Paul and Stephen (p. 351 - 356). FEB Publisher. Kindle Edition.

“The others will protest, of course. Especially now that Judaism is absorbing the apostolic efforts, we can
only expect a lot of complaining. However, nature itself provides lessons in this regard. Don’t we
complain a lot about pain? But what is the most useful to us? Sometimes our redemption lies precisely in
what seemed to be a real calamity at the time. We need to shake up the Jerusalem church’s indifference
by calling to the uncircumcised, the sinners and those outside the Law. Otherwise, within a few years
Jesus will be regarded simply as a commonplace charlatan. Of course, after Simon’s death the enemies of
the principles taught by the Master will find it very easy to corrupt Levi’s notes. The Good News will be
defiled and anybody asking about Christ fifty years from now will be told that the Master was a common
criminal who paid for his sins on the cross. In the center of so many religious disagreements involving
petty human politics, restricting the Gospel to Jerusalem would be the same as condemning it to
extinction. We must take the news of Jesus to other peoples, to interconnect the places of Christian
understanding, to open new pathways ... We should also write down what we know of Jesus and His
divine example. Others of the Apostles, for example, could write about what they saw and heard,
because from what I’ve been able to tell, Levi did not write down all there is to know about the Master.
There are situations and incidents that he did not record. Wouldn’t it be fitting for Peter and John also to
write down the observations that impressed them the most? I wouldn’t hesitate to say that coming
generations will want to learn more about the task that has been entrusted to us.”

Barnabas rejoiced at such alluring prospects. Saul’s remarks were more than justified. They had
to provide the world with a more in-depth account.

“You’re right,” he stated in admiration. “We need to consider such an endeavor, but where do
we begin?”

“Well,” explained Saul, trying to smooth out the difficulties, “if you do indeed want to head up
any effort in this regard, you can count on my unconditional cooperation. Our plan would be developed
by organizing selfless missions, with no other purpose than to fully serve the spreading of the Good
News of Christ. For example, we could start in areas that are not completely unfamiliar and we would
establish the custom of teaching the evangelical truths to the many various groups located there. After
finishing in one area we would move on to the next and take the Master’s lessons to other people.”

Barnabas listened to him, filled with real hope. Feeling encouraged once again, he suggested
what might be the first step of their plan: “For a long time, Saul, I have felt the need to return home in
order to resolve some family problems. Who knows, perhaps we could begin our apostolic work in the
villages and cities of Cyprus? Depending on the result, we would then proceed to other regions. I have
been told that the area around Antioch of Pisidia is inhabited by humble, generous people and I think we
could harvest beautiful results in initiating an endeavor there.”

“You can count on me,” answered Saul resolutely. “The matter will require the cooperation of
courageous brothers; the church of Christ cannot be victorious if everyone is selfish. I would liken the
Gospel to an infinite field which the Lord has given us to cultivate. Some workers must remain close to its
fountainhead and guard its purity; others must plough the land in specific areas; but we mustn’t
discount the help of those who need to use crude instruments to get rid of thick creepers and cut down
briers in order to let the sun shine on the pathways.”

Barnabas acknowledged the excellence of the plan, but considered: “However, we still need to
deal with the money issue. I have some savings, but not enough to cover all our expenses. On the other
hand, it wouldn’t be right to overburden the churches.”

“Of course not!” added the former rabbi. “Wherever we stop, I’ll use my weaving skills. Why
not? Every poor village always has looms for rent. Well then, I’ll set up a portable workshop!”

Barnabas was amused by the idea. “Your sacrifices will not be small. Aren’t you concerned about
unforeseen difficulties?”

“Why?” asked Saul firmly. “Obviously, if God didn’t allow me a family life it was so that I could
dedicate myself exclusively to his service. Wherever we go we will set up the simple shop. And wherever
there are no carpets to repair or weave, I can always make sandals.”

Simon Peter’s disciple became enthusiastic. The rest of the journey was dedicated to planning
the upcoming excursion. However, there was something more to consider. Besides having to submit the
plan for approval by the church at Antioch, they had to think of young John Mark. Barnabas tried to get
his nephew interested in the conversation. The young man was soon convinced that he should join the
mission if the Antiochian congregation approved of the plan. He was interested in all its details. He
would follow Jesus’ work wherever need be.

“And if there are many obstacles?” asked Saul cautiously.

“I shall overcome them,” answered John convincingly.

“But we may run into countless difficulties,” continued the former rabbi, preparing John Mark’s
mind. “If Christ, who was without sin, met with a cross amidst mockery and flogging when He taught
God’s truths, what mightn’t we expect in our condition as fragile and poor souls?”

“I shall find the strength I need.”

Saul looked at him, admired the firm resolution evident in his words, and remarked: “If your
witness is as great as the courage you are displaying, I have no doubt as to the greatness of your
mission.”

Amid comforting hopes the plan was finished with beautiful prospects of work for all three of
them.

During the first meeting, after reporting his personal observations concerning the church at
Jerusalem, Barnabas disclosed their plan to the congregation, who listened to him carefully. A few elders
spoke of the gap that would be left open in the church with their departure. They emphasized their wish
that the current harmonious, fraternal setting not be broken. However, Barnabas again explained the
new necessities of the Gospel. He painted the picture of Jerusalem as faithfully as possible and made a
short summary of his discussions with Saul, stressing how appropriate it was to call new workers into the
Master’s service.

After he had addressed the problem with all the seriousness it deserved, the leaders of the community
changed their minds. A general agreement was reached. The situation explained by Barnabas was very
serious indeed. His fervent opinions were more than justified. If moral apathy persisted in the churches,
Christianity was doomed to perish. Right then and there, Simon’s disciple received unrestricted approval,
and at prayer time the voice of the Holy Spirit was heard in that environment of pure simplicity,
indicating that Barnabas and Saul were to be entrusted with the evangelization of the Gentiles.

That higher commendation, that voice coming from the heavenly realms echoed in the former
rabbi’s soul like a song of spiritual victory. He felt as if he had just crossed an immense desert to once
again meet the sweet and eternal message of Christ. In striving for his spiritual integrity, he had
experienced only affliction since his blindness in Damascus. He had longed for Jesus. He had had a
terrible and scorching thirst. In vain he had asked for the understanding of his friends; in vain he had
sought the gentle warmth of his family. But now that the word from On High was indeed calling him to
serve, he was overwhelmed with infinite joy. It was a sign that he had been considered worthy of the
efforts entrusted to the Apostles. Reflecting on how the pain of the past seemed so small and childish
compared with the immense joy that inundated his soul, Saul of Tarsus wept copiously, experiencing the
most wonderful emotions. None of the brothers present, not even Barnabas, could surmise the breadth
of the sentiments revealed in those tears. Taken with profound emotion, the former doctor of the Law
realized that Jesus had deigned to accept his oblations of goodwill, his struggles and sacrifices. The
Master was calling him, and in his response to the appeal he would go to the farthest corners of the
world.

Numerous friends took part in the initial preparations on behalf of the undertaking.

Soon, full of trust in God, Saul and Barnabas, accompanied by John Mark, said goodbye to the
brethren and headed for Seleucia.

Francisco Cândido Xavier; Emmanuel (Espírito). Paul and Stephen (p. 351 - 356). FEB Publisher. Kindle
Edition.