11 EKOBEE

Ba Bee Ɛrɛ “Ɛɛbu Le Kaɛ Edɔɔ̄”

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Nu i dap nɔ aāloo edoba Pɔɔl sɔ̄ pya nɛɛ naa gbaɛ̄tɔ̄loo ale ba gbanasī le yereue

1, 2. What is unique about the journey that Barnabas and Saul are about to make, and how will their work help fulfill Acts 1:8?

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Pya Alu Esere “Loo Lo Tam” (Doonu 13:1-12)

3. What made long journeys difficult in the first century?

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ON THE ROAD

In the ancient world, overland travel was slower, more tiring, and probably more expensive than sailing. However, the only way to get to many places was on foot.

A traveler could walk about 20 miles (30 km) a day. He would be exposed to the elements—sun, rain, heat, and cold—and to the danger of being accosted by thieves. The apostle Paul noted that he was “in journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers.”—2 Cor. 11:26.

A vast network of paved roads traversed the Roman Empire. Along the main highways, travelers would find inns spaced a day’s walking distance apart. Between these were taverns where one could obtain basic supplies. Contemporary writers describe inns and taverns as being dirty, overcrowded, humid, and flea-infested. They were disreputable places, frequented by the worst elements of society. Innkeepers often robbed travelers and included prostitution among the services offered.

Christians no doubt avoided such places as much as possible. When traveling in lands where they had no family or friends, though, they would likely have had little alternative.

4. (a) What directed the choosing of Barnabas and Saul, and how did fellow believers react to the appointment? (b) How can we give support to those who receive theocratic assignments?

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5. Describe what was involved in witnessing on the island of Cyprus.

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IN THE SYNAGOGUES OF THE JEWS

Literally, “synagogue” means “a bringing together.” It referred to an assembly or congregation of Jews and eventually took on the meaning of the place or building where the assembly was held.

It is believed that synagogues were instituted either during or immediately after the Jews’ 70-year exile in Babylon. Synagogues served as places for instruction, worship, the reading of the Scriptures, and spiritual exhortation. In the first century C.E., each town in Palestine had its own synagogue. Larger cities had more than one, and Jerusalem had many.

Following the Babylonian exile, however, not all the Jews returned to Palestine. Many traveled abroad for business reasons. As early as the fifth century B.C.E., Jewish communities existed throughout the 127 jurisdictional districts of the Persian Empire. (Esther 1:1; 3:8) In time, Jewish quarters also developed in cities all around the Mediterranean. These scattered Jews came to be known as the Diaspora, or Dispersion, and they too established synagogues wherever they settled.

In the synagogues, the Law was read and expounded every Sabbath. Readings were delivered from an elevated platform, surrounded on three sides by seats. Participation in reading, preaching, and exhortation was open to any devout Jewish male.

6, 7. (a) Who was Sergius Paulus, and why did Bar-Jesus attempt to turn him away from the good news? (b) How did Saul counteract the opposition from Bar-Jesus?

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Like Paul, we boldly defend the truth in the face of opposition

8. How can we imitate Paul’s boldness today?

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“Ue Agɛrɛ Beenyiɛ” (Doonu 13:13-43)

9. How did Paul and Barnabas set a fine example for those taking the lead in the congregation today?

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10. Describe the journey from Perga to Pisidian Antioch.

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11, 12. In speaking in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, how did Paul appeal to his audience?

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13. How can we appeal to the hearts of our listeners?

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14. (a) How did Paul introduce the good news about Jesus, and what warning did he provide? (b) How did the crowd react to Paul’s speech?

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“I Kiiya Pii Pya Dɔɔ̄na Buɛ̄” (Doonu 13:44-52)

15. What happened on the Sabbath following Paul’s speech?

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“They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas . . . And the disciples continued to be filled with joy and holy spirit.”—Acts 13:50-52

16. How did the Jews react to the strong words of the missionaries, and how did Paul and Barnabas respond to the opposition?

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17-19. In what ways can we imitate the fine example set by Paul and Barnabas, and how will our doing so contribute to our joy?

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BARNABAS—“SON OF COMFORT”

A prominent member of the early Jerusalem congregation was Joseph, a Levite and a native of Cyprus. The apostles gave him an additional name, descriptive of his personality—Barnabas, meaning “Son of Comfort.” (Acts 4:36) When Barnabas saw a need among his fellow believers, he hastened to meet it.

At Pentecost 33 C.E., 3,000 new disciples were baptized. It is likely that many of these had traveled to Jerusalem for the festival and had not planned to stay in the city for as long as they did. The congregation needed resources to care for this multitude. Therefore, Barnabas sold a piece of land and generously brought the money to the apostles as a contribution.—Acts 4:32-37.

As a mature Christian overseer, Barnabas was eager to help others. It was he who aided newly converted Saul of Tarsus when all the other disciples feared him because of his reputation as a persecutor. (Acts 9:26, 27) Barnabas responded humbly when Paul gave him and Peter strong counsel concerning the proper relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. (Gal. 2:9, 11-14) These few examples show that Barnabas truly lived up to his name—“Son of Comfort.”

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