Central Truth

The leading crusader for the annihilation of Christians became the leading street preacher for Jesus. That left Jewish leaders on the warpath for Saul's head. Christian leaders were skeptical, confused, and fearful. Fortunately, Barnabas and a few devoted followers believed Saul, abandoned conventional wisdom, and steered him to safety.

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Reflections

Who wouldn't be skeptical? Saul, the fire-breathing zealot who wanted to round up all the Christians; Saul, the Pharisee turned bounty-hunter who was tracking down Christians across the countryside, was now preaching about Jesus. If it happened today, the conspiracy theorists would be all over that idea. It sounds like a plot that the CIA would hatch to infiltrate a secret society or terrorist group. I'd bet some scared believers thought Saul concocted the scheme to get inside the inner circle of the disciples so he could round up all the leaders of this new Christian movement. Then they would be out like a light, squashed like a bug.

Those of you who, like me, don't want to be caught napping or being taken advantage of, would never go for a ploy like that. What a shame! We would miss out on supporting the most important evangelist of the new church. But Barnabas and a few devoted followers overcame whatever skepticism or reservations they might have had. They took a chance and were willing to take Saul at face value. They stepped in harm's way and put their reputation on the line to save him. They helped him escape Damascus and vouched for him before the disciples.

I work with teens. Unfortunately, I've been burned more than a few times with tear-filled stories full of excuses about their wayward behavior only to find out later that their stories were full of baloney. It's easy for my guard to go up. It's easy for me to fall into the role of a skeptic and my lousy excuse is self-preservation. But, in reality, what have I really lost if I believe a false story? I'm labeled naive. . . is that so bad?

So Lord, help my unbelief. When I question the sincerity of the testimony of a wayward fellow-- Lord, help my unbelief. When I doubt the innocence of an alleged offender-- Lord, help my unbelief. When I want to roll my eyes and say, "Really", as in, "You really want me to belief that?" Lord, help my unbelief.

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Discussion Questions

1. Where would you fit on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being naive, and 10 being skeptical?
2. Can you think of a time when you were taken advantage of because you believed someone whose story wasn't true?
3. Can you think of a time when you didn't believe someone's story, and it turned out to be true?
4. How do you determine whether to believe a testimony, or an eye-witness account, or a person's story? What part does the Holy Spirit play in your decision?  
5. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, what evidence should we look for? What do we require for our acceptance of a testimony, or an eye-witness account, or a person's story?

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