Who vouches for you? Years ago, as I began my work on a degree, one of my professors came to me and said, “At this point in your academic career, as you begin your doctoral work, you need an advocate. I will be that advocate.” His advocacy gave me opportunities I never would have had on my own.
Saul was on his own when he arrived in Jerusalem. After his harrowing escape from Damascus, he might have thought the Christians in Jerusalem would welcome him. He tried to join the believers, but they were afraid of him because they did not believe he was a disciple. This might have been the end of his ministry before it began. But Saul had an advocate.
Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and vouched for him. He told them of Saul’s conversion and his bold proclamation of Jesus. With Barnabas’s introduction, Saul was set free to preach boldly in the name of the Lord. Saul preached so fearlessly and freely that he found his life in danger again. Once again, believers in Jesus rescued him and sent him home to Tarsus.
At this point in our lives, we need an advocate. We have one in the Holy Spirit. He vouches for us. How does he do it? Often, the Spirit advocates for us through the voices of God’s people. Filled with the Advocate, Barnabas became an advocate for Saul. As the Spirit fills us we can become advocates of others, as well. We get by with a little help from our friends!
