Coming second, by Ben Jeapes
Image from clonehenge.com/2011/01/04/ bog-roll-tube-henge-aka-toilet-paper-tube-henge/ I recently preached on Acts 11:19-30 . A picture of Stonehenge made out of toilet rolls was highly relevant, as were Sam Gamgee , astronaut Michael Collins and Thunderbird 2 . Barnabas is sent to the budding church of Antioch to investigate reports that non-Jews are turning to Jesus. He recognises that God is at work and confirms that the non-Jewish believers are just as valid as the Jewish type. The church there thrives and a new word is needed to describe the believers. It’s “Christian”. For that alone, Barnabas deserves his place in the history books. Even more significant is that he needs an assistant and so he sends for Saul. Saul is cooling his heels in Tarsus, having had to leave Jerusalem because of threats on his life (setting the pattern for the rest of his ministry). The church in Jerusalem have grudgingly accepted (thanks to Barnabas) that their former persecutor is now on their...