PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY (ACTS 15:36-18:22)
Day 7: Acts 15:36-16:5 - Paul’s New Companions
Paul sets out again on his second missionary journey. This time he goes overland through the regions of Syria and Cilicia, rather than by the sea.
What do you make of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?
Luke doesn’t record anything of the reconciliation that occurs later between Paul, Barnabas and Mark (Col 4:20, 2 Tim 4:11, Phm 24), and they don’t appear in the book of Acts again. Instead Paul sets off with Silas, and then adds Timothy as a partner.
Because Timothy’s mum was a Jew (Jews trace Jewishness through the mother’s line rather than the father’s - New Bible Commentary), Timothy was counted as a Jew and should have been circumcised. Paul was firmly against circumcising Gentiles to make them Jews in order that they might be saved. But Paul circumcises Timothy, probably so he couldn’t be accused of teaching that Jews should turn away from being Jews too.
What attributes of Silas and Timothy do we know of? (See also Acts 14:22, 32-35).
This passage gives examples of partnerships in gospel ministry. Who are you partnering with in ministry? Who could you encourage and invite to join you?
1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.
2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.
3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students