The Unnamed Disciple

Christianity expresses the reality of humanity needing help with life. Humanity has the ability to go through all while neglecting to be grateful and failing to acknowledge what has been given to us, let alone what has been done for us. This mindset produces an approach to life centered on ourselves. But when we start to mature in our faith, building upon what we need, our vision becomes honed to see life with a perspective of what other people need.

Acts 11:19-30

You might have missed it, but there is an unnamed disciple who made sure a report got to Jerusalem to have some leadership sent from the apostles to Antioch. We don’t know who or how, but the message of the believers in Antioch went the distance of roughly 530 miles to reach the apostles, and they responded. This disciple saw the grace of God being experienced in Antioch, but knew there was more to be experienced. Maybe he didn’t feel equipped enough, but he knew enough to get someone else involved who could help.

The second layer is the response of Barnabas being sent to access and engage the believers of Antioch. But he doesn’t engage by himself, he actually realizes that he may be up for the job of leading the church, but he knows if he gets some more help, the work could be done faster, so he travels about 150 miles to Tarsus to retrieve Paul, and together they stay there for a year, leading and encouraging the church in Antioch.
 
So, when is the last time you sought to help someone experience the grace of God or strengthen the grace that God has given them? This passage is not about the growth of credibility established, but the strength and effort being multiplied because individuals were willing to help. Take a step in your faith, be attentive to those who need help, and find opportunities to engage others to help.