Called To Special Ministry

Acts 12:25-13:5

Barnabas and Saul had made their trip to Jerusalem to deliver the relief offering around the time of Peter’s arrest, probably between 40-44 AD., ten to fourteen years after the resurrection. In his description of his training and ministry in Galatians, Paul never mentions this trip or meeting with the apostles, because it had no significant impact on his ministry.

“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.” (Acts 12:25)

John Mark appears to have been a young man who was deeply interested in ministry. Quite a bit younger than Saul, he accompanied them to Antioch to work in the church, never knowing how short his stay at Antioch would be.

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:1-3)

Barnabas had been very active in the church in Jerusalem for several years, was a spirit filled Christian, who the church sent out to help train the Christians at Antioch. Saul had been saved several years before, and had been taught by Jesus Christ himself for three years, had spent time in Joppa and in Tarsus preaching the word, before Barnabas found him and brought him to Antioch to help teach. They had then spent over a year working together in Antioch.

Other Christians had started the church in Antioch and it had grown quite bit before Barnabas arrived, but seeing the need for sound basic doctrine, Barnabas had gotten Saul to come help teach. Largely as a result of their efforts a group of men have been trained and developed who can minister to a stable group of Christians in Antioch.

The Holy Spirit did not call Barnabas and Saul as Missionaries until they were thoroughly trained, experienced church leaders who had demonstrated themselves to have good moral character who were filled with the Spirit, as described in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He also did not call them to another r work until the church at Antioch was able to forward without them.

Unfortunately this pattern has not been often followed in modern missions, with most announcing they were called to preach or the mission field during a youth camp or youth meeting, and going to Bible college especially to prepare for a career in missions. Many churches have been left without a pastor or sound leaders because the pastor surrendered to go to another work. How many times was it actually the Spirit leading?

Timothy was a young man who intended to go into the ministry. II Timothy is chronologically first, instructing him in how to develop his Christian life. I Timothy was written when he began his first pastorate, instructing him how to perform his duties. One of those duties is to prepare others for ministry. I Timothy 3 describes what is required for those who are to become pastors. I Timothy 3:1 starts out, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” Many have mistaken a strong desire for being called tot eh work. Young, spiritually immature Christians are especially susceptible to such a mistake, and pastors and youth leaders often play on the desires in order to gain prestige. Preachers used to joke about those who were “Mama called and Papa sent,” but far more are preacher called.

In the Old Testament, there was a group called the Sons of the Prophets. It was apparently a training school for prophets, a Bible college if you will. From the name, it seems to have been especially for those whose fathers were prophets. None of them are listed in scripture as being truly used of God to a great degree, despite associating with men like Samuel and Elisha, and several times their lack of spiritual development is apparent. Just getting proper training does not make one qualified.

Before being placed in the office, Paul said both prospective deacons and pastors should be examined. As I Timothy 3:10 commands “And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office..”

Neither Saul nor Barnabas were novices, both having spent several years of work in the churches. They had demonstrated a sound understanding of the scriptures and the ability to teach and work with others. They had demonstrated a sound moral character, both in financial matters and sexually, earning the trust of both the church and those outside the church. Their calling was revealed to the church as well as to them. They began their work immediately.

“So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.” (Acts 13:4-5)

It was quite different than the way it’s usually done today.