It was the desire of the Lord to save mankind from sin; but then to reveal the saving power of the Cross (which canceled the sin) to all the nations! The apostles were sent; and very shortly after that other men were sent to join them in the early stages of evangelization: Joseph Barnabas was one such companion sent along with Saul of Tarsus to bring the gospel message to the Gentile people.
It was Barnabas who brought Saul (after his conversion, but before he was named Paul) from Tarsus to Antioch where together they met with the Church and taught a large number of people: it was here that the disciples were first called Christians.
It was also here that while the community was worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then they laid hands on them and sent them off. Perhaps this is when Saul's name was changed to Paul. And they went off together to do their missionary work, laying the very solid foundations on which the Church of God was to grow. Of course, it was not a smooth or easy thing to do, and the church leaders even disagreed among themselves about many issues – which was only natural as they found themselves attempting to construct (under the guidance of the Spirit) a new religion as a fulfillment of an old one.
The mandate, however, given them was the same as the other apostles: As you go, make this proclamation: "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Each and every time we make our acts of faith, and hope and charity; every time we participate wholeheartedly in worship and fasting for our God; every time we take in, digest and translate the Word of God (proclaimed by the modern day apostles and priests) into the action of self-sacrificing loving service to others: then we are affirming the work of Barnabas and Paul; and all the Twelve; and indeed of Jesus himself; and they are very pleased; and they never cease interceding for us – as we continue on own often times complex, even bewildering missionary journeys through life to meet them in heaven.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.
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