A Deep Roster

Bible Bites

Scott Beyer
01/17/23 - Bulletin

“Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon, who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (Acts 13:1)

The church at Antioch was Paul’s “home” congregation. It is the location from which he, Barnabas, and other traveling companions would set out and return to after Paul’s many exciting and profitable journeys. As far as historical congregations go, Antioch ranks right up with the church in Jerusalem in terms of its impact and influence.

Notice that this is a congregation with multiple teachers and leaders. They could afford to have Paul and Barnabas set apart by the Holy Spirit to travel the globe without fear of failing or crumbling without their mighty backs to shoulder the load. Antioch had a deep roster. Many capable pillars held together a high-functioning group of God’s people. This is the way God intends. Dysfunction in churches is much more likely when one individual becomes the central focus and role model that all others look to. Congregational success resides on the shoulders of a multiplicity of God’s people all serving as God’s fellow workers. Cultivating such leaders and opening doors for others to step in and fill roles is integral to a local church being all that the Lord wants it to be.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Acts 12:24-13:12

Questions to ask:

How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision