When the Gentiles in Antioch received this declaration from the church at Jerusalem, they rejoiced and were strengthened in their faith (15:30-34). Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch “teaching and preaching the word of the Lord” (15:35). After ministering for several days, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing” (15:36). Although Barnabas desired to go with Paul, he also suggested taking John Mark, who had earlier abandoned them on their first journey (see Acts 13:13). Luke does not provide the detailed reasoning of John Mark’s departure from Paul and Barnabas, but apparently it caused deep division between them both. “Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one [John Mark] who had departed from them…and had not gone with them to the work” (15:38). The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas became so contentious that they actually decided to part ways – Barnabas and John Mark go to Cyprus while Paul chooses Silas and goes to visit the churches (15:39-41). There are points in ministry where two well-meaning people may disagree about a circumstance. Instead of trying to prove a point, it is sometimes best to agree to disagree and move on with ministry. This is exactly what happened in this circumstance.
As Paul and Silas begin their second missionary journey, they encounter a young man named Timothy in Lystra and Derbe. Timothy’s mother was a Jew and his father was Greek (Gentile) enabling him to minister to both groups of people along the way (16:1). Timothy had a good reputation with all the people, so Paul chose him to accompany he and Silas on this missionary journey (16:2-3a). Since Timothy had not been circumcised, Paul “took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew his father was Greek” (16:3b). Timothy was not circumcised in order to be saved, but in order to make him accepted by the Jews in that region. Paul’s reasoning was justified because he did not want there to be any hindrances as they would minister to Jews and Gentiles and circumcision was a worship barrier for the Jews. “So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily” (16:4-5).
After preaching and strengthening the churches in the region of Galatia, Paul attempted to go to Asia Minor (modern Turkey), but the Holy Spirit did not want him to go there (16:6). No reason is given for the Spirit’s leading. Then, Paul desired to go to Bithynia but the Holy Spirit also redirected his steps so that they ended up in Troas (16:7-8). While in Troas, Paul received a vision and a man of Macedonia said, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (16:9), so they immediately departed to Macedonia (16:10a). From this vision they concluded “that the Lord had called us [them] to preach the gospel to them” (16:10b). It appears that Luke, writer of Acts, also joined them in ministering because of the use of we in Acts 16:10.
While in Macedonia, the team met a woman named Lydia who sold purple fabrics and was described as one who worshiped God (16:13-14). When she heard Paul speak, “she and her household were baptized” (16:15). Although she believed in the God of the Old Testament, at this time she believed in Jesus Christ as the One who was sent to forgive her sins. Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke were having a tremendous impact on the region of Macedonia already as they obeyed the Spirit’s leading. This should challenge us that when we are confused by the Spirit’s direction, He knows what is in waiting for those who obey Him.
Dear God, although we do not always understand Your leading or why things work the way they do, so please remind us that You know the opportunities awaiting those who follow You.
