They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 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. After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Sometimes in life there are specific events that stand out and can create a dramatic story to tell. Other times, life is more about the blocking and tackling. As I read through this passage, I see both types of activities together.

I like the phrase “won a large number of disciples.” This is more than just getting people to say a prayer and join a “churchy club”. It is a commitment to be mentored, and model your life after someone/something greater than you — namely Jesus, and also his followers. So they had the “highs” of a lot of disciples deciding to follow.

They also had the daily work of being disciples, appointing elders, modeling ministry, preaching the truth, caring for the hurting, and providing for the churches.

This is the Christian life in a nutshell: some high, mountain-top experiences, combined with the day-to-day disciplines that draw us closer to Jesus and open our ears to hear him and our hearts to follow him and obey.

Secondly, they instructed the new disciples: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” They prepared them, body, mind, and soul, for the hardships and persecutions ahead. This is so critical to the process of disciple-making. How do I view hardship? Do I expect it to come as a follower of Jesus? Will I reach out and ask for prayer and help from my brothers and sisters during hardship, or will I, in pride, stay to myself?

All the while, Paul and Barnabas were sent out and supported by the Antioch church. We should not underestimate the power and encouragement this gave them. Prayers over them, their ministry, and their lives, financial support, relationship connections in various cities, supplies for the journey, etc., were all likely a part of this support. When they came back, they reported to their ministry partners of God’s great work. Not all of us can travel to serve God abroad. But all of us can support those who do in prayer, resources, connections, etc.

Lord, thank you for modeling here, through Paul and Barnabas, healthy church life and disciple-making! Train me to be a better disciple and a better disciple-maker, I pray!