Acts 11 describes an incredible transition for the spread of the gospel. For the first time, the gospel is being shared with pagan Gentiles who have no connection with Judaism. In the midst of this transition, God chooses to use an ordinary believer to make an extraordinary impact on the first Gentile church being established at Antioch. Barnabas, the son of encouragement, was sent from the church in Jerusalem to check out exactly what was happening there. His example of service and discipleship is a model that we would do well to follow.