“In the
church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called
Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the
tetrarch) and Saul.” (Acts 13:1)
“The church at Antioch had become the
center of Christianity for the Gentiles. Let's take a look at these prophets
and teachers in the church at Antioch:
*
Barnabas we remember (whose name means 'son of
encouragement'), as the one who took Saul under his care when no one else
believed in him, and used his personal credibility to help the church in
Samaria and Jerusalem accept Saul.
*
Simeon, called Niger, was from present day Nigeria and is
probably Simon the Cyrene who in Mark 15:21 carried Jesus' cross to Golgotha.
*
Lucius was probably brought into the faith by his friend Simeon.
*
Manaen was a member of King Herod's court as well as a
childhood companion of the King. This was the same King Herod who cut off John
the Baptist's head, yet somehow the Lord rescued Manaen and placed him in
ministry.
*
Saul, who up until this point is always mentioned after
Barnabas (for example Barnabas and Saul), however, from now on Luke will
mention Saul first and will also begin (later in this chapter) to use Saul's
Roman name of Paul. I think this is because after 12-14 years of being a
Christian, Saul/Paul is finally ready to begin his ministry to the Gentiles.
With a little closer look at these
leaders of the church at Antioch, we begin to see how God uses people with
vastly different backgrounds to serve in ministry. Remember, it is our
differences that make us unique and invaluable. Too often we compare ourselves
to others and we become more focused on the similarities rather than the
differences.
One of the more challenging aspects of our Christian walk is to
allow God to uncover and use those unique qualities that we possess
individually to serve Him. How does He do this? It happens naturally when you
begin to serve. When you get in service you find things you're good at that you
never knew existed.
Have you discovered your giftedness
(the priceless and unique abilities that you bring to the body of Christ)? God
wants you to get into service. When was the last time you served?”
“Having then gifts differing according
to the grace that is given to us, let use them.” (Rom. 12:6a, NKJV)
“Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me
Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my
salvation’ On You I wait all the day.” (Ps. 25:4, NKJV)
Today’s 6th Truth: if you are “born again”, you are sanctified. (1 Cor. 6:11)
Tonight's post: WHAT TO PRAY FOR
http://www.jean-oathout.blogspot.com
Jean's book: http://www.amazon.com/So-You- Plan-Marry-Man/dp/0984765530/
Tomorrow’s post: THE BIRTHING PRAYER: Prayer Note #48
You may contact me at: jowildflowers@gmail.com http://www.jean-oathout.blogspot.com
Jean's book: http://www.amazon.com/So-You-
Tomorrow’s post: THE BIRTHING PRAYER: Prayer Note #48
No comments:
Post a Comment