HAPPENINGS ON THE JOURNEY
Emmanuel McCall
Acts 15:36—16:40
Learning to live life one day at a time, rather than from special event to special event, represents growth in one’s pilgrimage. The special event mind-set begins in our childhood. We live from birth day to Easter; from the end of the school year to July 4, to Labor Day (when school begins); from Thanksgiving to Christmas; from preteen to 13, then to 16 (driving age); from graduation to college, to becoming 21, to marriage—from event to event. The problem with that style is that we miss a lot of living between events. It is the in-between times that determine the substance of life. The special events are ethereal, fantasy, and show. This truth can be fleshed out by looking at the daily events in Paul’s life mentioned in Acts 15:36-41 and Acts 16.
I. Paul and Barnabas separated (Acts 15:36-41)
Here were two men who had become efficient in their work for
Christ. Each complemented the other. Their first missionary trip had been both eventful and successful. When the suggestion was made that they retrace their steps to see how their efforts contin ued, their friendship ended.
Neither had a way of knowing that a visit from Peter would set up lifelong dynamics. It was during Peter’s visit to Antioch that a harmonious relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians blossomed as a result of the efforts of Paul and Barnabas. A surprise visit from some Judaizing Christians from Jerusalem caused Peter to act hypocritically (see Gal. 2). Barnabas followed Peter’s lead, prob ably not out of conviction, but from convention. He may have felt the need to follow Peter due to Peter’s rank. Paul confronted both men. Barnabas began seething with resentment that exploded when the decision was made for the second missionary trip. While the unpredictable behavior of John Mark became the excuse, the dynamics for separation were already in place.
II. Conflicts—new opportunities for expanded service
Barnabas took John Mark and confined his ministry to the island of Cyprus. There began a nurturing process of Mark that produced
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the quality genius of the writer of the first-written Gospel. Mark became such a powerful force that even Paul later requested his assistance (see 2 Tim 4:11).
Paul selected other companions. Silas was the first. He had made a tremendous impression on Paul at the Jerusalem Conference with his attempt to heal the fragile relationship with the Gentile Chris tians.
A second companion was young Timothy, a convert from the first missionary trip. He was to become Paul’s closest companion and son in the ministry. During the first visit, Timothy followed Paul and Barnabas, learning all he could. He became leader of the church at Lystra. Paul’s investment in Timothy paid off in big divi dends. He was Paul’s administrative assistant, handling the impor tant details.
III. Nighttime visitations
It was a nighttime vision of a man standing in front of the back drop of Macedonia, whose appeal to Paul—“Come over into Macedonia, and help us” (Acts 16:9, KJV)—changed the direction of Paul’s travel and, perhaps, his ministry.
IV. An original Annie Armstrong
At Philippi, a chance prayer meeting introduced Paul to one who would become the Annie Armstrong of her day. Philippi was a Roman center of culture. It was intolerant of other cultures, espe cially Jewish culture. The believers in God could not have a syna gogue, so they worshiped by a river. Among those Jewish wor shipers were Gentile “God-fearers.” A woman of prominence named Lydia was among them. To describe her merely as a seller of purple cloth fails to give the whole picture. Purple dye was extracted from the murex seashell. Because it was hard to obtain, it was expensive. Only wealthy people could wear, or trade in, purple cloth. Lydia was wealthy, but when she heard and received the gospel, she brought her whole self into the faith. Nothing was omit ted. She invited the missionaries to stay in her home. She had both space and servants to care for their needs. Her home was large enough for the church to meet there. She also opened her pantry for those in need and her pocketbook for the Lord’s work. Paul later commended the church at Philippi for the generous support of him, led by this woman. Women at Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth caught the spirit of mission support from Lydia of Philippi.
V. Painful witnessing
At Philippi, a young woman with psychic powers attached her self to Paul’s company. Generals and even emperors sought her for- tune-telling services. Battle strategies were based on her predic tions. Her clientele made wealthy the syndicate that owned her. Following Paul, she observed his divine powers. Her report was accurate, but her witness gave confusing signals to those needing the gospel. Don’t expect unholy people to give holy messages with holy results. Paul recognized and exorcised the demonic spirit. The loss of gain caused the syndicate to seek Paul’s indictment, even on false charges (paraphrased): “These men are Jews (prejudice). They are throwing the city into an uproar (law and order). They are introducing foreign customs (illegal proselytizing).”
Paul and Silas were jailed without benefit of trial, but their responses were unusual compared with others in similar circum stances. They rejoiced in being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. They sang and prayed with thanksgiving.
Although earthquakes were common, God sent a special one to free Paul and Silas. The building was destroyed from around them without harm to them. Instead of running, they remained calm. The jailer was about to commit suicide rather than face Roman jus tice. Paul and Silas led him to two kinds of salvation: first, from sui cide; second, from sin. The jailer heard the girl say they were sav iors. His question to them was, “What must I do to be saved?” These men turned his temporal question regarding Roman justice into one of eternal significance. They proclaimed Christ to the jailer and his household.
VI. Free reign in Philippi
The demonstration of the power of God left the city magistrates impotent to disturb Christians again. Their abuse of Roman citizens (Paul and Silas) brought fear of removal from office and municipal financial punishment. The church moved freely and respectfully in Philippi. The work of God’s kingdom flourished.
Life is not lived only by special events, but also by the day-to- day routine of living.
Raymond Francis (Chunky) Harvey, Tuskegee, Ala., selected this poem for his memorial service.
Lord, is this the right road home? The clouds are dark and still,
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The stony path so sharp and hard, Each step brings some fresh hill.
I thought the way would brighter grow
And that the sun with warmth would glow
And joyous songs from free hearts flow,
Tell me, Lord, is this the right road home?
Yes, child, this is the right road home! The clouds were dark for me,
The stony path so sharp and hard, Not sight, but faith, could see
That at the end the sun shines bright, Forever, where there is no night,
And glad hearts rest from earth’s fierce fight, Yes, child, this is the right road home!
Michelle_Michy
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