Patronage & Reciprocity Article
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
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Sharing the Gospel Across Cultures: The Jewish disciples initially shared the gospel only with Jews in Antioch, but men from Cyprus and Cyrene began proclaiming it to Gentiles as well (v. 20). What challenges might they have faced in sharing the good news with a culturally different group, and how can we overcome similar barriers when sharing our faith today?
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The Role of the Holy Spirit: The passage notes that “the Lord’s hand was with them” (v. 21), leading to many Gentiles believing and turning to the Lord. How do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life or community to draw people to faith, and how can we rely on the Spirit’s power in our witness?
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Turning from Idols: The Gentiles in Antioch turned from idol worship to serve the living God (v. 21), despite potential backlash from family, community, and government. What are some modern “idols” (e.g., money, status, entertainment) that people might need to turn from to follow Jesus fully, and how can we support one another in this process?
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Barnabas’ Encouragement: When Barnabas arrived and saw God’s grace at work, he encouraged the believers to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts (v. 23). How can we, like Barnabas, actively encourage others in our faith community to stay committed to Christ, especially during challenges or distractions?
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Discipleship and Teaching: Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch, and they taught the believers for a year, leading to the disciples being called “Christians” (vv. 25–26). Why is ongoing teaching and discipleship important for new believers, and how can we contribute to or benefit from intentional Christian teaching in our own context?
