Main Thought
Barnabas and Paul brought God’s message of salvation to people who had never heard it before. As their team made disciples, they took their place in the mission of God. We’re invited to discover purpose as we participate in God’s mission. If we want to do that, then we can learn from the example of these men. There are at least five elements of effective mission present as their mission trip began in Acts 13:1-5.
Church: Paul and Barnabas were a part of a local church, and they started churches at every stop along the way. The primary way that God advanced His Kingdom in the New Testament was through local churches.
Community: Jesus called a community to be His followers and “fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19.) We can engage the mission together.
Consistent prayer and fasting: The first missionaries recognized that they would bear much fruit in God by abiding in God (John 15), so they prayed and fasted regularly.
A course of action (or a strategy): One reason they began with Cyprus is because Barnabas was from that island. He knew the roads, culture, and people well.
Connections: Starting their mission in each city by visiting Jewish synagogues made it easier to connect with people. These connections turned into discipleship relationships as they preached and met with people.
If each of us improves in just one of these elements of mission individually, then our collective effort and impact would multiply greatly.
Main Passages
1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 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.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.
- Acts 13:1-5
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
- Acts 13:47
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:18-20
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Which one of the five elements of effective mission are you currently strongest in?
Which one of the five elements of effective mission can you improve on?