Opening: Who were the most
influential persons in your life? Parent? Coach? Teacher? Pastor? What did they
instill in you that is still part of your character, values, makeup?
Scripture: Read Acts 15:36-16:5.
Insights:
- Following the Jerusalem Council, Paul is ready to get back on the evangelism road. So is Barnabas, but he wants to bring his nephew John Mark again, as they did when they began the First Missionary Journey. But Paul will have none of it, so the two split up. Barnabas and John Mark held to Cyprus, Barnabas’ home island. Paul takes Silas with him towards the new churches in Galatia. Look in your Bible to see a map of this Second Missionary Journey or go to http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/paulsec.htm.
- Barnabas’ patient encouragement was a huge boost for the effectiveness of Mark’s eventual ministry. Paul and Mark were later reunited in missionary efforts (see Colossians4:10 and Philemon 1:24).
- It was five years since Paul had preached in Derbe and Lystra, but when he returned, his heart must have been gladdened to find a young man who would become very dear to him. Timothy and his mother Eunice were from Lystra. They probably heard Paul’s preaching when he was there during his First Missionary Journey (see Acts 14:6-18). Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father – to the Jews, a half-breed like a Samaritan. So Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised to remove some of the stigma he may have had with Jewish believers. Timothy was not required to be circumcised (the Jerusalem council had decided that – see Acts 15), but he voluntarily did this to overcome any barriers to his witness for Christ.[1]
Life Questions:
- It is hard when church leaders disagree, especially when they decide to go their separate ways. However, if both leaders continue to follow the will of God in their lives, then the work of God is doubled. Paul and Mark had a falling out, but they reconciled later. Is there anyone in your life that, while you may disagree on something, you can still accomplish the will of God together?
- Timothy becomes Paul’s spiritual son. Paul writes two very personal letters to him, encouraging, advising, and strengthening his faith and leadership. Is there a Timothy in your life, someone you are helping along in the faith? Read 2Timothy 2:2 and discover your responsibility.
Prayer Focus: That God would bring a
Timothy into our lives, one we will pour our spiritual lives into.
