Multiplication DNA: Vision
Summary: Barnabas didn’t bring the vision to Saul, he brought Saul to the vision.
How is the vision of a multiplying movement to be passed on to new believers?
At the first wave of persecution some believers were scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. In Antioch, believers shared the gospel with Gentiles, and the
When the Jerusalem leaders heard about this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. His encouragement caused the work to flourish even more. One would think Barnabas would ecstatically return to Jerusalem with inspiring and emotional stories and “cast vision.”
But instead, Barnabas went to find Saul. God had said about Saul:
“. . . Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings …” Acts 9:15b
Barnabas didn’t bring the vision to Saul, he brought Saul to the vision. He let him see Gentiles turning to Jesus with his own eyes. Saul, later named Paul, and Barnabas stayed in Antioch for one year and ministered among these vibrant, Gentile believers. Believers were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26)!
Paul was vital to the spread of the gospel among the Gentiles. But we must not overlook Barnabas. Barnabas modeled that vision is best shared, person to person, through experience. Think of the huge impact Barnabas had on the entire world because he brought Paul to the vision, instead of trying to explain it from a distance!
How could you share God’s vision with other believers in your life? What practical ways can you help them experience it, rather than teaching it?
