Paul and Barnabas were responsible evangelists. They did not simply preach, baptize and depart, leaving the new Christian community without guidance or support.

Having completed their initial preaching tour, they then returned to the places where they had founded local churches, "putting fresh heart into the disciples". They also appointed elders who would provide the necessary leadership in the community.

Paul and Barnabas laboured hard out of love for their converts. They meditated on the words of Jesus, "By this love you have for one another, every one will know you are my disciples." The extraordinary success of their apostolic journeys show that they had truly taken these words to heart.

Since we are all called to be evangelists, we too must learn this lesson well. Our motive for seeking to convert others has to spring from love, if we are to be effective apostles. No lesser motive will inspire us to persevere in our apostolic efforts especially in times of difficulties and disappointments.