Barnabas, the son of encouragement, is known for his deeds. He rarely speaks. When the Bible records a speech of his, it’s time to pay attention. We have only two recorded speeches of Barnabas (Acts 13:46–47; 14:15–17), and each is in unison with Paul.
During the first missionary journey Barnabas and Paul traveled to Lystra.
Notice these eight literary, thematic, and theological similarities between Acts 14:8–23, the record of their visit to Lystra, and the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14:6–13.
1. The Good News. The gospel is emphasized in both passages, specifically in Acts 14:7, 15, 21, which links them with that pivotal phrase of Revelation 14:6—“the everlasting gospel.”
2. Proclaim it loudly. When Barnabas and Paul speak in Acts 14:10, 14, they speak loudly. Except for word order, the Greek is identical in Acts 14:10 and Revelation 14:7; it literally means mega phono.
3. Warning against vain gods. When the people of Lystra equated Barnabas with Zeus and Paul with Hermes, the apostles were outraged. Barnabas and Paul called these false gods useless (Acts 14:15). In Revelation 14:8, Babylon, which literally means “gateway to the gods,” or more accurately “gateway to the [false] gods,” is described as fallen and, consequently, broken. Babylon similarly promotes false and useless worship.
4. Turn from worshipping falsehoods like Zeus, Hermes, and Babylon. Barnabas and Paul plead with their audience in Lystra, saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God” (Acts 14:15, ESV). The apostles are calling the people of Lystra to repent and turn from false worship. This, too, is the message of the three angels, to turn from Babylon, repent, and prepare for the judgment (Rev 14:7–8).
5. Both Acts 14:8–23 and Revelation 14:6–13 quote Exodus 20:11. Barnabas and Paul, as well as the three angels, beg their respective audiences to worship the living God—the true God—by quoting Exodus 20:11: “[Who] made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (ESV). This quotation by Barnabas and Paul in Acts 14:15, and the three angels in Revelation 14:7, is important. These words were originally written by God’s finger in stone (Exod 31:18). Barnabas and Paul, as well as those who proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages, recognize that the very identity of God and His creative powers are seen through the lens of the Sabbath. And this is how the Living God, the Creator of the universe, would like to be known by all people.
6. The foundational issue of worship. In Lystra, decorated oxen are presented for sacrificial worship to the gods. In contrast, Barnabas and Paul enlighten the people of Lystra with the truth that the Creator God is a loving God who provides “rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17, ESV). This is the God whom the people of Lystra are invited to worship. In Revelation 14:6–7, there is a similar emphasis on worship. Hearers are invited to worship the God of the everlasting gospel.
7. International mission. In Acts 14:8–23, Barnabas and Paul are visiting and proclaiming the gospel in farflung Lystra, a city that speaks a foreign language (Acts 14:11), has a pagan priest and temple (Acts 14:13), and no synagogue. Their mission in Lystra is the embodiment of Revelation 14:6, where the everlasting gospel is to be proclaimed “to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev 14:6, ESV).
8. Discipleship. When Barnabas and Paul visited Lystra and other cities, their goal was to establish disciples (Acts 14:21–23). They were successful. Timothy and other disciples came from Lystra. Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders to strengthen the disciples. The apostles suffered persecution, not for the sake of temporary converts but for lifelong dedicated disciples. This is the essential point in Revelation 14:6–13: disciples immersed in the everlasting gospel, who have endurance and “keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Rev 14:12, ESV).
When Barnabas and Paul spoke in Lystra, they lovingly and courageously contextualized the Three Angels’ Messages. Today, the ministry of Barnabas continues to encourage us. Will you speak like Barnabas and Paul, sharing the everlasting gospel wherever the Lord leads you?
ANTHONY R. KENT | General Conference Associate Ministerial Secretary
