a different kind of ship.” The captain points down the dock. “You will find those vessels down that way.”

“Thank you, my friend. Shalom, and prosperous travels for you and your men.”

As the three men head towards the vessels the captain pointed out, they notice a distinct size difference. These ships are three or four times the size of the small merchant vessel. This doesn’t deter them in the least.

“A larger crew means more people to share the gospel with” says Saul as they approach.

“Shalom to the ship” calls Barnabas.

He receives a few friendly waves and one answer back.

“Hello to you also” calls one clearly in charge. This man stands at the edge of the boat as he addresses the three men.

“We are wondering if you know where we could find passage to Cyprus” inquires Saul.

“We have just returned from a long journey and will be in port for several days before setting off again. Try over there” the man points to another large ship. “I hear they may be leaving that way soon.”

“Thank you for you help. I pray you have a good rest and safe travels afterwards.”

The three men reach the ship and again call out. “Shalom the boat!”

The captain of this vessel is on the docks directing the loading of cargo for his voyage. He looks over to the source of the greeting. After giving directions to his loaders, he turns and greets the men.

“Hello. I am the captain of this vessel. Can I help you with something?

As Barnabas made sailing arrangements before, he is designated as the one to conduct this negotiation as well.

“I am Barnabas. This is my brother Saul, and my brother John Mark. We are looking to sail to Cyprus.”

The captain gives the three men a strange look. “You do not look like brothers.”

Barnabas laughs. “We get that quite often as we are not physical brothers but brothers in Christ.”

The captain nods knowingly. “I have heard of this practice, but never seen it applied. Yes. We are sailing to Cyprus on the tide. What kind of arrangements are you requiring?”

“We would like to book passage. We are also willing to lend a hand whenever it is needed. We have done this on a smaller coastal vessel, and our efforts were much appreciated.”

“This boat has a full crew complement, so I don’t need extra hands, but I do take on passengers, for a price.”

“We have limited funds. What would you be requiring for the three of us” asks Barnabas.

“Two drachmas each.”

All three men’s eyes go wide. This is nearly a weeks wages all totaled. Barnabas goes into bargaining mode.

“This is a stiff price for such a short journey. Two days wages for one day’s travel hardly sounds reasonable” argues Barnabas.

“What are you offering” asks the captain with a suspicious look in his eye.

“One drachma each” offers Barnabas.

The captain sets out a huff. “You would have me go broke at that rate.”

“Do you have others waiting to purchase passage” asks Barnabas while looking around. No one besides the loaders were on the docks.

“Fine! But if help is required, you had better be willing and able to provide it.”

“We have strong backs and able hands” Barnabas assures the captain.

“We sail with the evening tide. Be here on time or be left behind.”

Barnabas nods. “As expected.”

The three set off into town to wait. They don’t worry about purchasing food or supplies as the journey shouldn’t last more than a day. What they do instead is pray for the safety of the vessel and the crew.

“Lord God, we entrust this journey into Your hands. We know that You called us to go out. To take Your word to the Gentiles. Open the way for us to do this while also still sharing Your love with Your people. Give us fair winds and good weather for our journey and bless the captain and crew who have welcomed us aboard their vessel. In Jesus’ name we pray.”

Saul, Barnabas and John Mark are back on the dock in plenty of time to board the ship before it set sail. They are not shy about introducing themselves to the crew and offering help in any way they can. They are quickly put to work coiling ropes as the vessel releases its moorings.

Saul is able to talk freely with two of the sailors about the Lord. They are eager to learn. Barnabas speaks with another small group. The captain has taken a liking to John Mark, as he reminds him of his son. John Mark willingly shares the gospel with the captain. By the time they dock in Cyprus, two of the sailors and the captain profess faith in Jesus Christ.

The three men thank the crew and captain as they disembark. “We hope to see you again someday, new brothers.”

Saul leads the way into the city of Salamis. The first thing they look for is a synagogue. Being that there is a large Jewish community in Salamis, there are many to choose from.

“Who knew there would be this many synagogues” exclaims John Mark.

