Acts 14:21-28 THEY RETURNED There was a very contagious enthusiasm in Paul and Barnabas as they went from one city to another preaching the Gospel. Whenever we preach the Gospel to others, the response is often dependent on how earnestly and compassionately it is given. Commitment to the Gospel message itself and to the people to whom we present it is never totally fulfilled. The first responsibility is to preach the Gospel as effectively as possible. To follow up the work is an essential part of Gospel work. New converts need some personal attention right away. Direct them to the word of God and have them read aloud appropriate verses of scripture to assure them that this is the way God speaks to them personally. Confidence in the new believer will come from what God says far more than what they have experienced or feel in themselves.
Those two apostles who had just escaped being stoned in Iconium and were stoned in Lystra and probably left for dead, knew their work in those cities was not done. In spite of the potential and real dangers, they went back to establish those new believers in the faith. What impact the appearance of Paul and Barnabas must have had on them! Those men in their love for Christ and those new saints, were willing to risk their lives in order to strengthen the souls of God's people for daily living right where they were. Their souls would have been lifted and they would be encouraged to go on for God even in the face of opposition.
New believers have the need, and the right, to expect the strengthening presence of those who brought them the Gospel. Preachers of the Gospel need to fulfill the commission. We do not belong to ourselves, but to the Lord, and if called to endure some inconvenience, hardships or suffering, thank God for the privilege of being identified with our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul and Barnabas knew they faced danger but they knew it was much more important that they encourage the Lord's people. Not every task we are called to do will be easy or convenient. The fact remains that discipleship costs - many different kinds of costs. It will certainly cost us in time to support the saints of God. Financial costs, personal interest costs, comfort costs - even truth itself has costs, but it is worth paying these costs to help our brothers and sisters. None of these costs should keep us from the urgency of the tasks we have been called to do for the Lord's sake.
New work takes time to bring about order and to delegate responsibility in a scriptural way. The recognition of leaders among the saints is an important part of the responsibility of those who bring the Gospel to an area in which a new assembly is planted by God. When confirming the believers in the faith, it would be unfair to not make them aware of the difficulties that lie ahead of them. Tribulation, opposition and disappointments happen. But we must persevere in spite of all that may come against us for the sake of our Lord who gave Himself for us. The recognition of elders who the Holy Spirit has raised up is usually done by identifying those who have already shown a care and concern for the Lord's people. By pointing out those whom God has obviously appointed saves from a lot of envy, jealousy and discontent.
Paul and Barnabas went back over all those assemblies in Galatia they had seen established and consistently did the same work in each place. Not every assembly is alike and not every one has the same need. But some things are the same in "all the churches," such as a functioning oversight and the on-going teaching of the word of God. Paul probably wrote the book of Galatians after they returned to Antioch and during the time they were their with their commending assembly. Each of the assemblies in Galatia would have authority from him (the written word of God) to deal with the efforts of the Judaizers who were trying to get the assembly believers back under Jewish authority. By the time those Judaizers had come to Jerusalem, the Galatian believers would have read the letter from Paul (probably the first of the epistles). Peter had brought the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, who were the first of the Gentiles saved, but now, by Paul and Barnabas, the door had been opened to the Gentiles and assemblies were established in the Gentile world. Back again? What is the reason? Teaching the word of God is needed in every season. Early in the life of faith it is necessary to confirm The new believers so they will personally learn Truths to strengthen their faith in God Which can only come from knowing the Word So, the doubts and fears that too often come Are settled when they see for themselves what God has done.
Back Again? Yes, so that those brethren who lead Will be assured that all the Lord's people who need To know who leads the flock have divine authority To make decisions, but not with a sense of superiority. As under-shepherds guide with care and concern - The shepherds themselves also need to learn How to meet the needs of those who look to them - To speak for the Lord Jesus, they should know more of Him.
Back again? The assembly gathers together to hear Those who came first and on who hearts they bear The weight that love places in them for those Who in spite of opposition, know when they chose To follow Christ, and the pattern of scriptural teaching And in turn, took the responsibility of Gospel preaching - Now under pressure by those around to conform - Refuse to do so, and the doctrine of God they adorn.
Back again? Some day that visit will be the last - And to others who followed, the baton is passed. Faces that one time were familiar to the people here, No longer are seen and new leaders will appear To meet the need of God's people of the next generation - And urge them to carry on the work in faith and dedication. Sometimes we might question what all the effort is worth - We wonder, when the Lord comes, will He find faith on the earth?
"Father, I know I come here often, but the Lord's people seem to appreciate us coming to teach the Word. Give Thy servants further opportunities to meet the needs and serve the people wherever Thou wilt guide us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."