11th May
Acts 11
The responsibilities of witnesses to one another
The Lord Jesus Christ during the final days of His earthly sojourn commanded His disciples to love one another saying that there is no greater witness to the world than the way they interact or show love to one another (John 13v34-35).
Like any human organisation, there are group needs that must be met if the primary goal of projecting Jesus Christ is to be achieved.
These needs include:
1. Accountability v1-18
Peter, even though he was the leader, took time to gently answer his critics by providing them the details of the background information on how he ended up witnessing to non-Jews! Think of the beauty of patiently explaining my actions to those who do not have the full picture of the background information which advice certain lines of action! Also think of the freedom to express myself even if it is jaundiced as displayed by Peter’s fellow elders in Jerusalem!
No wonder Peter was quick to advice later “In your heart reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you, have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3v15).
2. Caring v19-29
Anytime attention is given to the health and quality of the team, the outward success is a natural outflow. See how they cared for one another:
• Barnabas is sent to Antioch to provide spiritual feeding and focus to the new believers. (v22).
• Barnabas described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, goes to Tarsus to fish out Saul and brings him over to Antioch to get involved (v25)
• Saul and Barnabas provide teaching and instruction for a whole year (v26)
• When the Holy Spirit revealed a need through Agabus that there would be famine all over the region, physical support is provided for those in Jerusalem by those in Antioch (v27-30). This was despite the fact that they were equally going through the same famine but they gave according to their ability. If you can not give out of nothing there is no way you will be able to give out of plenty.
The net impact was dramatic: “The Lord’s hand was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.” (v21)
Lord, please make me sensitive to the needs of your church – members of the Master’s team – and enable me to be an encourager like Barnabas through Jesus my Lord. AMEN.