“I pray it is only because of the walking distance for the people and not divides between them” Saul says wistfully. He feels that ‘divisions’ is a more likely reason than any other.

“So, which one to we choose to start with” asks John Mark.

“I think we need to seek the Lord on that” offers Barnabas.

“Agreed” the other two chorus.

Before even praying, a member of one of the ruling synagogues comes upon the group.

“I have been sent to welcome you to our fair city.”

The three men’s brows crease with confusion. A smile begins to spread on Saul’s face as he understands the reason.

“The Lord spoke to you, didn’t He?”

“Indeed, He did. If you will follow me, places have been prepared for you.”

The three men readily follow the man. He turns back for a moment. “I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Titus.”

Saul does the introductions for their group. “I am Saul, this is Barnabas, and this young lad is John Mark.”

“Welcome to Salamis” Titus says as he returns to leading the group. They arrive at Titus’ home. “You are welcome in my home. You will find rest and refreshing. If you would like to wash before going to the synagogue, please feel free to do so. I have a small meal laid out as well, if you are hungry.”

All three men gladly partake of Titus hospitality before he takes them to the synagogue. It is a beautiful building only a few streets over from Titus’ home. Titus shows them around the building and introduce them to the head rabi.

“This is Rabi Mushi” Titus begins. “Rabi, these are the men whom I dreamt would come.”

“We have learned to trust Titus’ dreams over the years. Welcome to Salamis. I trust your stay will be profitable for the Lord God of Israel.”

“I am wondering Rabi, when your people next meet together.”

Rabi Mushi looks at Saul with curiosity. “On the Sabbath, of course.”

Saul nods. “Of course.” Saul looks around a while longer before the men are ready to return to Titus’ home.

The Sabbath is only a day away, so they will not have long to wait before ‘testing the waters’. They spend the day in between exploring the city. Saul has everyone hold off on witnessing outside of the synagogue. “We need to bring the gospel to the Jews first.”

Out in the street, on the Sabbath morning, you can hear the rabi calling out to the people to come and partake in the service. Saul, Barnabas and John Mark are among the first through the door. They choose a place within the congregation. They are honored guests, but as Jesus said; “Do not take the seats of honor, least your host needs to ask you to step down and let another have the honor. It is better for your host to raise you from the lower seat and raise you to the seat of honor.”

The service is beautiful, following all the traditions set out in the Law. After a time of praise to the Lord, Rabi Mushi asks if one or all three of their gusts would share from the scrolls. Saul is MORE than eager to bring a message to the people. Saul stands up and approaches the scrolls.

After looking around for just a moment, Saul opens it to the words of Isaiah. He begins explaining how the Messiah must suffer and die. How He would be raised again on the third. And how His death would open the way for restoration for the people.

“I tell you today that Jesus of Nazareth fulfills ALL the prophecies of the Messiah. He IS the Messiah. He came and took our sins upon Himself so that we might be restored to the Father.”

It isn’t immediate, but many people come to faith in Jesus as God’s Son. Some refuse to believe and remain in the ‘dark’. Saul and company stay in Salamis for three weeks before moving on.

As they feel the end of their stay approaching, Saul and Barnabas begin to ask the Lord where to go next. “Guide us Lord in the way we should go. Direct us to the people You have already appointed for us to reach” prays Saul.

In his spirit he hears the Lord leading them to Paphos. Barnabas hears this too.

“Paphos” says Barnabas.

“I agree” says Saul. “But that is on the other end of the island. There are many who need to hear the gospel between here and there. We can teach along the way, staying only a day or two in each place.”

“That is a good plan” agrees Barnabas.

John Mark is busy with helping in the synagogue while this decision is being made. Barnabas shares the plan with him over the evening meal.

“John Mark, we asked direction from the Lord and agree that we are to go to Paphos. Along the way, we will stop and minister in the small towns, for a day or two. We will be leaving in the morning.”

John Mark is happy to be on the road again, but he is disappointed that they made this decision without even talking to him. Or even inviting him to pray with them. He realizes that he is young, but how else will he grow if no one invites him into their journey. He sets aside his disappointment though. He is excited for what lies ahead.

