"But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus" (Acts 9:27 NKJV).

How different the story of the church might be if good old Barnabas had not intervened on Saul's behalf. The great book of Acts may well have ended with chapter 9 and verse 26. I believe verse 27 is the hinge upon which church history turns - "But Barnabas..."  Barnabas, unlike the church in Jerusalem, was not afraid of Saul. Nor did he doubt the authenticity of Saul's conversion. Note that be took Saul to the apostles. Amazing! Even the apostles had to be convinced by someone other than Saul that he too was a recepient of the grace of God!

Barnabas "stood sponsor" for Saul. You and I need to do the same for new Christians - particularly those who have come from a life of degradation or infamy. My friend Joe R. Garman, president of ARM Prison Outreach, International, is one of those sponsors. He regularly and willingly goes "where angels fear to tread." There he teaches, baptizes, and disciples some of "America's Most Feared and Despised." May we take to heart his example and extend the right hand of fellowship to all who have been redeemed from sin and rescued from hell.

Song: Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, cords that are broken will vibrate once more. (Fanny J. Crosby)

 

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