215. ACT 11:23. BARNABAS AT ANTIOCH

Act_11:23. Barnabas at Antioch

"Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." Act_11:23.

Antioch, the city to which the text refers, was about 280 miles from Jerusalem, and was distinguished on several interesting accounts. Here the evangelist Luke and the excellent Theophilus were born. Here the disciples of Jesus were first called Christians. Here the persecuted Christians fled, and found refuge after the death of Stephen. Here Jesus was preached, and many were converted, and an extensive and prosperous church of Christ was formed. And here it was that Barnabas beheld the "grace of God, and was glad, and exhorted," &c.

Observe,

I. That where the Grace of God exists it will be seen.

For "Barnabas saw the grace of God."

By the grace of God here is obviously meant the influences and effects of Divine grace on those who are its happy participants.

It will thus be seen,

1. In the marvellous changes it produces in the soul.

From darkness to light; from enmity to spirituality and love; from guilt and pollution to acceptance and holiness; from unbelief and pride to confidence and humility; from bearing the image of Satan to bear the likeness of God; a change from sin to purity; and from Satan to God.

It will be seen,

2. In the hallowing influence it exerts on the body.

Body and soul closely connected. One the vehicle of action for the other. Both redeemed. God requires both. Grace operates upon both. Eyes will survey his works, and peruse his word. Ears listen to his truth and commands. The tongue will magnify him. Feet run in the way of his ordinances. Hands be ministers of goodness, &c. Whole body presented as a living sacrifice, &c. Temple of the Holy Ghost &c.

3. In its practical evidences on the life Rebel, now a subject’97traitor, a sworn friend’97enemy, a child. Old things passed away, and the life now one of faith, obedience, and love. Actions’97temper’97conversation entirely new. Now we cannot see changes, influences, and effects like these without exclaiming, "This is the finger of God." Notice,

II. The exhibition of Divine Grace is a Source of peculiar Joy to the People of God,

Hence Barnabas, when he saw it, "was glad." There are many reasons why the people of God are thus glad.

He was glad,

1. For his own sake.

He had heard of the extension of the Gospel, and had purposely visited that city: now therefore his joy was full. His expectations were realized, and he participated of that felicity which the grace of God had diffused among them.

When our hearts are right with God, we shall ever rejoice at witnessing the blessed effects produced by the grace of God upon others.

2. He was glad for their sakes.

We cannot wish better to our fellow-creatures than that they should be partakers of the grace of God. Can we see a starving man fed’97a slave liberated’97a malefactor snatched from an ignominious death, and not rejoice? Yet the grace of God not only does this, but infinitely more, for the soul of man. It raises from sin to holiness, from danger to safety, from death to life, and from hell to heaven.

3. He was glad for the church’s sake.

Every devout and sincere Christian longs and prays for Zion’s prosperity. Prefers Jerusalem to his chief joy. Here, then, her walls were built up’97family multiplied’97army enlarged’97boundaries extended, &c.

4. He was glad for Christ’s sake.

"The love of Christ constraineth us," &c. To love his name, cause, people, &c. They pray for the extension of his kingdom; they long for the period when he shall be rewarded for his toils and sorrows, by seeing of the travail of his soul &c.

Notice,

III. The Designs of Divine Grace can only be realized by constant adherence to Christ.

Hence Barnabas "exhorted them all," &c.

Notice,

1. The subject of his exhortation.

"That they should cleave unto the Lord." Many enemies’97many snares’97attractions. Hence, indispensably necessary that we cleave unto the Lord.

To his merits, as our only ground of acceptance.

To his Word, as our only guide.

To his ordinances, as the means of spiritual refreshment and edification.

To his Spirit, as our sanctifier and source of comfort.

To his people, as our companions, &c.

Notice,

2. The manner of doing this which he enjoined.

"With purpose of heart"’97with supreme affection’97holy fervor’97determined resolution’97abiding constancy, &c.

3. The universality of his exhortation.

"He exhorted them all." All need it’97all in danger’97same means of safety for all. Young and aged, wise and illiterate weak and strong, members and teachers without this, no soul can be happy, prosperous, or safe.

Application

1. How precious the grace of God.

2. How self-evident is genuine piety 3. How truly benevolent is Christianity 4. How all-important is pious constancy and perseverance.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS