Many times I have said or heard that a person is either a missionary or a mission field. This week’s lesson is about how and when the first church chose and sent out Barnabas and Saul to be missionaries (i.e., called-out ones or apostles). Although we are all called to be missionaries, there are very few who actually leave jobs and families and travel to foreign lands

The Work of the Holy Spirit
Many say the book of Acts should be called the “Work of the Holy Spirit,” for it is the Spirit who moves and works in the minds and hearts of his people.

The believers were first called Christians at Antioch. There were many prophets and teachers in this fellowship. It was rich with people who could explain and teach God’s Word. It isn’t surprising this diverse cultural fellowship sent out workers into the vast unevangelized world.

Luke writes that the church was ministering (performing religious or charitable functions) and fasting. Then the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (v. 2). The prophets and teachers fasted and prayed, placed their hands on the two men, and sent them off to the island of Cyprus, Barnabas’s home country. There they found a man, the governor, who wanted to learn about the Word of God, but the missionaries were opposed by Elymas, a sorcerer.

Saul, also called Paul, full of the Holy Spirit said, “You son of the Devil! You are the enemy of everything that is good. You are full of all kinds of evil tricks, and you always keep trying to turn the Lord’s truths into lies! The Lord’s hand will come down on you now; you will be blind and will not see the light of day for a time” (vv. 10, 11; Good News Bible). At once Elymas felt a dark mist cover his eyes, and he walked around trying to find someone to lead him by the hand.

When the governor saw what had happened, he believed, for he was greatly amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

My Experience as a Missionary 
I was called to the Christian ministry as a young boy, but I really didn’t understand my calling until many years later. At first, I wanted to join the Peace Corps; then later, as a member of a denominational fellowship, I asked if I could be sent out as a missionary. I was told that if I were a doctor I would be considered, but at that time they weren’t sending out any missionaries. I realized it was my personal desire to be a missionary, but I needed to let the Holy Spirit prepare me and call me in no uncertain terms.

I first had to find the Lord so I began studying God’s Word and praying in earnest. God began to work in my life, my marriage, and my family. I gave up any rights to wealth and fame and died to self. I have found I need to pick up my cross and die daily to self!

How can we know the Holy Spirit is calling us or working in our lives? When can we know it is God’s leading and not our own desires or wishes? How can we avoid the traps set by Satan? Through the years the Holy Spirit has guided me in these ways:

Through his Word: Most of what God wants me to be and do is found in his Word.

Through mature Christian friends and teachers: If I surround myself with godly people, I will be better positioned to be successful in God’s eyes. God measures success by my faithfulness to his Word and his Holy Spirit.

By moving me into situations that seem good to me, others, and the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28): The safest place to be is in the Lord’s will. God will never lead me where his grace and love will not shield and protect me!

Through prayer and fasting: Instead of telling God what I want, I must ask him what he wants. This allows him to lead. Our job is to trust and obey with reverent respect.

Through studying earnestly to present myself approved of God (2 Timothy 2:15): Work and study as if everything depends upon you and live as if everything depends upon Father!

For Discussion:
How does the Holy Spirit call us into Christian service?
Where does the Holy Spirit want his servants to go?
When does the Holy Spirit want us to prepare?
What might be the results of our disobedience to his calling?
What will be the results of our obedience to the Holy Spirit’s calling?
Has the Holy Spirit ever called you to do something? What did you do about it?

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* All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.