Barnabas and Saul's First Misssion

In the church that was at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul.
As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to." Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off. Acts 13:1-3

The church is staring to take shape. We now have prophets and teachers, there is a ministry team fasting and praying and now God is preparing another ministry, the missionaries: Barnabas and Saul who will evangelise territory in Asia Minor after first going to Cyprus.

Saul is still called Saul and is the last on the list of names. How things will change when the Holy Soirit takes charge. Barnabas is still leading but soon will be eclipsed by Saul as Saul steps into his element in Asia Minor. I don't think Barnabas minds, being a generous man.

Have you ever thought of these people as brothers we will some day have the pleasure to fellowship. We see there lives on the pages before us, they see our lives unfold as witnesses from heaven. I want to know I sit down with my equals, I want to be a blessing to these men. To be an equal of such men we have to take this life and all God gives us and apply ourselves with all that we are, no slouching.

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. (Hebrews 12:1) we are being watched! Amen!

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