Second Missionary Journey And Teams Series

Acts 15:36-16:05 Second Missionary Journey and the teams

15:36 Follow Up Ministry

15:37-41 Paul and Barnabas Separated

16:01-05 Paul, Silas, and Timothy as Team

Acts 15:36 Follow Up Ministry

Paul and Barnabas had the burden to reach the unreached with soul-winning and result-oriented ministry. They established Churches and built the lives of the hearers of the gospel during their first missionary journey. They took an interest in solving their doctrinal issues and seized the time to strengthen the believers. The other aspect of their ministry and mission was to do the follow-up ministry with concerns. If new converts are not given proper attention and follow up, there is a possibility of a Shipwreck of faith in Christ. The gospel preachers and pioneers need to strengthen the converts with their presence and fellowship in Christ. Follow-up ministry demands time and sacrifices with cost involvement.

Acts 15:37-40. a. Paul and Barnabas Separated

Paul and Barnabas were good fellow workers for God. They shared their burdens and continued their ministry with the oneness of mind and spirit until they venture to go for a second missionary journey and do the follow-up ministry. There was sharp disagreement in the formation of the team. Paul would like to drop John Mark on this trip because he does not have the enduring spirit. He left them halfway through their first journey. However, Barnabas wanted to take him. Barnabas probably felt that John Mark need another chance to prove his commitment. Church believes in second chance. God has given repeated opportunities to King Hezekiah, Apostle Peter. Hence, we can’t deny grace to anyone.

Acts 15:40. b -16:5 Paul, Silas and Timothy as Team

Paul and Barnabas separated over the above issue of John Mark. Leaders separate themselves over issues and always feel right from their sight. Barnabas formed his team with John Mark and sailed for Cyprus. Paul took Silas became new mission partners. They set their journey and were sent by Church at Antioch to sponsor their mission work. Paul and Silas went through Syria and Cilicia and strengthened the Churches. Paul came to Derbe and acquainted with Timothy. Paul recruited Timothy to the mission work. Timothy was a son of the mixed-race of Greek and Hebrew. So, Paul circumcised Timothy before taking him to the mission work. It is against the decision of the Jerusalem Council. Paul took a compromising position. But later in Galatians 2:11-16, he denies it.

DISCUSSION:

1. Do we give importance to the follow-up ministry in our mission activities? Limits of the Patronising the mission fields.

2. Do we treat people kindly while they regret failures? Are we judgemental to the detriment of their commitment?

3. How do we handle the differences in opinions?

4. Why Paul has to circumcise Timothy against the decision of the Jerusalem Council?

(For further studies in Acts of the Apostles, kindly refer to this site)