Preaching Among the Heathen
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the members might be thoroughly established in the truth and taught
to put forth earnest, unselfish efforts for those around them.
In all their missionary endeavors Paul and Barnabas sought to fol-
low Christ’s example of willing sacrifice and faithful, earnest labor for
souls. Wide-awake, zealous, untiring, they did not consult inclination
or personal ease, but with prayerful anxiety and unceasing activity
they sowed the seed of truth. And with the sowing of the seed, the
apostles were careful to give to all who took their stand for the gospel,
practical instruction that was of untold value. This spirit of earnestness
and godly fear made upon the minds of the new disciples a lasting
impression regarding the importance of the gospel message.
When men of promise and ability were converted, as in the case
of Timothy, Paul and Barnabas sought earnestly to show them the
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necessity of laboring in the vineyard. And when the apostles left for
another place, the faith of these men did not fail, but rather increased.
They had been faithfully instructed in the way of the Lord, and had
been taught how to labor unselfishly, earnestly, perseveringly, for the
salvation of their fellow men. This careful training of new converts
was an important factor in the remarkable success that attended Paul
and Barnabas as they preached the gospel in heathen lands.
The first missionary journey was fast drawing to a close. Com-
mending the newly organized churches to the Lord, the apostles went
to Pamphylia, “and when they had preached the word in Perga, they
went down into Attalia, and thence sailed to Antioch.”
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