Acts 11:19-30;13:1-3
Those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”
At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Just focusing on the first paragraph, this describes a much different church than we see today. When I read about the beginnings of the church, I can’t help but get the sense that there was this buzz. The teaching was new. People who were becoming Christians were learning something so revolutionary that they couldn’t help but share it with others. It was truly changing their lives. It was not just a belief, it was a way of life.
They didn’t have a church building. They didn’t have VBS. They didn’t have programs. They didn’t have a choir, an organ, a stage or nothing. They had a way of life that they were being taught to live by people who were living it. A way of life that is more difficult! A way of life that challenges them to sacrifice. A way of life that is different from the status quo and yet they were joyfully converting and helping others to convert.
When “evidence of the Lord” is used to describe what’s going on, I think that Barnabus saw people loving their neighbor. I think he heard the teachings of Christ being taught. I think he experienced people truly repenting and allowing the grace of God to work in their lives. I don’t think he heard any name it a claim it sermons. I don’t think he saw a group of people jabbering unintelligibly, rolling on the floor, dancing and shaking and the preacher asking for money.
I think he saw people joyfully accepting Christ’s teachings and hungry to learn more. When any of us are able to accept, understand and implement the teachings of Christ into our lives and it results in joy and peace and a desire to go deeper, that is the work of Christ. That is the work of the Spirit. That is “thy will be[ing] done on earth as it is in Heaven.”