Acts 9:26-30 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him… The first association of two names, afterwards linked together for good or evil, is fraught with interest. How much more the earliest combination of Barnabas and Saul — to issue in widespread blessing for the Church and the world. It is significant, however, that Barnabas alone had the genius to detect the genuineness of Saul's conversion, and his latent possibilities. How many splendid lives have been gained for the Church, in the teeth of the Church's opposition, by the kindness and sagacity of some one man. I. WHAT BARNABAS DID; as exhibiting the conduct of a true brother. 1. "He took him."(1) Sympathised with his painful position. (2) Relieved him from his embarrassing isolation. (3) Identified himself with him by taking his stand on the same platform. And thus — (4) Effectually helped him in circumstances, where from his previous record he was powerless. 2. He "brought him to the apostles." He was not satisfied with sending a letter of recommendation, or with telling Saul to "mention his name" — a cheap and easy method often adopted nowadays — but went with him to vouch for his character, and to accept all responsibility for him. How many good Christians today are outside the fold because of the unjust suspicions of their fellow Christians! And how much room there is for a Barnabas in those Churches where mere orthodoxy or respectability rule instead of the Spirit of Christ. II. WHAT BARNABAS SAID: as defining the character of a true convert. 1. "How that he had seen the Lord." The vision of Christ as Saviour and Lord essential to true conversion. Paul himself confesses as much (Galatians 1:15, 16). 2. "That he had spoken to Him." "Behold he prayeth" was the assurance Christ gave to Ananias of Paul's conversion. 3. "That he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus." Paul tells us that when a man believes, he will speak. "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness." (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. |
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