Study of the Congregation Book, Week 10 to June 16, 2024, Chapter 11, paragraphs 1-4, Responses.

Study of the Congregation Book, June 10-16, 2024, Chapter 11 paragraphs 1-4, Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 11 paras. 1-4, introduction to section 4 and boxes on pp. 86, 87.

They were filled “with happiness and holy spirit”

Based on Acts 13:1-52

1, 2. Why was Barnabas and Saul's assignment different from other missionaries? How would your work contribute to the fulfillment of Acts 1:8?

The difference in the assignment of Barnabas and Saul lies in the fact that, for the first time, the mission was oriented towards geographical areas without a previous Christian presence. Until that time, missions had been limited to regions where there were already established Christians, as seen when the apostles were sent to Samaria and Antioch to support and strengthen the already existing believers. In contrast, the mission of Barnabas and Saul, together with John Mark, headed to land without preaching, which implied the opening of new fronts for the expansion of Christianity.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This mission was essential to the fulfillment of Acts 1:8, where Jesus noted that his disciples would be witnesses "To the farthest part of the Earth." By taking the Gospel message to unexplored regions, Barnabas and Saul were acting directly in the fulfillment of This prophecy. Their work would not only accelerate the spread of Christianity, but would also usher in a new era of global preaching, bringing the teachings of Jesus to every corner of the known world and beyond.

The work of Barnabas and Saul involved a greater challenge and a significant expansion of the reach of Christianity. This mission contributes directly to the fulfillment of Acts chapter 1 verse 8, where Jesus had told his disciples that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem throughout Judea and Samaria and to the furthest part of the Earth by sending Barnabas and Saul to distant places and less reached, the prophecy was being fulfilled that the Christian message would reach all parts of the world, beyond the initial Jewish and Samaritan areas, the election and sending of these Apostles through the Holy Spirit marked an important step in the global expansion of Christianity.

“Separate Barnabas and Saul for me so that they may carry out the mission” (Acts 13:1-12)

3. Why was travel difficult in the first century?

Traveling in the first century presented many difficulties due to the absence of fast and efficient means of transportation. Without the existence of automobiles and airplanes, most trips were made on foot, which made the journeys slow and exhausting. The available roads were generally in poor condition, full of obstacles and dangers, which increased the effort necessary to move.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Travel in the first century was difficult mainly because of the adverse conditions that travelers had to face in contrast to today. In the first century people traveled mainly on foot or in some cases by pack animals. The roads were rudimentary and often in poor condition which made the trips slow and exhausting, a traveler could walk about 30 kilometers or 20 miles in a day which required considerable physical effort and resulted in great physical exhaustion at the end of the journey. every day.

Barnabas and Saul were aware of the effort and sacrifice that their mission would entail given that these trips required traveling long distances, exposed to inclement weather, such as sun, rain, heat and cold.

In addition, there were dangers of robbers on the road as Paul mentions in second Corinthians chapter 11 verse 26, where we read: I have made many trips, I have been in danger because of rivers, in danger because of thieves. This leads us to understand that travel in the first century was difficult and dangerous.

4. a) What led to the appointment of Barnabas and Saul, and how did the other brothers react? 

The appointment of Barnabas and Saul was the result of the leading of the Holy Spirit, who specifically appointed them to carry out an important mission. Although the Bible does not detail the exact reasons behind this choice, the response of the other brothers was one of complete support and endorsement, reflecting unity and trust in Divine guidance.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Although the Bible does not specifically explain why the holy spirit chose these two men, it is evident that their choice was guided by Divine will. The other brothers in the Syrian Antioch congregation did not question this decision, instead they supported the appointment unconditionally and without envy. 

They showed their support through fasting and prayer and laid hands on Barnabas and Saul before seeing them off, this reaction shows a spirit of unity and cooperation within the congregation, which must have been very encouraging to Barnabas and Saul.

4. b) How do we support the brothers appointed to take care of certain responsibilities?

