In this passage, the Jerusalem council recognised the issues that faced the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. This was regarding salvation and Jewish practices. The council took action by sending the letter with official representatives, to acknowledge the diverse cultural differences between them. However, the key agenda of this letter was to bring the Holy Spirit into the picture.

This demonstrates the unity that the Holy Spirit brings amongst humanity. Believers naturally have different views on things in life – but this verse reminds us to be unified by the Holy Spirit as we walk by faith. The council brought the unifying presence of the Holy Spirit into the discussion, which was crucial.

God, I thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Please fill me afresh today and help me to walk in Your leading.

Written by Ps. Laura Samperi

What an encouraging passage of Scripture – God went before Paul and the Jews and their thinking about what is acceptable and not acceptable to God.  Grace and faith matter, not ritualistic observance!  I find myself thinking where have I added to the requirements of grace and faith?  Where have I asked for more than God does?  I am sure the people at the meeting were zealous to do the right thing by God, but sometimes our zealotry like theirs denies faith – it is almost a race to the bottom rather an inspiration to follow Jesus.  I can add nothing to His saving grace of any value.  So may I remember it is Christ alone!

Father search our hearts that we not place any impediment to following Jesus on anyone!  Help us to stay true and close to Your Gospel which brings freedom and peace!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

Paul and Barnabas spent much time in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch preaching the gospel and making disciples.  They also made it clear to the believers that following Christ would not be easy hence the need for ongoing encouragement and discipleship.  Paul and Barnabas also committed themselves to praying and fasting for suitable leaders for the churches.  This shows the importance of Godly leadership. 

What strikes me in this passage is the importance of discipleship.  Paul and Barnabas invested a lot of time into the believers and establishing leaders.  On this occasion, interestingly, Paul and Barnabas started in Antioch and finished in Antioch.  In a way this reflects the cyclical nature of discipleship.  As disciples we receive guidance and encouragement in doing God’s will.  We then implement what we have been taught and then provide feedback to leaders who in turn encourage and help us again and so it goes.  What a blessing it is to be a disciple and also to have the opportunity to disciple someone else!

Lord we thank you for the wonderful process of discipleship.  May you continue to disciple people across your church. Amen.

Written by Ainslie Woods

In reading this passage, these two phrases jumped out to me straight away: “…they spoke so effectively that a great number… believed” (vs 1) and “…speaking boldly for the Lord” (vs 3).

Paul and Barnabas faced conflicting responses in bringing the gospel to the Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue. Verse 1 highlights that much of their ministry was effective in leading people to Christ. However, this opportunity also brought considerable resistance from many of the Jews. Yet despite the division, Paul and Barnabas’ response was to “speak boldly” for the Lord and not be swayed. When the hearts of the Jews became so hard, Paul and Barnabas saw that it was time to relocate and not stop preaching, but continue spreading the Word of God to others.

I am encouraged as I think about how Paul and Barnabas approached evangelism. They spoke effectively and boldly. As I reflect, I ask myself the questions; How am I sharing the gospel with others? Am I being effective in seeing lives changed? Am I speaking boldly for the Lord no matter the response I get? Paul and Barnabas did not hold back from declaring God’s grace, but they also recognised when their audience was not receptive. This didn’t discourage them, as they moved on to the Lycaonian cities, and continued to preach.   

God, I thank You for the opportunities you give me every day to share Your truth. Please open my eyes to see where I can be more effective. Help me to have boldness and not be ashamed. I ask for wisdom and direction as I seek to lead people closer to You. In Jesus’ Name.

Written by Ps. Laura Samperi

Some people heard the good news and wanted to hear more next week. Some couldn’t wait until next week. By next week everybody – Jews and Gentiles – wanted to hear. These all seem like reasonable responses. It’s excellent news. Who wouldn’t want to hear?

But another response is really interesting. Here are some Jews who, presumably, came because they wanted to hear the good news again. But when they see the crowd, they become jealous. Maybe they were just jealous that everyone wanted to hear Paul and Barnabas (and not them), but I suspect it goes deeper. After centuries of keeping themselves separate from the Gentiles around them, separating themselves as the people that God chose from amongst all the other nations for a special relationship, suddenly it’s for everyone. I suspect they didn’t want the good news to be for all those outsiders.

Their response is not only to reject the good news they came to hear but to try to take it away from everyone else too. Paul and Barnabas’ reaction in verse 46 (tomorrow) is significant.

I’m challenged not to forget what a revolutionary thing it is that Jesus came to redeem the whole world, to save everyone, even including me. I’m challenged never to place a barrier to anyone hearing that good news. I’m challenged that my heart needs to be as open as Jesus’ heart.

I love that (usually) we remind ourselves each week at church to make room for others. Yes, outsiders will change our church, change my life. It will become so much better as they become insiders.

Written by David Cornell