From Pastor's Desk
The Holy Ghost (Spirit) in Action - Scene 35: Acts 15: 32-41 - Disagreement between Paul and Barnabas
In Antioch, Syria, the saints having received the directive from the Apostolic Headquarters Church in Jerusalem, on the matter of circumcision, rejoiced greatly that they were not forced to obey the strictures of the Mosaic Law, but were set right with God (justified), through faith and obedience of the Word of God.
Judas or Justus (Barsabas – He was the disciple nominated to replace Judas Iscariot in Acts 1:23) and Silas, who were themselves prophets, spoke much to the saints in Antioch with many words and confirmed in several exhortations that the letter that they brought from Jerusalem headquarters were indeed genuine and they had nothing to fear concerning their salvation, which they obtained by faith in Jesus Christ, and not of the works of the flesh (law). These prophets spent some time with the saints, and they were then sent off by these believers with the blessing of "peace" to return to those in Jerusalem who had sent them. Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
Dr. Luke reported that some time later, Paul said to Barnabas that they should visit the brethren in every city to whom they had preached the word of the Lord earlier on their first missionary journey in Asia Minor, to see how these new converts were doing spiritually. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on this journey, but Apostle Paul deemed it not good to take him with them at this time, but Barnabas thought otherwise. This escalated into a sharp disagreement between them, causing Paul to unilaterally choose Silas as his missionary partner on this 2nd mission, while Barnabas took John Mark and left for Cyprus. This incident was documented by Dr. Luke to show future believers that although we are filled with the Spirit of God in action, we as individuals, do not all see the same thing at the same time. This spirit of God in action will lead us, as much as we are willing to be led. The scripture in Romans 8:14 confirm this, "
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God".
Paul and Silas, departed from Antioch, Syria, after the saints there commended them by the grace of God to depart on this 2nd mission throughout Asia Minor. They went throughout Syria, confirming the word of God to the brethren who were strengthened by their visit.
Readers of this blog, if you want to know more about this life changing message that will get us right with God, please
contact us at:Meadowvale East Apostolic Church –
or telephone 416-385-1140
Pastor McGann
