Acts 9:20-39

 Acts 9:20-39

 

Chapter 9 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Acts. It begins with Saul’s conversion and ends with Peter about to be called to preach to the Gentiles for the very first time. Within chapter 9 verse 27 is a pivotal verse. Between verses 26 and 27 there is a story that we will never know but is certainly worth noting.  Paul tells us in Galatians 1:18–19 that there is a three-year gap between his departure from Damascus till he arrived in Jerusalem. Saul, having escaped a murder conspiracy, is trying to connect with the Christians in Jerusalem. They are however, afraid fearing a subterfuge. At this point Saul is a man without a faith community. He’s been called away from Judaism, he had to leave behind the believers in Damascus, and the church in Jerusalem rejects him. The one who would become the most influential disciple in Christian history is the most isolated Christian in all of the church.

So how is it Saul goes from a man without a faith community to being at the center of the church’s growth? It happened because of the fine words “Barnabas took hold of him.” It was Barnabas who took the initiative. Saul, having failed to be able to connect with the church, was out of options. Barnabas recognized the situation and went and “seized” Saul. This word is used to describe the way someone could be taken and rescued from a dangerous situation. But the emphasis is that Barnabas went to Saul and seized him and took him to Peter and James.

We will never know why Barnabas took the initiative; that is less important than the fact that he did. Perhaps the Lord called Barnabas to this ministry. Some suggest that Saul and Barnabas knew each other before Saul’s work as a terrorist. What is important is that Barnabas did not wait around and react to circumstances. He did not wait for opportunity; he went out and made opportunity; he went out and took opportunity by the hand. In this case, in the person of Saul.

 "Lord, prompt me to take the initiative. AMEN"