Seeking Guidance: Apostle Paul and the Mentorship Question

“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9.27 - NIV)

Saul was a well-educated man who hoped to become a vital member of Jewish society. He was zealous and convinced that by persecuting those who believed in Jesus, he was doing God’s work. This was until he met Jesus, and his life was turned upside down. Suddenly, he had to learn new ways of doing things, look at people, and walk alongside those he had formerly been persecuting.

Barnabas mentored Saul as he matured from a new believer into one of the most important persons of the early church. Barnabas didn’t let Saul’s excellent knowledge or past stance against the believers stop him from walking with Saul and helping prepare him for his future ministry.

In Acts 11,26 we read that Barnabas spent a whole year with Saul in Antioch. Saul could have resisted Barnabas’ mentoring, as he’d already been mentored and taught by Gamaliel. But Barnabas perspectives were new, this was uncharted territory and there was a lot to learn.

In my years working in a very challenging part of the world, setting up a business to serve and witness to local people, I have been tempted do think that I know most things and and that I do not need mentoring from others. As I get older I’ve, however, often come to the realization that I need to learn from others who are more experienced in areas that I still need to grow in, no matter how much knowledge I have already amassed over the years. 

Challenge

How open are you to acknowledge that you may need help and support in areas of your work and ministry even if you have lots of experience?

Are you willing to mentor someone? 

Pray

Lord, help us humble ourselves and remember that we don’t know it all, that we need each other in order to grow and be more effective as part of the body of Christ. And help us walk with those who now need us in their lives, even though they might have done things for a long time in ways that we didn’t approve of. You are the only one who knows it all and can guide our hearts to both give and receive from others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.