Silence: Find a quiet place, remove potential distractions, clear your mind of other thoughts, and ask God to speak to you as you read and contemplate this passage:

Reflective Reading: Read Acts 11:22-26 thoughtfully:

22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Meditation: Reflect on this passage that describes actions of the first church, at Jerusalem, and one of the strongest early churches, at Antioch, when the church got clarity regarding God’s call to the Gentiles at Antioch. What is God speaking to you through this passage?

Oration: From your reading and prayer, verbalize or write in the space below your response to what God is speaking to you from this passage:

Contemplation: Over the next day, contemplate these passages and what God is saying to you. Think on these topics:

• How passionate is your concern for people from different backgrounds or cultures?
• What would be your reaction to a call for a member of our church to go minister in a different country? What would be your reaction if God were to call you in such a way?
• Are you able to reconcile your answers to the above questions, with Jesus’ call to go to all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature?
• Would you say that you have an open mind to God’s call on your life?
• What actions might this passage be directing you to begin?
• Reflect back on, or reread the week 4 devotions. What has God spoken to you, regarding your role in the body of Christ called First Baptist?