new life in Jesus Christ! Such an invitation was all Paul needed. ENCOURAGEMENT The synagogue rulers in Antioch invited Paul and Barnabas to share a “message of encouragement” (13:15 NIV). The word “encouragement” derives from a Greek verb that literally means “to call alongside.” The idea is providing exhortation or consolation. Thus, encouragement is that process whereby we enter the lives of others and give them what they most need—a kind word of challenge or a compassionate word of hope.