The Example of Paul and Barnabas

Paul started his mission in east Antioch. He and Barnabas also preached in Salamis, Paphos, Attalia, Perga, and in many other cities.

Three things that could help a discouraged missionary are:

1.      Fast with the combination of prayer.

2.      Let the Holy Ghost guide.

3.      Preach truth.

Barnabas was the name for son of consolation. He was Joseph, a Levite of Cyrpus. He sold his possessions and gave the proceeds to the apostles. He was in the service of Saul after Saul was converted. He was sent by the apostles to Antioch where he continued to work with Saul. As his name suggests, he was a source of consolation for Saul in their hardships during their preaching of the gospel. Though he was not one of the twelve, he was still considered an apostle. While teaching with Paul he was given the name Jupiter, the most powerful of Roman gods due to his commanding manner, dignified appearance, and his physical prowess. He was a good man and hard worker, who earned a living for himself, rather than throw his needs on the church.

Blessings and advantages for the Lord sending to men on a mission: a person who is preaching such things as the gospel, which often goes against the way people are living their lives is a hardship. To have a companion to rely on, to share this message with is vital. With two people supporting each other the likelihood of success and survival is greater. It is in the best interest of a person to have a supporting system that is physical. When Paul is hurt Barnabas is there to help him. It is also important to have two people preaching the same thing. One person may be thought to be crazy, but with a back up, or second testimony, the message is stronger.

Paul and Barnabas were able to help a man who was crippled. They blessed him so that the man may be able to walk again because of his faith to be healed. When the people saw what was done they praised Paul. They were convinced that he and Barnabas were gods that had come down in the likeness of men. They called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercurius. When the priests of Jupiter came to perform sacrifices for them Paul and Barnabas rent their clothes. They were full of sorrow for being mistaken for God. They corrected the people without hesitation. They told them that they were men. They took no credit for the miracle that had been performed through the. They preached of Heavenly Father. They prevented the people from performing sacrifices for them.

Paul and Barnabas in 14: 19-22 were treated poorly. They were persuaded to stone Paul until they were sure he was dead. But Paul was not dead. He arose up, and with Barnabas departed to Derbe. They suffered much tribulation, but knew that it had to be done if they were to enter into the kingdom of God.  In 14: 8-13 they were praised and worshiped. When the people thought that Barnabas and Paul were gods they were prepared to offer up sacrifices unto them. When they learned the truth, and when Barnabas and Paul made the people understand that they were mere mortal, the people wanted nothing to do with them save remove them from their presence. Pauls states in verse 22 that only through tribulation will we enter into the kingdom of God. The first tribulation he and Barnabas suffered was to be mistaken for what they were not. They were honest and faithful to God in giving him the credit for what they had done. As a result they were attacked and suffered much.

Life is an interesting thing. It's the first week of school and already I've learned a lot, and not actually from my classes. We are taught in the scriptures that the Lord has his own time table, that the things that he does are done according to his will. Not always do we understand where he is guiding us, but it is important to have faith, and to know that we will not be blind for long. 

Herod, the King killed James, the brother of John. Herod’s motivation, and the reason for him also descending upon Peter, and imprisoned him, was because it pleased the Jews. Herod was led by the will of man rather than that of God’s. 

But Herod could not keep Peter imprisoned. It was not the will of God. So when Herod found Peter gone, he ordered that the soldiers that had been guarding Peter be put to death. He handled his sin with more violence. He demeaned and put down all people. He took the credit of others for himself. He was unfair and unjust.

When it came time to make peace, because of the desire of natural goods, King Herod took credit for the bounty. He arrayed himself in fine apparel. But because Herod did not give the credit to God, the angel of the Lord smote him. He was eaten by worms, and gave up the ghost. God would not tolerate Herod’s evil, and so he destroyed him.

Peter, the Prophet was directed by an opposite power. The Lord was his guide. An angel was sent to free him. Peter was obedient to the instructions of God. Peter knew that it was the Lord that delivered him from Herod and the people.

Peter was kind to others. When his friends feared him, because they thought him dead, he beckoned to them peace. He told them of how the Lord had saved him. He gave the credit of his life to he who was responsible for it. He asked his friends to “shew these things unto James, and to the brethren.” He left, and was saved from the evil of Herod.

The deciding factor in the fate of both of these men is so simple. One let the spirit guide him, and gave credit to the Lord. The other sinned, he let the voice of the people be his motivation, and he took the credit for the plentifulness of his land. In result he was punished. Peter lived to continue serving the Lord, Herod died to be an example to those that would sin and fight against the will of the God. 

Not always will we suffer such horrible consequences for not doing that which God knows is best. But there are consequences, and we must face them. Better to obey, and walk blindly to soon see, and be blessed, than to travel a dark path unguided to cause our own demise in the end.