In Acts 13-14, Stephen recounts the Holy Spirit calling Barnabas and Saul (Paul) to ministry. They embarked on a journey, preaching the gospel, first in Cyprus, then to Antioch of Pisidia, and finally to Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. They faced opposition and persecution, but also witnessed the miraculous power of God and the establishment of churches.
Ten years later, Paul wrote a letter to the Galatian churches, expressing his anguish that they were being led astray by Judaizers, who insisted on circumcision and keeping the law for salvation. Paul vehemently denounced this distortion of the gospel, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. He reminded them of their initial love and acceptance of him, despite his weaknesses, and urged them to return to the simplicity and purity of the gospel.
Stephen draws three lessons from the Galatian churches:
A good beginning does not guarantee a good ending - vigilance and reliance on God's grace are crucial for perseverance.
Never mix law with grace - legalism leads to boasting in the flesh, while grace leads to dependence on the Holy Spirit and glorifies God.
Avoid anything or anyone that draws you away from Christ - He alone is sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth.
He concludes by urging listeners to commit themselves fully to Christ, allowing Him to keep them from falling prey to false teachings and ensuring they reach the finish line of their faith.
This message is also printed in booklet form under the title: The Life of the Church, the Body of Christ.
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.