Just as the prophets and teachers of Antioch of Syria unconditionally supported the appointment of Barnabas and Saul, we, too, must support those who have been appointed to carry out certain responsibilities, showing appreciation for their work and treating them with love.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Following the example of the brothers in Antioch, Christians today must also support those who have been appointed to care for certain responsibilities in the congregation. 

Instead of feeling envy, we should show respect and love by supporting our brothers in their responsibilities, not only strengthening the congregation, but also fostering an environment of love and cooperation, reflecting the Christian principles of unity and mutual service.

ANSWERS BASED ON SECTION 4 (ACTS 13:1-14:28) “Sent by the holy spirit”

In this section we will follow the apostle Paul on his first missionary journey. Although he was persecuted in city after city, through the guidance of the holy spirit he continued to bear witness and founded several congregations. This exciting story will encourage us to preach even more eagerly.

ANSWERS BASED ON THE BOX: BARNABAS, THE “SON OF COMFORT”

Barnabas known as "The Son of Consolation" was a Levite from Cyprus who stood out for his generosity and willingness to help his brothers in the faith. For example, when the Jerusalem congregation needed funds to support new disciples, Barnabas sold some land and gave the money to the apostles. 

Furthermore, Barnabas showed great courage and support when he defended Saul of Tarsus before the other disciples who distrusted him due to his past as a persecutor of Christians, Barnabas' humility and spiritual maturity.

They are also evident in his willingness to accept Paul's advice in matters related to the treatment between Christians of different origins, all this shows that Barnabas was not only a spiritual leader but also an example of support and comfort for others.

Barnabas' real name was Joseph. The apostles gave him the nickname “Barnabas,” which means “Son of Comfort,” because of his comforting personality and his willingness to help others.

Barnabas was so generous that to help the Jerusalem congregation he sold a piece of land and gave the money to the apostles to cover the needs of the brothers who had remained in Jerusalem after Pentecost in the year 33.

Barnabas showed his willingness to help Saul of Tarsus, defending him when everyone was afraid of him and did not believe that he had become a disciple, demonstrating his support and trust in Saul.

On one occasion Paul gave strong advice to Barnabas regarding the treatment of Christians of Jewish and Gentile origins, in which Barnabas showed humility and his willingness to correct himself and improve in his treatment of Christians of different origins.

We can also mention some examples that show that the nickname son of consolation suited Barnabas like a glove. For example, on one occasion he was willing to sell land to help the congregation, also by defending Saul of Tarsus and his humble acceptance of Paul's Counsel, thus demonstrating his comforting and helpful nature.

ANSWERS BASED ON THE BOX: ON THE ROADS

The Roman Empire had a network of cobbled roads that made travel easier. However, overland travel was still slow, the inns along these roads were dirty, damp and plagued with insects, these establishments had a negative reputation due to the bad behavior of many of their occupants and the dishonesty of some owners. , who could steal from their guests or even offer them immoral services. Therefore, for Christians these places represented an additional challenge, as they tried to maintain their moral purity and avoid compromising situations.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

From the box we can see that it was more difficult and expensive to travel by land than to travel by sea, since traveling by land was slower, more tiring, and probably more expensive than traveling by sea. Furthermore, there were many places that could only be reached on foot.

We can also see that there were some dangers and adverse conditions faced by overland travelers. For example, land travelers were exposed to sun, rain, heat, cold, and raiders. Paul mentioned facing dangers from rivers and thieves.

This box also mentions the infrastructure that the Roman Empire offered to facilitate land travel, since this empire had a wide network of roads or cobbled roads, and along the main roads there were inns at intervals of a day's journey.

Furthermore, there is mention of the businesses that existed between one inn and another, since between one inn and another there were businesses called taverns, where basic necessities were sold. 

We also see that the writers of the time describe the conditions of the inns and taverns. For example, they describe these establishments as dirty, damp, full of bed bugs, and overcrowded with travelers. They had a terrible reputation, with owners often stealing from guests and offering prostitute services.

In the case of Christians, they avoided inns and taverns as much as possible, as already mentioned, due to their bad reputation and adverse conditions. However, they may have had no choice when traveling through regions where they had no relatives or friends.