Our Daily Encounter With Daily Devotions

MONDAY, 5 JUNE 2023

TEXT: Acts 11:19-30

19. So then [since they were unaware of these developments] those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with [the stoning of] Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without telling the message [of salvation through Christ] to anyone except Jews.

20. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming [to them] the good news about the Lord Jesus.

21. And the hand (the power and presence) of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord [for salvation, accepting and drawing near to Jesus as Messiah and Savior].

22. The news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

23. When he arrived and saw the grace of God [that was bestowed on them], he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with an unwavering heart to stay true and devoted to the Lord.

24. For Barnabas was a good man [privately and publicly-his godly character benefited both himself and others] and he was full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith [in Jesus the Messiah, through whom believers have everlasting life]. And a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

25. And Barnabas left for Tarsus to search for Saul;

26. and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For an entire year they met [with others] in the church and instructed large numbers; and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first Christians.

27. Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

28. One of them named Agabus stood up and prophesied through the [Holy] Spirit that a severe famine would came on the entire world. And this did happen during the reign of Claudius.

29. So the disciples decided to send a contribution, each according to his individual ability, to the believers who lived in Judea.

30. And this they did, sending the contribution to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

(Amplified Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: BELIEVERS’ ACTION

Believers, who had been scattered as a result of persecution after Stephen’s death, now seized the opportunity to make Christ known. Some preached to the Jews while others preached to the Gentiles. The result was that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, many souls were won for Christ.

Barnabas, who was described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith, was a unifying factor. He did not only make sure that all was well, he brought Saul to Antioch where both of them taught the Word of God.

Do you know that when brethren live and cooperate with one another they will do great exploits for Christ?

QUESTION: Do you have the kind of spirit Barnabas had?

PRAYER: Oh God, help me to join hands with other believers to spread the Gospel all over the world. Amen.