Acts 11:22-29; Galatians 2:1

It was about 13 years after Paul left Jerusalem in such a hurry that he met Barnabas again.  In that time, believers spread the word about Jesus north and south, and some even began preaching to Greeks, not just Jews.  When news of this reached Jerusalem, Barnabas was sent to Antioch in Syria to see what was happening and make sure nothing got out of hand.

Barnabas, true to his name, encouraged the believers in Antioch, then went on to Tarsus to see if he could bring Paul into the unfolding work of The Way.  Barnabas foresaw trouble and believed Paul could help.

He succeeded.  Paul returned with Barnabas to Antioch and spent a year working with the believers there and teaching many others.

During this time, a famine spread over the Roman empire and believers in various places began to be in need.  Eager believers saw an opportunity to help.  Collections were taken and everyone gave as much as they could – or even more.  Soon the believers in Antioch and the surrounding areas had collected enough money for it to be useful for needy believers in Jerusalem.

“Can you really afford to give that much, widow Chloe?”

“I think so.  I still have a few corners I can cut.”

“Just don’t cut too many!  We don’t want you starving too.”

“No danger of that yet – just look at me, Jason,” she said, almost giggling as she prodded her substantial middle.  “You can see I’m not starving!”

“No comment, sister,” said Jason, smiling but prudent.  “Anyway, this money will be a real help for our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.”

“I hope so.  I can’t bear the idea of anyone starving, particularly fellow believers.”

“I know what you mean.  Joanna and I have some believing relatives in Jerusalem and they’re not doing well.  We’ve already sent them some money, but it’s not enough to help all the people we hear are suffering – and the situation keeps getting worse.”

“How will the money be delivered?”

“We Barnabas and Saul will be able to take it.”

“A good pair.  Brother Barnabas is so inspiring, and I think brother Saul could develop into a real asset, particularly if he follows Barnabas’ example.”

“Yes, they’re both good preachers and hard workers for the Lord Jesus.  They’re also completely trustworthy, which is what we need for this job.  We want to send at least two brothers, both for security and so that everyone can see that the handling of the gift is all above-board.”

“How soon will they be leaving?  I’d like to know that our money is helping straight away.”

“In a few days, I believe.  Early in the morning after our time of worship on the first day of the week.  That way we can send them on their way with prayer.  Some other brothers may be able to travel with them too.”

“That sounds ideal.  Thanks for coming to explain everything and collect the money.  I’m glad to be able to help.”

Acts 11:30; Galatians 2:1

Soon the believers in Antioch and surrounding areas had collected enough money for it to be useful for needy believers in Jerusalem.

Barnabas and Paul were chosen to deliver the donations to Jerusalem.

Paul was pleased to be included because he had received a revelation that he should go to Jerusalem and discuss with the apostles the gospel he had been preaching.

Another believer called Titus also travelled with Barnabas and Paul to Jerusalem.

“Today we are sending our brothers Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem.  They have been chosen to carry relief to our brothers and sisters suffering in the current famine.  They will be leaving early in the morning, carrying the money we’ve all donated – money that we all know is desperately needed.  If any of you have brought more with you today, please pass it to Jason and Reuben.  They will be finalising our gift shortly after we finish our worship, so get your gift to them quickly.

“Several other brothers will be travelling with Barnabas and Saul, including Titus, and they will also be carrying various other gifts that are not money.  Our brothers will pass on our greetings to the believers in Jerusalem and deliver the money to the elders there.

“We hope that they will bring back good news from Jerusalem about the situation of the believers, and also some advice from the apostles and elders.

“I’m sure that you all want me to express our thanks to these brothers who are giving up five or six weeks of their time to travel to Jerusalem and return.  I know that I will be with them in spirit as they travel the Via Maris and will be praying for God to protect them from robbers.

“Let’s pray together for God’s blessing on their work.”

“Now that we’ve crossed the Valley of Jezreel, how far is it to Jerusalem?” asked Titus.

“About four more days.  We’ll stay close to the sea on the Via Maris until we turn to go up to Jerusalem.  There are more people around on this road and fewer bandits.”

“So these Roman roads are an advantage, then?”

“Yes, especially during the rainy season.  They’re so well made and well drained that they rarely become impassable.”

“Would the roads over the hills be shorter?”

“Yes – we’d probably get there in three days if we went that way.  Normally I would, but it’s not my money we’re carrying!”

“Ah, well.  At least this way we meet lots of travellers to talk to.”

“You’re right.  I’ve been thinking about that myself.  It seems to me that we should be able to do a lot more preaching if we followed these Roman roads.  As you say, lots of travellers use them, and they lead to all sorts of places all over the empire.  I’ve been very happy to be with the assembly of believers in Antioch, but I’m hoping to go travelling sometime.  However, I want to talk to the apostles first to make sure I’ve got everything straightened out about Jesus Christ.  I’ve spent a lot of time mulling over what he told me, and now I think I should be ready to do something more concrete.”

“See that group up ahead, Saul?  Can we catch them up and see if they’ve heard of Jesus Christ?”

“Good idea.  Let’s walk a bit faster.”

Acts 11:29-30; Galatians 2:1-10; Acts 12:1-25

As instructed by revelation, Paul discussed with the apostles the gospel he had been preaching and was very pleased to receive confirmation that their teachings all matched.  The apostles had received the teachings during their time spent as disciples of Jesus, while Paul had received them by a special appearance from Jesus, but they matched exactly.

One detail the apostles emphasised: don’t forget the poor.  Paul was very eager to agree – after all, hadn’t he come to Jerusalem with a gift for the poor?

The apostles offered the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas, and when they parted it was not only as brothers, but as fast friends.

Titus, who had travelled with Barnabas and Paul, was a Greek, so some problems could be anticipated.  As a Greek, he was not circumcised – a major problem for most Jews, even those who were believers in Jesus.  That, however, was a problem to be sorted out later as the number of Gentile believers continued to increase.  In the meantime, he was welcomed along with his companions.

While they were still in Jerusalem, a terrible tragedy overtook the believers.  James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, was arrested and killed by King Herod Agrippa I.  Many others were arrested, and some were badly mistreated while in prison.  When Herod saw that this pleased the Jewish leaders, he arrested Peter as well, intending to kill him after the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  Now Saul learned what it was like to be part of the maligned group of believers he had persecuted himself in the past.  Many of his old friends were celebrating at the death of one of Jesus’ apostles, a man he had shared the right hand of fellowship with and called ‘brother’.

It was a very worrying time for Paul and Barnabas and the other believers, yet on this occasion they received a miraculous answer to the unceasing prayers of many.  Even as the believers were gathered together praying, Peter was freed from his prison cell and made his way to the house.  Nevertheless, despite their ongoing prayers, most of the assembled believers did not really believe that they would receive such an answer.  Quite a lesson, really.

Interestingly, the prayer meeting was at the house of John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.  He was eager to travel and see more preaching, so when Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch, he went along too.