The three missionaries set out bright and early in the morning. Each day they set their sights on the next town along their route. Each evening they spend preaching the gospel in the city center. And their nights are spent in the company of all who have gladly received the message.

Only twice do they spend an extra day along the way. These are the times when the people are so excited about the gospel that they beg this little band to teach just one more day. There is no official count of how many people received the good news with joy and came to faith in Jesus. The journey for the three though lasts nine days and brings great joy.

Upon reaching Paphos, they begin searching for a synagogue. This area has far fewer synagogues than Salamis did, thus making the choice of one place to teach easier. Saul chooses the central one as their destination.

The synagogue is welcoming and invites Saul to read from the scrolls during services. For four weeks, Saul teaches the people. Saul again chooses the prophet Isaiah as his starting point in the text, explaining how Isaiah’s prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. “He is the Christ. The Messiah. There can be no other conclusion.”

Saul and Barnabas also teach in the streets of the city, calling out to the people. The morning they begin speaking outside the synagogue, they are confronted by a man named Bar-Jesus. He is loud, rude, and manipulative. He calls himself a prophet, but he uses magic to convince the people of the truth of his prophecies. All three missionaries are disgusted by this man.

“He gives Jews a bad name” comments John Mark as Bar-Jesus (Elymas) is performing for his audience.

“He does, but let the Lord deal with him for now” replies Saul.

After two weeks, Sergius Paulus, who is proconsul for Paphos, hears of the teaching of Saul and Barnabas. He asks that they be summoned to him so that he can hear the word of God as well. Elymas hears of the proconsul’s interest and tries to prevent it.

“You don’t want them coming here. They speak lies. They confuse the people and lead them astray.”

“I will hear them anyway” demands Sergius Paulus. He sends one of his most trusted runners to deliver the invitation to Saul and Barnabas.

“Sergius Paulus, our proconsul ask that you come and speak the words of God to him” he says to Saul.

“We would be most honored to do so.”

The group follows the runner straight to the residence of the proconsul. All three are gladly welcomed in by the proconsul, but Elymas tries to bet between the men.

“You speak lies!” he calls out. “You are sent by Satan himself to confuse the people and lead them away from the Lord. Proconsul, please turn your ears from their lies!”

Saul says sternly; “That is enough!” The Holy Spirit speaks through Saul against Elymas. “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time” (Acts 13:10-11).

Instantly, Elymas is plunged into darkness. He cannot see at all.

“Help me” he cries out as he searches the space before him with his hands. “Please, someone help me.”

Sergius Paulus’ jaw drops as he watches Elymas. “This is the hand of God” he says in a tone filled with awe and wonder. He calls the runner and has him lead Elymas from the room. “Now, please continue sharing the words of the Lord with me. I can see His hand at work and I already believe.”

Saul continues to share the gospel with Sergius Paulus. After several hours, Sergius Paulus is a true believer in Jesus Christ.

“Please, come back and share more with me tomorrow” he pleads.

“We will be here a little longer” Barnabas reassures him. “We will not leave without visiting you again.”

For the rest of the missionaries’ stay, they don’t have to contend with Elymas again. He has to have someone lead him wherever he goes. After one more visit with Sergius Paulus, the three seek God for their next destination.

“Being that we are traveling in Greek territory, I am going to use my Greek name” says Saul. “I will be called Paul from this time on. It identifies me with the Gentiles, whom God has told me to reach.”

Barnabas and John Mark both nod their heads. “It might take a few times before I remember all the time” says Barnabas with a smile.

“Me too” echoes John Mark.

With that settled, they begin to ask God for direction. “Holy Spirit, thank You for all the times You have placed Your words in my heart. The words that minister to the people; more powerful than any words I could ever say. Lead us to the next place You have prepared for us. We trust You to prepare the way before us.”

Paul and Barnabas both hear the Lord speak to them. “Perga in Pamphylia” announces Paul.

Barnabas quickly nods in agreement. “Perga.”

