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"Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord."
Beloved friend,
Step with me into first century Antioch—bustling metropolis historians estimate at several hundred thousand people, the third-largest in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria. Known as Antioch on the Orontes, it was a jewel of Syria, strategically located where Asia, Africa, and Europe seemed to shake hands.
 | Its streets bustled with life: Roman soldiers patrolled beside Jewish merchants in flowing robes; Greek philosophers held open-air debates in marble colonnades; traders from Arabia and India brought silks, spices, and perfumes. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, incense, and the tang of the nearby river. |
Spiritually, it was a melting pot. Pagan temples stood alongside Jewish synagogues. The worship of the emperor as a god was expected, and moral corruption was rampant. Yet in this swirl of competing cultures and faiths, God was quietly weaving a new story—one that would begin to fulfill His promise that the gospel would go to pas ethnosG1484 or all nations (Matthew 28:19).
When persecution broke out in Jerusalem after Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1), believers scattered—some traveling hundreds of miles to places like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and finally Antioch. Most preached only to Jews. But in Antioch, some brave believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began speaking to Gentiles as well—sharing the good news of Jesus without cultural barriers.
News of this unprecedented move of God reached the apostles in Jerusalem. They chose Barnabas—“the son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36)—to investigate.
Why Barnabas? Because he was known for seeing potential where others saw risk. He had vouched for Saul when the church was afraid of him (Acts 9:27). He was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24). If anyone could nurture a fragile, multi-ethnic church plant, it was Barnabas.
When Barnabas arrived, he did something crucial: he looked for the grace of God. And when he saw it, he was glad. In a world quick to criticize and control, Barnabas rejoiced in what God was already doing. His message was simple but powerful: “With purpose of heart… continue with the Lord.”
That phrase “purpose of heart” in Greek carries the sense of intentional resolve, the way Daniel “purposed in his heart” not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8). Barnabas was saying: Don’t just start strong—stay anchored. Cling to Jesus, because storms will come.
The church in Antioch became a model for Spirit-led ministry, and their story reveals a rhythm we still need today.
1. Receive the Grace of God
Before they could do anything for God, they received from Him. Grace was not a vague feeling—it was the visible transformation of people’s lives. The same grace that saved them also empowered them to live differently. Paul would later write, “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Receiving grace means accepting God’s work in us without trying to earn His favor. It means welcoming His correction as well as His comfort. For Antioch, grace looked like Jews and Gentiles eating together, worshiping together, and living as one family.
2. Remain in the Presence of Christ
Barnabas’s encouragement to “continue with the Lord” was a call to abide. Jesus had already told His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you… for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4–5).
Remaining isn’t passive—it’s an active choice to stay rooted when distractions, persecution, or personal ambition try to pull us away. Antioch remained through worship, fasting, teaching, and fellowship. They didn’t just meet to plan—they met to seek.
3. Release the Called
In Acts 13:1–3, we see the Antioch believers worshiping and fasting when the Holy Spirit speaks: “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
They didn’t hesitate. They prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them off. This wasn’t just missionary enthusiasm—it was obedience. They knew that the gospel was never meant to stay within one community.
Releasing is costly. It means letting go of gifted leaders. It means trusting God’s provision. But Antioch understood that the Kingdom expands when we open our hands.
The Antioch story is not just history—it’s a template. The Holy Spirit still works in this pattern.
Receive: Are you daily receiving God’s grace, or trying to operate in your own strength?
Remain: Are you staying anchored in prayer, worship, and Scripture when life gets busy or hard?
Release: Are you willing to let go—of comfort, resources, or people—for the sake of the gospel?
Perhaps God is asking you to be a Barnabas—to encourage someone stepping into new territory. Or maybe He’s calling you to Antioch-like sending—whether across oceans or across your street.
For reflection: Lord, help me to see Your grace at work and rejoice in it. Give me the resolve to cling to You with purpose of heart. Show me where I need to release what You’ve given me so that Your Kingdom may grow. May my life echo the rhythm of Antioch—receive, remain, release—for Your glory. Amen.
From our hearts to yours,
– The Living Gospel Letters Team