A Lesser Known Person 3

BARNABAS HE INVESTED IN PAUL

1. See Past the Exterior

“But Barnabas took him [Saul] and brought him to the apostles.” - Acts 9:27

• Saul had been a Pharisee and persecutor of the Christians in the early church, but Jesus confronted him in a vision and he was converted.
• Barnabas sees that Saul (also called Paul later on) is having a hard time convincing the Jerusalem disciples that he is now one of them, so he steps in to introduce the two, because he sees potential in Paul to do great things for God.

2. Bring Them with You

“Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to

• Barnabas had been to Antioch, teaching and encouraging the Christians there, and revival seemed to be breaking out, but instead of sticking around and taking credit for all the fruit of his labors, he went after newly converted Paul to bring him back there with him.
• Why do you think Barnabas looked for Saul?  Probably for a few reasons – to give Saul training in ministry, to get help from Saul, to have a friend along, to let Saul join in the fun, etc.
• One of the most powerful ways we can invest in people’s lives is by bringing them along in what we’re doing.

3. Let them Change the World

“While 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.’”– Acts 13:2

• This is the beginning of Paul’s missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire.  The church in
  Antioch, hearing from God that Paul and Barnabas were supposed to preach the gospel in the Gentile world, sent them out, not knowing just how much it would forever change history.
• What did Paul do with his life?  He was a missionary all over the Roman Empire.  He wrote most of the New Testament.  He healed sick people (Acts 14:8-10).  He raised a man from the dead (Acts 20:9-12).  He went up to Heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2).  We’re still being impacted by what he did, thousands of years later.
• What would be different if Barnabas had never invested in Paul’s life?  We don’t know, but Paul may never have done any of that stuff.

Have a great day

John

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