1 QUOTE

“Antioch is a Greek word with a Latin flavor. The Christians did not choose to name themselves. They were named by the people of Antioch.” 

- G. Campbell Morgan

1 NOTE

Acts 11 is one of the most important chapters in the entire Bible. Luke describes how Barnanbas trained Saul. Luke provides a summary statement after Barnabas brought him to Antioch, ‘they met with the church and taught a great many people’ (Acts 11:26). Barnabas’ plan was tandem training, life-on-life learning with Saul. After he brought the super-gifted young leader under his wing, together they planted the Antioch church. The ministry values and philosophy Barnabas trained into Saul changed the world forever.

It cannot be overstated how Antioch is the fulfillment of Pentecost. The Jerusalem church was the shadow preview as the disciples spoke in many language (Acts 2:8). The Antioch church is the fulfilled substance. Through Barnabas, the Holy Spirit designed the first multi-ethnic church staff team (Acts 13:3). God chose Barnabas to train the ‘Hebrew of the Hebrews’ to learn to love and disciple Gentiles. Saul met with Jews and Gentiles,

real people, for an entire year. Imagine the daily debriefs. I love Saul’s intentional learning posture. Luke drives home the cross-cultural realities of the Antioch plant when he says the city named the disciples Christians. The city was baffled that Jews and Gentiles would love one another across racial lines. I am one thankful Gentile that Barnabas trained Saul to become the Apostle to the Gentiles.

1 QUESTION

Have you had a Barnanbas train you in ministry? Do you have a Saul that you can train in the cross-cultural work of gospel ministry?

Until Next Tuesday,

John