May 23, 2022
What does it say?
Barnabas and Paul were sent out from the church in Antioch to preach the gospel of Jesus. They traveled to Cyprus, Perga, and Pisidian Antioch.
What does it mean?
Several events in this chapter hold significant meaning. The chapter starts by sending out the first Christian missionaries and ends with a shift in focus from Jews to Gentiles. With an unquestionable call to the Gentiles, Saul began using his Roman name, Paul, and emerged as the leader of the missionary and church planting movement. A pattern of response began to develop; Gentile acceptance of the gospel sparked increasing Jewish rejection and opposition. But the message of Christ and the joy it brought could not be contained, even amidst persecution.
How should I respond?
Many believers lack the biblical knowledge to speak up when someone speaks out against Christian values or beliefs. While you don’t need to be poised for an argument, it’s important to know what you believe and why. Without a meaningful understanding of what God’s Word says, you’ll be more easily discouraged when faced with some form of suffering for your faith. How much time do you regularly set aside to study Scripture and learn what it means? Opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ will exist until He comes back, but so will its acceptance. Who is God sending you to tell about Christ today?