Acts 9:26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
Today’s scripture has me thinking about disciples and apostles. I had to do a Google search, but by I now know that a disciple is a student, a learner, where as an apostle is “a messenger, one who is sent to teach,” primarily “those who met and followed Jesus during His life” and are “called by Him to spread the gospel.”
Acts 9:27a But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.
And while Saul now technically seems to fall into both categories–disciple and apostle, the disciples don’t trust him, and I can’t really blame them. They are probably afraid for their lives. But Barnabas sees him, sees his experience, sees his potential, sees that he has been called by God, and Barnabas helps him.
Acts 9:27b He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Lord, Give me the strength and courage to be a Barnabas in a world full of disciples scared of Saul. Give me the strength and courage to act as Your hands and feet when the world sees a person as they used to be. Help me to shine Your light, to praise Your name. Always. Amen.
Acts 9: 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Have a blessed day.