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For the better part of three years Paul and Barnabas labored in the spiritual fields of Cyprus and Asia Minor. They preached to, exhorted, strengthened, and equipped the new converts so they could stand fast in the faith once they were on their own. As one of the final acts before departing and returning to Antioch in Syria, Paul and Barnabas "…appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting." (Acts 14.23). Once they arrived back at their sending congregation, Paul and Barnabas "…reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles." (Acts 14.29). The opening of the door of faith to the Gentiles is the focal point of this devotional message.

The phrase "door of faith" is used only here in the scriptures. We recognize that this is a figurative expression similar to other scriptures in the New Testament which use the term door to represent access to someone or something. Jesus declared Himself to be the door (John 10.7,9). Paul referred to doors of opportunity (1Corinthians 16.9,2 Corinthians 2.12, and Colossians 4.3) that were opened or that might be opened for the preaching of the gospel. In each of these cases, the meaning is very similar; door has reference to access or entrance. Hence, the expression "door of faith" has reference to the access or entrance that faith gives to a person or persons, in this case, the Gentiles.

The door of faith as used in Acts 14.29 simply refers to the opportunity for salvation that God gave to the Gentiles through the preaching of the gospel. For several years after the gospel was first preached in Jerusalem, it was limited only to the Jews. Eventually the Samaritans were accepted into the faith (Acts 8) and then a short time thereafter, the Gentiles were granted access to the kingdom (Acts 10). Therefore, the report by Paul to the church at Antioch included summaries of Jews and Gentiles becoming children of God. This was in fulfillment of numerous prophecies and began to be fulfilled on a large scale when Paul and Barnabas made a conscious decision to "turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13.46).

It is significant that God created and opened this door, not man. The door for the Gentile is exactly the same as the door for the Jew and it opens in exactly the same way. Man tried to manufacture two different doors, but God would have none of that. The same faith which saves the Jew also saves the Gentile; there is but one faith and there is but one door (see Jude 3; Romans 1.16; John 14.6). Contrary to what many wanted to believe, the system of faith that was operative for the Jews was to become operative for the Gentiles also. Jesus died to establish one church, not a plurality of churches (see Matthew 16.18). That one body has but one head! The spiritual marching orders for any man who desires to become a Christian are identical to the orders given to every other man in like circumstance.

God opened the door for the Gentiles and not for just a select few of the Gentiles. In opening that door, a universal invitation was extended to all of humanity. The plain truth is that any thirsty soul that hears may come (Revelation 22.16). God excludes no one by design; if any man is excluded it is of his own choosing and not God's. It is now true that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Acts 2.21). The door is opened and no man shuts (Revelation 3.7).

Questions for Discussion:
1. To which congregation did Paul and Barnabas give a report of their first missionary journey?
2. How is the word "door" used in the expression "door of faith"?
3. Why did Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles (see Acts 13.46)?
4. How do we know there is but one door into the kingdom or church? What did Peter learn at the household of Cornelius that mandates that there be but one door (see Acts 10.34-35)?

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

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