The Straight Course

Acts 16:10-12 
10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.

Paul was shown they needed to go help a Macedonian man, so they got up and went straightaway.  They rightly saw that God was telling them to go with the good words of life to someone begging to be helped by God.  So they sailed until arriving at Philippi there, and waited around for days to see where they needed to be.  They waited on God's call for direction, took action to go, then waited for direction again to participate in His work at His time, doubting nothing.  A great example for us.

Come Help Us!

Acts 16:6-9 
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Paul, Silas, and Timothy tried to take the words of life to Asia, but God the Spirit stopped them.  They tried again in Bithynia, and again had their steps redirected.  They were not permitted to go where God did not ordain them to go.  Finally at Troas Paul heard God direct them to a Macedonian man's plea for help.  Since God is sovereign, we do not choose who to evangelize; it is to His call and drawing of people that we become the messengers for in His planning and timing.  We need to follow Him.

Elder Oversight

Acts 16:4-5   
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Again we see Paul giving a pattern of ministry as he traveled to the churches around the area, teaching the agreed upon elements of sound faith.  The elders and apostles under leading and authority of God's Spirit recorded the essentials of Christ's teaching, then Paul and company went to instruct and strengthen the faith of His followers.  This led to more being added to the church, the body of Christ.  So we have statements of faith and council decrees that capture the Bible truths that are foundational, and teach with those as a guide to build others up.

Discipleship Without Offense

Acts 16:1-3 
1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

Paul traveled with Silas, having parted with Barnabas, and found Timothy in Lystra.  He was half Jewish, so Paul had him circumcised to avoid the Jews using his Greek heritage against Timothy.  Since Timothy was well regarded by the other Christians, Paul took him along (with Barnabas no longer at his side) to continue spreading the gospel words of life and building up the churches. This bringing alongside is a pattern of discipleship we can emulate, looking at at Paul and Timothy through the scriptures.

Disagreements and Grace

Acts 15:37-41 
37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Paul and Barnabas disagreed on taking Mark along because he left God's work before.  They argued enough as to go separate ways, one to Cyprus and the other to Syria and Cilicia to continue in following up believers in the churches.  God used them all, but we wonder if the sharp argument could have been more amicable.  We all fail in many ways, and the Bible clearly shows we all fall short.  Thanks be to God for His forgiving grace!

Revisiting, Prophecy

Acts 15:32-36 
32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. 33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. 34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”

Prophecy is most often bringing understanding of God's word in a God-inspired way, not new words, just revealing the meaning and implications.  So these two spoke such to strengthen and encourage.  Paul and Barnabas stayed to minister; they taught and preached until moved to go back to visit those in the cities they came from to follow up with those they brought God's word to previously.  Such pattern is a reminder to us to go where God leads, read and give sense to the word preached and taught, and follow up with those who come to Christ.  Discipleship, making disciples, is all encompassing.

Freed From Burdens

Acts 15:28-31 
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. 30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

We are not burdened with the Law as a way to earn God's acceptance, but it is now written on our hearts by His Spirit to motivate our desires as His own.  Certain things of course we do not do; there is no lawlessness, but lawfulness in rightful and willing obedience.  Therefore the church and its leaders gave good counsel and brought encouraging joy to the hearers of the letter.  So God's Spirit moves us to minister to the house of God as He did here. 

Our desire must be to find His words and devour them, making them give joy and rejoicing in being His (Jer.15:16).

No Such Commandment

Acts 15:23-26 
23 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The letter to clarify following God in Christ came from the apostles, elders, and all the other believers - to let the new gentiles in Christ know they all were in accord on the interpretation of the guidance.  It was not about outward rituals of circumcision and the ordinances (but the inward cleansing of the heart).  So they sent the letter to encourage and affirm by means of those who lay their lives on the line for the words of truth and life.  They set the example of church matters for us. 

Scriptural Church Polity

Acts 15:19-22   
19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” 22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

After accepting that non-Jews also were inheriting eternal life in Christ, the church wrote not that they keep the Law but only aspects that were at the heart of offense to God.  They were to not have other Gods (idols), be sexually pure, from sacrifices and blood (life) in meat.  They knew he Law was read every week if they really wanted to hear it.  So they wrote a letter to those gentile churches and sent some with Paul and Barnabas with the ruling.  Church polity based on scripture had begun.

God Knows His Works from Eternity

Acts 15:12-18 
12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ... So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’ 18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.

