Acts 9:26-43

A Time of Peace

Saul came to Jerusalem but the disciples were afraid of him. Enter Barnabas. Not a lot is said about Barnabas but what is said makes him one of my favorite “minor” characters in the Bible. So far we have only heard about him in Acts 4. His real name is Joseph and he was from Cyprus but the disciples called him Barnabas which means “Son of Encouragement.” That says a lot right there. He is specifically noted for having sold property and given the proceeds to the apostles. It was his example that Ananias and Sapphira were trying to counterfeit.

We will hear more about him later on because he was highly instrumental in enabling the ministry of Paul, and it started right here. The other disciples were afraid of Saul/Paul. And just like believers today when they are afraid of a person, or persons, they don’t really act like believers. They wanted nothing to do with him. But Barnabas reached out to him and brought him to the apostles. He was Saul’s entree into the fellowship in Jerusalem.

Of course Saul proved to be genuine. He began to minister so powerfully in the name of Jesus that before long he was in serious danger of being killed. The believers had to hustle him out of town and ultimately he was sent to his home town of Tarsus. Since Tarsus was in Asia Minor it was not an area with a heavy Jewish population so Saul/Paul apparently had a time of relative peace as he no doubt ministered there. In fact, this passage tells us that the entire church in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace.

There are seasons in our lives which are ordained by God. If God has called you to a season of battle do not be afraid. Those seasons can be difficult but they are often times of miracle and wonder and visible growth. If He has placed you in a time of peace by thankful and enjoy it. There may not be the explosiveness of the battle but these are times when the roots grow out of natural sight. These are necessary times to be strengthen and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.

May you be brave in battle. May you be restored in peace. May you have joy in both as God wills.