John Mark hears nothing, and this bothers him even more than being left out of the last time that direction was sought for the journey. Still, he says nothing.

The group goes to the dock early the next morning. They easily find a ship going to Perga. The captain is a believer already and offers the small group free passage.

The trip only takes a day and a half, but each hour brings John Mark deeper and deeper into despair. “I am of no use on this journey” he tells himself. “At least in Jerusalem, I can be of some use. God doesn’t even speak to me out here. Paul and Barnabas are better off going it alone.”

When the ship reaches shore, the three disembark. Paul and Barnabas have no idea what has been brewing in John Mark’s heart. The walk into the city and find a place to eat. As the group eats, John Mark voices his decision.

“I won’t be going on with you. I am going to return to Jerusalem. I believe that I am needed there more than here.”

Barnabas and Paul are both shocked. “But you are needed here with us” Barnabas pleads.

“No. My mind is made up. I will find a ship to take me back as soon as we finish eating.”

Paul is disappointed in John Mark and angry for him abandoning them. “He is unworthy of the calling” Paul says to himself. To John Mark, he says; “We will see you off before we move on.”

Barnabas quickly agrees. “We will see you safely on your way. That way, when we see your ima again, we can face her without guilt.”

The three return to the docks and a ship is located that will take John Mark back across the sea. It will take him some time to reach the shores of Israel. And he will be doing it alone. Barnabas is worried about John Mark, so he asks the captain to watch over him personally. He even slips him three extra drachma for his time.

“I will see the young man back to the shores of Caesarea” promises the captain.

“Thank you” Barnabas says. The three embrace one last time and John Mark sets off for home.

Paul shakes his head and lets out a huff of disappointment as they watch the ship set off. “Unreliable” he says to himself. He turns to Barnabas. “I don’t want to stay here any longer. Let’s push on.”

“Where to brother Paul.”

“To Antioch in Pisidia.”

As it is nearly dark, the two find lodging for the night and set out first thing in the morning. The trip is grueling! The paths are rugged, steep, and full of hazards. It takes serious concentration in some areas, requiring both men to focus intently on their own feet.

Barnabas stops to rest on a stone overlooking a deep gorge. The scenery is breath taking.

“My legs are shaking brother Paul. I need to rest a minute.”

“The hills near Jerusalem did NOT prepare us adequately for this type of climbing” replies Paul as he joins Barnabas.

“They did not!”

The two remain where they are for a time. A bit of food and water revives them and gives them the energy to continue their trek.

“I will be most grateful to reach a town and find a place to rest” Barnabas calls to Paul who is now in the lead.

“Hopefully soon” Paul calls back.

It takes a week to navigate the mountains between Perga and Antioch Pisidia. The two travelers are grateful for every break they had. Their legs are also MORE than ready for a time of rest in their destination city.

On the Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas are excited to be visiting the synagogue. They choose a low place, as usual and listen intently to those teaching. After reading from the scrolls of both the Law and the prophets, the rabi looks to Paul and Barnabas. He heard of their arrival a few days earlier but hasn’t had a chance to speak with them. This is their fist interaction.

“Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it” (Acts 13:15).

Paul is MORE than ready to share the good news of the gospel. That is the reason he made such a difficult journey. He stands up. Stretching his arms out as if to encompass all the people, he begins to speak the gospel.

“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt,…” Paul raises his hands towards Heaven. “…and with uplifted arm he led them out of it…” Paul shakes his head as exasperated. “…And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance…” Paul raises his hands as though presenting a gift. “…All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet…” Paul raises a finger, emphasizing his next point. “…Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said,…” Paul puts a hand lovingly over his own heart. “…‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’…” Paul looks around the room, ensuring he has everyone’s attention. “…Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised…” Paul closes his eyes and sighs deeply, as though enjoying something very special. He opens his eyes again and continues. “…Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’…” Paul points towards his own sandals.

