Acts 14:24-28 (ESV): “24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.”
Ministry is often a journey filled with highs and lows, challenges, and triumphs. In this passage, we find a beautiful example of encouragement in ministry as Paul and Barnabas return from their first missionary journey. Not only do they receive refreshing from the church at Antioch, but their experiences serve as a source of refreshment, testimony, and encouragement for the church.
Drawing Strength from Testimony:
As Paul and Barnabas return to their home base in Antioch, they bring with them a wealth of experiences and stories from their journey. Their testimony of God’s faithfulness, provision, and the transformation of lives along the way is a powerful source of encouragement for the church. This highlights the importance of sharing our testimonies with one another, as Revelation 12:11 reminds us, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” The ongoing testimonies of our fellow believers bring use encouragement and determination to keep sharing the life changing message of the Gospel of Jesus to the world.
Refreshing the Saints:
The church in Antioch eagerly receives Paul and Barnabas, not only to hear about their journey but also to refresh them physically. They have travelled far and in difficult circumstances and need to be ministered to. But, the church will also be refreshed and uplifted in their own faith. Paul and Barnabas’ return serves as a spiritual refresher, reinvigorating the believers and strengthening their resolve to continue in the work of the Lord. This mirrors the biblical exhortation in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
Encouraging One Another:
Paul and Barnabas embody the spirit of encouragement as they share their experiences with the church in Antioch. Their words uplift and inspire the believers, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and the importance of perseverance in ministry. This act of encouragement reflects the biblical mandate in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
The return of Paul and Barnabas from their first missionary journey serves as a powerful example of encouragement in ministry. Their testimony, refreshing presence, and words of encouragement uplift the church in Antioch, strengthening their faith and resolve. As we engage in ministry today, may we likewise draw strength from the testimonies of fellow believers, refresh one another in our faith, and continually encourage one another in the work of the Lord.
Remembering the words of Hebrews 3:13, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Let us be instruments of encouragement, spreading hope and building each other up in the faith.