“ And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, ‘ Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. ‘
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. “
— Acts 15:36–41, Acts 16:1–5
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The Man with 2 Names - New Companions
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Peace reigns in Antioch.
The church there has successfully navigated their first doctrinal speed bump, and the result has brought great joy and freedom to the whole congregation. They are joined in joy, led and discipled by the elders and teachers there ... here’s the ones we know of...
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain —prophets and teachers; —— as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” - Acts 13:1 —- Founding members that were a very diverse set ... note the roles carefully ... these were the first gentile church prophets and teachers!
Barnabas, seeing the need at Antioch, had grabbed Saul from Tarsus (listed LAST in the list above.. ), and John Mark - from their first trip to Jerusalem. On this most recent trip, they have added Judas Barsabas, and Silas , prophets from Jerusalem , who have traveled down to authenticate and confirm the letter written to the church in Antioch, by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.
This letter was not just for the very first so-called “Christians” in Antioch... it was intended for, and addressed to, the churches planted and tended by Paul and Barnabas in Syria and Cilicia ( Paul’s homebase ) as well.
Perhaps this is what prompts Paul to initiate a second trip, to see how the new churches are doing, but also to personally convey this additional Gospel of Freedom ! - “And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.”
Here is something interesting.
We never hear or read of the churches in Samaria, Galilee, or Jerusalem after their initial mention in the Gospels, and early in the book of Acts - in terms of issues they faced, or doctrinal concerns, or support thereafter. On the contrary, it is people from Judaea that are guilty of spreading doctrinal confusion!
The focus of the Spirit has shifted to Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, Galatia, Thessalonica, Rome, and Philippi - in Acts, and Paul’s letters... and to another list of 7 in the Book of Revelation - Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Pergamun, Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis. These churches receive written instructions from the Spirit Himself in terms of Paul’s letters, and personal evaluations done by our Lead Pastor, Christ!
It is almost like the Spirit is pouring the new wine into new wine skins, the old wine skins not able to understand or tolerate this new wine! Mark 2:21–22 (AV): “ No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.”
This new wine is amazing !!! ?, as is the work of the Spirit in sanctifying a new people to Himself! The Lord will resume His dealings with Israel but for now, the focus is the work of drawing all people to Himself, to the cross and the Lamb upon it!
Paul and Barnabas are one in the Spirit as regarding the mission.... however, there are personnel issues to deal with. The contention over Marks desertion at Pamphylia drives a wedge between two men that have such a deep relationship!
Barnabas was the man that vouched for Paul with the apostles when no Christian would, brought him to the ministry at Antioch and discipled him! This is the very last time we will see him mentioned, sailing off to Cyprus with a new protege... who will go on to share shelf space with Paul in the library of scripture....! This is not a sorrowful but providential event... ! Barnabas was a man mightily used of the Lord!
As he exits the stage, we see the new players. Silas... a prophet and elder from Jerusalem, and Timothy, a new convert.
Right off the bat, we see something strange. After all this hoopla about gentile circumcision, being opposed to it from the get go, and bearing letters from the apostles that gentile circumcision is not required, Paul circumcises Timothy!!!!
What? Why??
Why, is the right question and we don’t have to look far for the answer. “ because of the Jews which were in those quarters: “...... not because it was a requirement of the Gospel, but to allow Timothy to move freely amongst the Jews.
They wouldn’t eat with him if he was considered a gentile - and he was - “for they knew all that his father was a Greek. “ Simon Peter, and even Barnabas demonstrated this behavior .....as CHRISTIANS...!!
Paul recounting to the Galatians 2:11–13 (AV): “ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, —-because he was to be blamed. —- For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, —-he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. —— And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that ——Barnabas—- also was carried away with their dissimulation.”
A man with the courage to return to Derbe, and Lystra, cities where he was stoned almost to death... afraid of some Jews ? No... this wasn’t done because Paul feared the Jews, it was for Timothy’s sake.
Two new companions, and a third awaits down the road at Troas... we will meet him next week...
Paul’s heart is for his children in the faith... his tender concern for them is the outpouring of the Spirits work to confirm, establish and —grow— His church... DAILY!! 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (AV): “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.”
For this reason, the Spirit gifts the church with prophets, teachers, miracle workers, leaders, givers, helpers, apostles, evangelists. It is these people.. IN THE CONGREGATION ... not... —just— salaried staff or people with titles in the organization... that minister to and actually grow, the church. So many churches are looking for Spirit-filled leaders.... everywhere but in their own ranks! It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad....
The Spirit is no respecter of persons. He descends and pours out on all flesh... every color, across economic and social status. How do you recognize these people? By their fruits, by their love for truth, by their character, by their synchronization with the Word of God! You know who they are in your church... and they are not just the pastoral staff!
This is new wine.... we have forgotten the taste, it has had so much mixed in it that it is almost unrecognizable from what the apostles experienced so long ago... but it is still being poured out today, and is freely available to all !!!
Hallelujah!