Paul turns to encompass the room again with a excitement burning in his eyes. “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation…” Paul’s excitement turns to a frown. “…For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets,…” Paul points to where the scrolls lie. “…which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. And when they had carried out all that was written of him,…” Paul’s eyes register pain at the thought of Jesus enduring such treatment. “…they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb…” Excitement begins to build in Paul’s voice. “…But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people…” Paul places a hand on Barnabas’ shoulder. “…And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,

Paul raises his hand towards the scrolls again as if tenderly holding the words of God in the palm of his hands. “‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,

“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ Therefore he says also in another psalm,

“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’…” Paul releases his hands back to his sides. “…For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,…” Paul gently gestures with his hands as if laying down David himself. Then he raises his hand towards Heaven. “…but he whom God raised up did not see corruption…” Paul spreads his arms wide, encompassing the whole congregation again. “…Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses….” Paul’s face becomes stern as he gives the people a warning. “…Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

“‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” (Acts 13:16-41).

Paul stands silent for a moment. He drops his hands to his sides and retakes his seat.

The people are astonished! They have never heard the gospel so powerfully proclaimed. Their hearts are crying out for more. Silence reigns for several minutes before the rabi closes the service with the customary prayer.

The people stand up and begin gathering around Paul and Barnabas.

“Please, tell us more” they plead.

“We will share all we can with you.

“Will you share with us again on the next Sabbath?”

Paul looks at Barnabas and they both nod. “We will be here. All are welcome. And until then, continue in the grace of God. Sit with what you have heard today and let it change your heart.”

Paul and Barnabas speak to people in the street during the week. Everyone is excited and wants to hear more. When the Sabbath arrives, Paul and Barnabas make their way to the synagogue.

The streets are PACKED with people wanting to hear the word of the Lord. It looks as though the whole city has turned out to hear the message.

Paul and Barnabas are overjoyed at the sight. But the Jews are NOT.

Just looking at the size of the crowd sews seeds of intense jealousy. “How dare these people think they can be one with OUR God! They are Gentiles after all. NOT of the house of Abraham.”

As Paul and Barnabas try to make their way to the synagogue, the Jews start shouting against them. “Don’t listen to those men! They are deceivers. The Messiah is still to come. There is NO truth to what they say!”

Paul shakes his head. Barnabas calls out against them and to the Gentiles.

“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 13:46-47).

The Gentiles in the crowd, along with the believers, shout for joy and begin praising the Lord. Their praises fill the streets and echo off the buildings, doubling the sounds of praise to the Lord.

Word of what was preached by Paul and Barnabas begins to spread like wildfire. Before long, the whole region is either rejoicing with the Gentiles, or joining in anger with the offended Jews.

Paul and Barnabas are not going quietly into the night. The Jews change tactics. They convince the high-ranking women and ruling men that Paul and Barnabas are a danger to them and their city.

“If they are not stopped, and I mean right away, they will cause a riot among the people. Who knows what kind of destruction that will bring!”

The next day, Paul and Barnabas are greeted by guards; escorting them out of town. As they leave the city, both men stand witness against the town. They shake the dust of the city from their sandals, just as Jesus told His disciples to do where they were not welcomed.

This rejection in no way dampens these missionaries’ spirits. They leave rejoicing and full of the Holy Spirit as they make their way to Iconium.

(to be continued)

I am going to have to stop here, as our story is getting quite long. We will finish with Paul’s first journey next time.

Can you imagine, being the one to bring the good news to people who had never heard it before? The JOY of seeing them become believers. And the disappointment of hearing those who were supposed to be God’s chosen people rejecting His Son. Talk about a roller coaster ride!

We are most likely not going to be the first to bring the gospel anywhere, but we may still be the one who shows another the truth of Jesus’ life. I have been a part of that only a few times that I know of, but they fill me with joy still today. Nothing on this earth is more rewarding than bringing someone to meet Jesus. Watching as He begins to work in their heart and life.

Father God, thank You for allowing me to be part of Your kingdom work. I will NEVER compare to Paul and his impact. But I don’t have to. All I have to do is be willing to share, wherever, whenever, and however You open opportunities for me. Help me always be sensitive to the hearts around me and able to reach out in love. Let me be Your hands and feet to the hurting in my little patch of the world.

“They will know you are Christians by your love.”