November 5

Acts 15: 31-41

31 When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation. 32 Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After they had been there for some time, they were sent off in peace by the believers to those who had sent them. 34 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, and there, with many others, they taught and proclaimed the word of the Lord. 36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Come, let us return and visit the believers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. 39 The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and set out, the believers commending him to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

The decision to not require circumcision is greeted with joy. The church in Jerusalem expands the ministry to the Gentiles by sending Judas and Silas with Paul and Barnabas. The first stop is Antioch. There they resume the task of teaching and proclamation.

Paul’s desire to revisit the cities of the first missionary journey triggers a dispute with his missionary partner. The subject is John called Mark. He had started on the first journey, but left the two apostles in Pamphylia. Paul decided not to take him on this return trip. The team divides over the issue of John Mark. In the middle of the story of the rapidly expanding church, human relationships disrupt the idyllic picture we would like to portray.

The church is growing and experiencing growing pains. Questions of staff relationships are easy when the church is small. As it grows the complexities of relationships also increase. Paul and Barnabas will continue to do the work of missionaries, but they will do it with new partners. The story of Acts will stay with Paul and Silas. Barnabas and John Mark will go in different directs. Their work will not be reported as Paul’s. The gospel expands its proclamation even with this hitch in plans.

Reflection questions:
1. How do you deal with the complexities of human relationships and the imperative of the gospel to be proclaimed?
2. Is the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas shown in a positive or negative way? What does this say about the relationship between the apostles?
3. How will a growing congregation affect you and your relationships in the church?