And when he had come
to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of
him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and
brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen
the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had
preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at
Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed
against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. And when the
brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to
Tarsus. So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace
and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort
of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (Acts 9:26-31).
After Saul fled the persecution that arose
against him in Damascus, he sought out the comfort and encouragement of the
disciples that remained in Jerusalem, but his former reputation caused them to
fear him. They did not recognize that Saul was not only a true disciple, but he
was God’s choice to replace Judas as an apostle… “One of these men must
become with us a witness to his resurrection” (Acts 1:22). Saul had
witnessed the resurrected Christ, and his encounter with Jesus had left
evidence that he was now a true disciple. As Barnabas courageously obeyed the
Holy Spirit’s leading and brought Saul before the disciples, along with them we
are able to discern some more of the marks of true discipleship.
True disciples see Jesus often. The
first thing Barnabas reported about Saul was that he had a personal and life
transforming encounter with Jesus Christ. Barnabas knew the true disciples
would understand the power of such an encounter, as they had the same
experience during their years of living and walking with Jesus. Saul had seen
and conversed with Jesus, just as they had. Something wonderful and
supernatural occurs when we spend time gazing upon the Lord and listening to
His voice through regular Bible study and prayer. We are changed and we become
more like Him… “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of
the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to
another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians
3:18). The more we become like Jesus, the more we will become
different than the world around us. Others will know that we are becoming true
disciples of Christ if they sense that we see and hear from Him daily.
True disciples share Jesus often.
Barnabas also reported that Saul… “had preached boldly in the name of
Jesus”. Saul always had a heart to love and obey God. His encounter
with Christ had redirected his zeal toward knowing and sharing God’s Son with
others. Jesus gave him a new purpose and it was evident in his new gospel
message… “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was
preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor
was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians
1:11-12). As true disciples meet daily with Jesus, our hearts are infected
with His love for the lost and we are compelled to share His gospel with
our needy world.
True disciples suffer for Jesus often.
As Saul became more like Christ and as he boldly preached Christ, enemies of
Christ were exposed and incited to put an end to his witness. Saul was so
committed to Christ that the only way to silence his testimony was to end his
life. Jesus promised that the same will be true for maturing disciples in every
age. As we grow up into Christ, becoming like Him and sharing His gospel, His
enemies will be compelled to attack us… “Remember the word that I said to
you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they
will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours” (John
15:20). But Jesus also promised blessings to those who suffer for imitating
and sharing Him in a hostile world… “Blessed are those who are persecuted
for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew
5:10). We are reminded that we are true disciples of Christ whenever our
witness incites persecution and we suffer because of Him.
As we grow up into Christ, our true identity is exposed to the world
around us through…
The Marks of True discipleship.
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