Acts 11:21-30

“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord” (v21).  Even Peter and others had confirmed that Gentiles could become Jesus-followers, when “the report of this” – that many Gentiles in Antioch were getting saved – reached the Jerusalem church, they were unsettled enough to send a representative to check it out. Thankfully, they sent Barnabas, “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (v24), who encouraged and strengthened the new church (v24-26).

“When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad …” (v23).  God’s gift to the church are those like Barnabas who generously support, encourage, and rejoice when God expands His kingdom.