On the cooperation of the worker in the ‘work of the Lord’

When it comes to the 'work of the Lord,' it is essential to remember that it is His work, not ours. We must avoid reducing this notion to a mere platitude. This understanding emphasizes that the Lord has sovereign authority over whom He sends, with what gifts, at what time, and to what place. When we overstep and interfere with the Lord's rights, the work of the Lord suffers. 

In the relationship between a worker and their Lord, it becomes clear that the worker is dependent on and obedient to the Lord. Similarly, in our role as co-workers, we must acknowledge the Lord's actions while avoiding ego-driven behavior; instead, we should treat one another as brothers.  

A positive and encouraging example of how the Lord's work should be conducted today can be found in Acts 11:19-26. Let's highlight a few key points from this rich passage concerning our discussion: 

• Acts 11:19–20 describes "certain men" who, motivated by the love of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More, embarked on a long journey to preach the gospel. What is truly remarkable is not only the hardships and efforts they endured but also the fact that they ventured far beyond the borders of their previous ministry area. Importantly, there were no instructions from the apostles or any other authority in Jerusalem guiding their actions. Neither their departure nor their destination was determined by human decision-making. There was no formal ordination or organizational structure involved. Instead, the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More could work sovereignly and independently of any human authority. 

• God acknowledges the work of these men: "And the hand of the Lord was with them" (Acts 11:21). Then something significant happens (Acts 11:22): the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More in Jerusalem hears about what is happening in Antioch and sends Barnabas. This decision was not made out of suspicion or mistrust; rather, it was a matter of unity within the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More on earth. In Acts 8:14, we also see that the believers in Samaria received help when Peter and John were sent to them by the apostles upon hearing about the work there. Initially, the efforts in Samaria were led by Philip, but Peter and John joined him later.  

In Antioch, "some men" began the work, and now Barnabas joins them. This illustrates the harmonious cooperation among co-workers in the Lord's work. No one sought to declare a mission field for themselves, nor was there any secrecy out of fear that someone might "interfere." The focus was not on individual honor but on the well-being of the believers. We should be cautious of adopting a "Diotrephes attitude" (cf. 3 John 9)! 

Regarding the events in Samaria connected to Simon the sorcerer, these incidents demonstrate the necessity of Peter's presence. Clearly, Philip, the evangelist, had not recognized this need, a fact that the apostleApostle (Greek) means "sent one." Today, we are "messengers" for Christ when we pass on the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). But the highest-ranking messenger is Jesus Christ himself (Heb 3:1;... More Peter later addressed (cf. Acts 11:18–24). This acknowledgment does not diminish Philip's work nor inflate Peter's role; rather, it highlights that both gifts were essential for the mission. 

• In Acts 11:1–18, we learn about the aftermath of Peter's visit with Cornelius in Caesarea. News of this event quickly spread to Jerusalem, leading to fierce accusations from some believers. They were upset because Peter had done something unthinkable for a Jew: he had gone to a Gentile and even eaten with him, which they considered forbidden. They were unaware of the divine plan that had unfolded for Peter and that this behavior had also seemed unimaginable to him until recently. In response to their concerns, Peter takes the time to patiently explain everything that has happened. He provides them with the information they need to understand the situation properly. This passage is instructive for us: 

• • We should exercise caution when evaluating work or events in a mission field—or any situation—when we lack all the necessary information, which is often the case if we are not directly involved.  

• • This caution is particularly important for those new to a mission field where other workers have been engaged consistently for a long time. A careful approach and effective communication are essential. 

• • The tone we set influences the overall mood; conflict is never appropriate. When we trust each other, we can assume that a worker has valid reasons for their actions. This trust encourages us to act with greater restraint and thoughtfulness. In such an environment of trust, we can accept the contributions of figures like Peter, John, and Barnabas without harboring accusations against them. 

• • When we inquire about someone's work, it is important to reflect on our motivations. Criticism directed at Peter, for instance, was not entirely unfounded, as it was indeed forbidden for a Jew to associate with those from other nations. The Lord Himself had given corresponding instructions during His ministry (see Matthew 10:6; 15:24). However, such criticism did not align with the Lord's directives once the work had been accomplished (see Acts 1:8). 

• • While sharing every detail with the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More is unnecessary, information should not be wielded as a tool for power nor withheld unjustly. When this occurs, it creates unrest rather than a sense of peace (see Acts 11:18). 

• Barnabas was a man with the right attitude. When he arrived in Antioch, he recognized the graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More of God at work, seeing the transformation that graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More had brought to the people there. He had a keen eye for this. This recognition filled him with joy, even though the cause of his joy was not a result of his own efforts. He didn't belittle the contributions of others, nor did he exalt his own role. He was simply happy. 

Barnabas was unconcerned with the details of how or through whom God had worked (the process) but focused instead on the fact that God had indeed worked in this way (the result). It's noteworthy that while we hear about Barnabas and later about Paul, the names of those who initially labored in Antioch remain unnamed. However, God knows who they are, and they will receive their reward. What mattered was not who was responsible for the work in Antioch; as John 4:37–38 states, "One sows and another reaps. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you have entered into their labor." We should not take pride when the Lord uses us to initiate something. 

• Barnabas encourages the believers to stay steadfast in their faith in the Lord with genuine conviction (Acts 11:23). While his exhortations were aimed at the believers, a significant number of people were added to the Lord as a result. Barnabas, described as a good man full of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More and faith, serves as a blessed instrument in the Lord's hands. He does not view this as an opportunity for personal recognition but rather as essential for these believers to receive thorough instruction.

Recognizing the need for assistance, Barnabas embarks on a challenging and potentially dangerous journey to distant Tarsus to bring Saul to Antioch. His humility shines through as he prioritizes the welfare of the church in Antioch. Although Barnabas is very capable of teaching, he identifies someone—Saul—who can more effectively address the needs of the assembly with his unique gifts. This demonstrates that the Lord's work is never a "one-man show." The gifts we are given by the Lord do not make us independent of other servants in the ministry. 

Once again, the Holy Spirit speaks of a "great multitude" that is now being taught. The teachings are falling on fertile ground and have practical effects on the lives of the believers, which others in Antioch can see. As a result, the disciples in Antioch begin to be called Christians. What a blessed work, to the glory of the Lord, can arise when the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More sovereignly, and those who labor in the Lord's work treat one another in a naturally brotherly manner.