Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
It seems that almost everywhere Paul went he started a congregation of Christians that we now call ‘Church’. But he was more than just a church planter – he now returns to those congregations to encourage them, and appoint leaders who would look after the others. Here is a man with the heart of a Shepherd-Pastor. These young churches are in tough places, so he remains concerned for them and ensures that they have wise leadership. Paul sees this role of Eldership as vital in caring for the Church, and in his letter to Timothy (written later in Paul’s life) he sets out the qualities that are required of such a leader. Every church congregation needs individuals who will care for the others – indeed, caring for the people in the church is the most fundamental aspect of leadership.
Paul’s honesty with these new Christians is a far cry from many words of encouragement that are offered today. How often a word of encouragement concerns God’s faithfulness, or the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, or similar ‘comfortable words’. Not so with Paul! ‘….strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,"
(v 22)
In several parts of the world today that is exactly the experience of many Christians. There is hardship, persecution, discrimination, and even violence. Christians in India have been murdered, or their homes burned down. New Christians in Muslim communities face imprisonment, ostracism or worse – fathers have been known to murder members of their own family who have turned to following Jesus. We have it easy in the UK!
For reflection: Pray today for Christians facing persecution, imprisonment or violent attacks. Stand with them as they witness to Christ.
