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Acts 11:19-30
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Mrs. Elwein said, “It’s one of the most beautiful sentences every written.” I thought, this is a powerful expression of the grace of God. We are referring to Martin Luther’s explanation to the Third Article of the Apostle’s Creed:
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.
In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.
On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.
This is most certainly true.
Luther focuses our attention on how salvation is all God’s work – from beginning (before the foundations of time!) to end. This includes even our conversion to faith. We are brought into the fellowship of the redeemed by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Luke shows this in the conversion of the Gentile believers, and more. Barnabas’ very character is a result of the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit. His perception of God’s grace when he visits Antioch is a result of the Holy Spirit’s filling. He urges continued faithfulness on the part of the new believers – a work of the Holy Spirit in him. His seeking Saul and bringing him back to Antioch is evidence of the Spirit’s presence and influence. Their year-long teaching stint was possible only by the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
The Bible speaks of the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit moves us to see evidence of God’s grace in others and to do acts of grace for others. We need the ever-gracious influence of the Holy Spirit in our world, and in our own lives as well.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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