Paul And Barnabas As Second Generation Disciple Makers… And Why it Matters
After Peter evangelizes in Solomon’s Portico and his subsequent arrest and release, we see the birth of an entire new generation of disciples. While it may not be normative for all new groups of disciples to start this way, we see that:
They believed the message of the Gospel.
They were of one heart and soul.
They freely shared their material goods.
They listen intently to the Apostles testimony of Jesus’ resurrection.
There was “Great Grace” upon them all.
There were no unmet needs amongst them.
(Acts 4:32-35)
One of these new believer/disciples was Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36,37)
Later, after Saul’s conversion, we see Joseph, now called “Barnabas” and Saul, now called “Paul,” teaming up to make disciples like Jesus had commanded the first generation to do. (Matthew 28:18,19,20) They are mentioned together no less than 30 times in the book of Acts alone.
In Acts 14, we see that having entered Derbe, Paul and Barnabas “preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples.” (Acts 14:21) This is significant, because it demonstrates clearly that Jesus’ command for His first generation of disciple makers quite naturally carried on into the second generation of disciples. There is no indication in scripture that this reproductive process was to cease.
It’s important to note here that these disciples were not enamored with the process of making disciples, but motivated by their love of Christ to keep it going. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) A disciple of Jesus doesn’t get to choose which commands he or she obeys, a disciple of Jesus obeys or observes “ALL” that Jesus commanded. (Matthew 20:20) Within that “ALL,” is the command to Make Disciples. This was clearly understood and assumed by second generation disciples. A few questions:
1. If the generational passing on of disciple making ceased, when and why?
2. Is there any reasonable argument that can clearly demonstrate that disciple making was a first generation responsibility only?
3. Are there any of Jesus’ commands, the ones he was referring to in Matthew 20:20, that we no longer need to obey or teach others to obey? Which ones?
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