ONLINE ACTS LESSON 26 - THE NEXT STEPS

Acts 15:36-41
GETTING STARTED

In today’s lesson we will see Paul making necessary decisions to keep the mission moving forward. It’s time to go back out and encourage churches – but to also go to new places. He will need the right team and God’s direction.
Sometimes we face conflict with those we work with – so did Paul. Let’s see what we can learn from how he handled the disagreement with Barnabas.

They both agree that they should go back and visit the places they had preached on the first journey to see how the believers are doing.
Then they disagree on who should go. Did you know that Barnabas and John Mark were related. Colossians 4:10 says that they were cousins – but it functioned more as an uncle – nephew relationship.
The real conflict comes from the nature of the different gifts that were in these 2 strong willed leaders. Paul was missional and his deep desire was to proclaim Jesus. Barnabas was an encourager and his strong desire was developing the calling of God in others. He was responsible for the church accepting Paul.
The solution – they both agreed that the work should go on – but that they should go in different directions. I believe that later – they resolve this disagreement. Paul only makes positive comments about John Mark in his writings.

In Lystra they add Timothy to the team. His mother was a strong believer from a Jewish background and his father was Greek. Paul has Timothy circumcised because of his Jewish heritage – but later he will not allow Titus to be circumcised. Titus was completely Gentile and Paul did not want to send the signal that becoming a Jew was necessary.
Take note at the strong leading of the Holy Spirit as to where they should go next. They are prevented from going to some places because there is a need for them to go to Macedonia. God closes the wrong doors and opens the right doors. Just follow the Holy Spirit’s direction and the witness of God’s peace.

They choose to start ministry in Macedonia in the city of Philippi. They find the place where they gather on the Sabbath for prayer. Since there was not a synagogue – they found people gathered at a river.
They share the gospel with some women who are gathered there and one of them – Lydia is saved – she and her household are baptized.
Although from Thyatira – this merchant woman has established a home in Philippi. She insists that Paul and his group stay with her. Her conversion is so strong that she now sees her resources as God’s resources.