Greetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I write to you with a heart full of love and encouragement, sharing my journey and the remarkable experiences that have shaped our growing community of believers. As a Levite from Cyprus, my path to becoming a follower of Jesus Christ was one of transformation and profound faith. The Bible tells of my decision to sell a piece of land and lay the proceeds at the apostles' feet, an act of sacrifice that I felt compelled to make for the sake of our fledgling Church.
Selling that land was not just about the money. For us Jews, land is deeply tied to our heritage and identity. It was an act of surrender to God’s greater plan, demonstrating my commitment to His will and the needs of our community. This act was seen as a significant gesture, symbolizing the depth of my devotion and the unity we were building among believers.
Our Church grew because of the trust and love that bound us together. One of my most significant roles was to vouch for a man who would become a pillar of our faith: Paul. When Paul, then known as Saul, first tried to join the disciples, they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was truly a disciple. I took Paul and brought him to the apostles, recounting how he had seen the Lord on the road and how boldly he had preached in Damascus in the name of Jesus. This act of trust was pivotal in integrating Paul into our community and enabling his remarkable ministry.
Paul and I became close collaborators. For many years, I was seen as more influential, often mentioned first when we were together. As we worked side by side, I had the privilege of mentoring Paul, guiding him as we spread the Gospel. Our bond was strengthened during the time when the Holy Spirit sent us on what is now known as the First Missionary Journey. This journey took us through Cyprus and regions of modern-day Turkey, marking the beginning of our concerted efforts to bring non-Jews into the fold of Christianity.
The journey was filled with success, as we saw many come to faith and new churches established. However, it was not without its challenges. One significant event was the departure of John Mark, who left us after we had preached in Cyprus. This would later become a source of contention between Paul and me. Despite this, the mission was fruitful, and we witnessed God’s hand in our endeavors.
Another turning point during our journey was the shift in leadership. As Paul’s boldness and ability to articulate the Gospel became evident, he naturally began to take on a more prominent role. This transition was not a point of contention but rather a testament to the growth and maturity of Paul as a leader in the faith. I was filled with joy and gratitude to see how God was using Paul mightily for His glory.
Years later, our paths diverged due to disagreements over John Mark’s reliability. Paul and I decided to part ways, each continuing to spread the Gospel in different directions. I took John Mark with me to Cyprus, believing in giving him another chance to prove his commitment. Paul chose Silas as his companion, and together they continued their missionary work. This separation was not a sign of division but of strategic multiplication, allowing us to cover more ground and reach more souls for Christ.
Reflecting on these experiences, I am reminded of the importance of encouragement, sacrifice, and trust within our community. We are called to lift each other up, to give generously of what we have, and to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear. As we continue to grow and face new challenges, let us hold fast to these principles, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Let us continue to support and encourage one another, spreading the love and truth of Christ to every corner of the world.
In Christ’s love and service, Barnabas
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