When the church heard of God's work among the nations, they were quiet and contemplative.  Then the leader James spoke to again point back to scripture, showing how even non-Jews would be called by His name.  The Lord does these things, so how could they not agree with His word?  God knows all He does from the beginning to end of time, for He appointed it to be so and had the prophets write down what He purposed.  So we must seek answers and direction likewise.

Saved by Grace, Not Law

Acts 15:7-11 
7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

We can endlessly dispute doctrine as the apostles and elders started to do here, but when these stopped to consider what God had done according to His word and promises, then the matter can become clear.  God promised through Abraham to bring children of promise to Himself, that is through His Seed, Jesus Christ.  So the results were assessed against the backdrop of scripture, and the clarity of the Law versus grace became apparent.  Salvation was out of all people to all be sealed by His same Spirit. The pattern to apply scripture comes out of understanding it in context.

Consider this Matter

Acts 15:4-6 
4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”  6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

Paul and Barnabas returned to the church leaders, the apostles and elders, to tell of God's work among the nations through their ministry of the gospel.  Some believing Pharisees tried to make the gentiles also follow the Jewish law, so the leaders came together to consider what a God's intended will was from the scriptures and His Spirit's guidance.  So now when issues arise the elders must approach matters seriously but biblically at all times.

Saved by Grace Alone

Acts 15:1-3 
1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

It is fallen human nature to add our works to the grace of salvation.  Here the law's ritual of circumcision was made essential for salvation, when that was but an outward sign of the heart's inner cleansing that God was concerned with.  The question became a dispute, and the disciples had to appeal to the apostles and elders for resolution.  So today those who argue against the doctrines of grace add our effort of a dead will assumed to be able to choose apart from God's grace, but we have the reformation's creeds based on examinations of scripture to stand on.  But real joy comes from those God saves along the way.

Faithful in Trials & Victory

Acts 14:24-28 
24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. 27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas went to a few other cities before ending up in Antioch, where they had first been called and sent out by God's grace with the gospel.  Returning now, having finished the work they were to do, they gathered with the church and told of all God worked through them on the journey.  This included the door opening past the Jews of God's people to the world of His called out.  Then they stayed a while in fellowship with the followers of Christ.  What trials and victory in their obedient faithfulness!

Enter by Tribulation

Acts 14:21-23 
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

After making disciples through the gospel words of life, Paul and Barnabas came back to follow up by encouraging and exhorting to continue, to not give up, in their journey of sanctification.  This included addressing the reality of suffering on the way to the kingdom for His name’s sake.  Then they appointed elders in those churches and put them all in God’s sovereign hands, just as we should be doing now according to this biblical example patterned out for us.

Worshipped and Stoned

Acts 14:18-20 
18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. 19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

From leader worshippers back to attempted murder, Paul suffered for the gospel but did not give up in proclaiming the necessary and soul-consuming message of the Christ.  His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection with the eternal hope of glory drove Paul ever onward and upward in the race. So Paul got up after being stoned and went on with Barnabas to the next city with the words of life.

Turn From Useless Things

Acts 14:12-17 
12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ... 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”

When the focus went to Paul and Barnabas for the healing, they were called gods and worshipped.  So the apostles jumped in to set things straight, pointing out that they were only men as those of Lystra.  They implored them to turn from useless void of life things to the one living God.  God through nature even shows He is the one who gives good things and gladness, not lifeless idols.  The same God had allowed the nations to live their own way until then - when God showed Himself as a man among them...

His Stripes Heal the Soul

Acts 14:8-11 
8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

When God healed a man lame from birth who trusted God could make him whole, observers seemed not to consider the gospel message from the apostles.  Instead they attributed the work to the men instead of God.  They even went further to worship the men as if they were gods.  Even now some claim to do miracles, drawing attention to themselves, basking in the self importance.  But when God heals a man, He gets the attention, credit, and worship.  And it is the message of healing of the soul that is primary; the outside is only an echo of the inner work (Isaiah 53:5-6).

Divided Wisdom

Acts 14:4-7 
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

Some sided with those leaders and people opposed to the words of life, and some sided with the apostles bringing the truth.  The opposition turned violent as it often does to suppress what is good and is opposed to their controlling power base.  So when faced with death, the apostles left town and preached the gospel there instead, for they could do no more where they were.  So we also need to be wise and go where the message can be heard, not staying in our own wisdom when needing to be moved elsewhere. 

Bold Witness in Opposition

Acts 14:1-3 
1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Here we see the opposition again from the religious, but also the response from many of all backgrounds to the gospel.  Still the religious poisoned the minds of the non-religious against the Christians.  But Paul and Barnabas were faithful to speak, holding nothing back, and were witnesses in life and word to the grace of God.  The wonderful things they did were merely added proof of the source of their message that itself contained the power to heal souls and not just the outward. 

