5 WITNESSING TWO TWO ACTS APOSTLES BY IN THE OF THE The chain connecting Paul with the Twelve passes through his presence at the execution of Stephen, when he is still aligned with the opposing party (7,58), but primarily through Barnabas, an “ apostolic ” man, who was given that name by the apostles, and who laid at the apostles’ feet the proceeds of the sale of his field (4,36-37). It is Barnabas, in fact, who introduces Paul to the apo- stles as the recipient of the vision and words of Jesus at Damascus, and as a courageous evangelist in the same city (Acts 9,27). Paul’s connection with the Twelve then becomes official at the apostolic assembly, when “the apostles” hear the report from Barnabas and Paul of their fruitful expedition to the nations, approve their mis- sionary options and charge them with the transmission of the assembly’s decrees to the Syrian and Cilician Churches (15,12.22.25-26). In this way Paul’s continuity with the apostles is established, not only by means of the “apostolic persons” in Jeru- salem, but in a direct way through the commission of the apostolic assembly. For this reason, the apostolic assembly of Acts 15 is an event of the utmost importance for the consolidation of the chain of witness, because those who take part in it include the Twelve (“the apostles ”, Peter), the deputies of Antioch (Barnabas and Paul), and Christians of the third generation, for instance the future envoys of the assembly to the Churches, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas (cf. 15,22.32). In the meantime, however, there have been notable devel- opments in the Jerusalem community in terms of types of ministry (cf. the elders, the Lord’s brothers), theological openness (cf. the acceptance of Peter’s conduct concerning Cornelius), and practical initiatives to maintain contact with other Churches (cf. the letter). Antioch, by analogy, also grew because of the foundation of the Cypriot and Anatolian Churches, and gained in authority in rela- tion to the Mother-Church of Jerusalem (the decision to receive p a g a n s into the Church without requiring circumcision is approved) and, as already mentioned, was strengthened thanks to the cooperation of the third generation of believers. The Churches also face a very new situation from the point of view of evangelisation. There is not only the first announcement, but there now exists a dialogue between communities with many disputing voices. Besides, the Spirit is no longer an impetuous wind descending from on high as at Pentecost, but a voice