Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 06, 2023: SOAP #4813: Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

OBSERVATION:  Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, had been the leader of the persecution of Christians.  When he became a believer, Barnabas was the one who accepted Saul, brought Saul to the disciples, and spoke in Saul’s defense. (Acts 9:26-27)  Barnabas is the one who when sent to Antioch by the Jerusalem church, went looking for Saul and brought Saul to Antioch. (Acts 11:20-26) The church in Antioch had sent these two on a previous mission.  (Acts 11:29-30)   Now, as directed by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas is taking Saul out on his first missionary journey.

Barnabas helped open doors of opportunity for Saul to become involved in ministry. 

APPLICATION: To whom will I be a Barnabas today?  On whose behalf will I speak?  Who will I defend?  For whom will I help open a door of opportunity?

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for those who have served me (even today) to make me more useful.  Now use me to serve others.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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