Collaborative Persecution

Acts 13:50-52. 
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Persecution is often a collaborative effort.  Faithful followers shake off the dust and rejoice to be worthy in suffering for His sake.  So we are joyful in the Spirit when this happens as with Paul and Barnabas here.

Appointed to Eternal Life to Believe

Acts 13:48-49 
48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.

Knowing God desires you and is calling you makes all the difference.  These gentiles were overjoyed to know the gospel was for them as well as "God's people," the Jews.  So the ones who believed, who became Christ followers, were the ones God chose and already appointed to eternal life.  So His word spread even further as it began its reach to all the world.  So we have restful assurance knowing our call that brought us to Jesus Christ as His chosen people.  Blessed assurance!

Light to the Nations

Acts 13:45-47 
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Those without ears to hear, whose hearts have been hardened, mock and oppose the word of God in their jealousy.  These religious ones wanted control and attacked those of the truth in an attempt to keep it.  Even today the papists continue this in varying degrees.  So the apostle turned from the heirs to those willing to hear, the nations, as God had already told they would do.  The good words of life in the gospel deliver those around the world from God's wrath!

Gospel Grace of God

Acts 13:42-44 
42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.

When people have not heard the gospel explained before, many will do as these Jews and non-Jews to eagerly come back to ask for more of God's word.  Some will even begin associating with those teaching the words of life.  So we do as Paul and Barnabas to exhort and encourage followers of Christ to not give up on the grace working in them.  We disciple and remind others that God is working, so why stop following?

Justified Belief

Acts 13:38-41 
38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: 41 ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’ ”

The victory that has overcome the world is our faith in Jesus Christ alone.  The work God did is the only forgiveness for the sin we all are born into, and the only hope is to believe this marvelous work He did in Jesus Christ.  If we despise Christ, we die in our sin with no escape from the consequences; no wishful teaching of chances after death change the truth.  But we who believe, who trust Him and His word are justified before God forever, and have His righteousness covering us - that which we can not earn, acquire, or have imparted to us.  It remains His righteousness applied to us.

Begotten Son Raised Up

Acts 13:33-37 
33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ 34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ 35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ 36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.

God foretold what He would do with His Son, raising from death to life, not dying and rotting but living forever.  This resurrection is the hope repeated in the scriptures to assure us of our own eternal life with God, and proven by Jesus rising first to show us.  All who die stay dead unless given life.  We who have been given life have this hope in which we stand.

Promise of Glad Tidings

Acts 13:28-32 
28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead. 31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers.

Jesus was crucified innocent.  This all happened because God said and arranged it.  So Jesus had suffered and died in our place to give us credit for His righteousness - but He the rose from death to offer us life in His righteous, the very good news promised all along but hidden from our understanding.  There is cause for death in all but Christ, and He died without cause so we can wear His righteousness!  By His stripes we are spiritually healed from sin and death's scourge, and stand in this life by grace forever.

Savior Foretold

Acts 13:24-27 
24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’ 26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.

The Savior came after God called people to turn from sin by John's message, but he was not the deliverer.  The very Son of God, His word become a man, this one came after the way was made ready to those fearing God.  But most could not understand what they heard from the scriptures, not knowing Him who came into His own world He made.  The prophets told of Him, but their eyes were shut and ears stopped up.  God now gives life to dead men walking with spiritual ears and eyes and a mind to understand.  Just hearing in church alone brings no life apart from God's work in each of us.

The Savior, Jesus

Acts 13:20-23 
20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 23 From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—

Israel had judges to rule with God as their king until they wanted to be ruled by their own king as unbelieving nations were to be like them.  But God mercifully allowed it, with King David as one after His heart and listening to God as the Sovereign over himself.  So the Messiah, the deliverer from the wrath of God on the sin all are born in, He as God's Son and living word came as a man.  This is the good news of life to all rightly condemned, mercy and love making justice appeased and righteousness imputed. 

You Who Fear God, Listen

Acts 13:16-19 
16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

God chose a people for Himself as He promised to faithful Abraham, and later chose Israel out of 400 years of slavery in Egypt.  He showed them and the world who watched that nothing was too hard for God.  Then His people disobeyed and wandered for 40 years in Sinai until all but a few faithful ones survived - then He destroyed nations in the land given to Israel, most of which they are living in today.  But all this was to point to an eternal redeemer, the Messiah/Christ.  In Him we have true freedom in reconciliation with our creator by His sacrifice for our disobedience.  This is the grace in which we stand.