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"

Acts 9:1-19

 Acts 9:1-19

 

There is hidden in plain sight a sentence in this passage that we wish was not there. Spoken about Saul, it has application for all disciples. It is one concept of following that we genuinely wish was not there if we are honest. It is never shared with those we talked to about the church and never spoken about with Christians as we talked about growing in the faith. That phrase is, "…for I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake”.

When was the last time any of us heard a lesson, teaching, or were told that to be a disciple will mean suffering for the name of Christ? In fact, the presentation used by the church is almost exclusively "Come to Jesus and get what you want”. We hear teaching about, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper…” a text taken out of context so it is little more than a pretext for our own wish dream. We hear, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full,” but we never ask, What life is Jesus talking about? To a great degree we have presented a bait-and-switch gospel, inviting people to come to Jesus and only later mentioning there will be some commandments and expectations, if they are so inclined.

Not so with Jesus' in His planned conversation with Saul. In verse 15, Jesus says that Saul will be a significant part of the gospel’s proclamation. But Jesus also promises to show him about suffering. This was a lifelong lesson. In 2nd Corinthians 11:16-33, Paul recalls his suffering, and this was just the first part of his ministry. Notice Jesus used three words: “He must suffer.” It doesn't appear that this was optional equipment. Discipleship and our daily ministry will mean suffering. Perhaps not like Saul, but nonetheless to be a disciple means that in some ways we will suffer.

Could it be that the reason the church and America are in decline is because in the cost-benefit analysis we have failed to consider and study the cost side of the equation? And in so doing we have been more like marketers and less like disciples. If you want to follow Jesus, you need to ask Him:

"Lord, what must I suffer for your namesake? AMEN”