Introduction Happenings On The Journey Emmanuel McCall Acts

Introductionhappenings On The Journeyemmanuel Mccallacts 15361640le

Introductionhappenings On The Journeyemmanuel Mccallacts 15361640le

Introduction 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 continued, 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, probably 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 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 Christians. 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 dividends. He was Paul’s administrative assistant, handling the important details.

III. Nighttime visitations It was a nighttime vision of a man standing in front of the backdrop of Macedonia, whose appeal to Paul—“Come over into Macedonia, and help us”—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, especially Jewish culture. The believers in God could not have a synagogue, so they worshiped by a river. Among those Jewish worshipers 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 omitted. 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 fortune-telling services. Battle strategies were based on her predictions. 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: “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 circumstances. 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 justice. Paul and Silas led him to two kinds of salvation: first, from suicide; second, from sin. The jailer heard the girl say they were saviors. 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, 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!

Paper For Above instruction

Living life one day at a time, especially within the Christian journey, constitutes an essential aspect of spiritual growth. The tendency to live from one “special event” to another—birthdays, holidays, milestones—often causes believers to miss the significance of everyday experiences that profoundly shape character and faith. This perspective is exemplified in the life of Paul as recorded in Acts 15:36–16:40, revealing how routine moments and divine interventions fuse to deepen spiritual maturity.

Paul and Barnabas’ separation (Acts 15:36–41) exemplifies how conflicts can lead to new opportunities for ministry. After a successful first missionary journey, their disagreement over circumstances and leadership differences resulted in a split, moving forward with different partners. Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus, nurturing his spiritual growth, ultimately influencing Mark’s contribution as the author of the Gospel of Mark. Meanwhile, Paul chose Silas and Timothy, emphasizing the importance of adaptable ministry teams and personal investment in mentees. These decisions, born out of conflict, highlight how disruptions and disagreements can serve as catalysts for expanded service and divine purpose.

The narrative also emphasizes divine guidance through visions, as seen in the nighttime vision of a man in Macedonia (Acts 16:9). Such visions redirect missions and underscore the importance of attentive listening to divine direction. Lydia’s conversion at Philippi underscores an individual's faith and generosity—attributes that significantly impact the growth of the church. Her wealth and hospitality enabled the early church to flourish, demonstrating the critical role of believers’ active participation in God’s mission through material and spiritual support.

Furthermore, the story of the demon-possessed girl illustrates that genuine evangelism may encounter resistance and misunderstanding. Paul’s exorcism of the demon disrupted a lucrative pagan enterprise, leading to imprisonment but also to opportunities for witnessing to the jailer and his household. The response of Paul and Silas—joyful prayer and song amid imprisonment—exemplifies trust in divine sovereignty and resilience in suffering for faith. Their calm response and the miraculous earthquake exemplify divine power and underscore the importance of unwavering faith during trials.

Similarly, the early church’s assertive stance and respectful witness allowed the Gospel to thrive in Philippi, despite opposition from civic authorities. The freeing of Paul and Silas, and the subsequent growth of the church community, demonstrate living faithfully through routine life events—not just moments of dramatic intervention—are vital for ongoing spiritual development. Raymond Harvey’s poem poignantly encapsulates this journey, illustrating the importance of faith amid darkness and hardship, affirming that perseverance along the "stony and dark" path ultimately leads to spiritual homecoming.

Complementing these biblical narratives, Thad Hamilton’s discussion on overcoming fear in witnessing highlights the human tendency to be paralyzed by anxiety. Hamilton emphasizes that the source of fear is often rooted in the liar—Satan—whose lies aim to hinder believers from sharing their faith. Recognizing fear as a spiritual attack and understanding its roots—personal insecurity, past rejection, or potential danger—are crucial steps toward spiritual boldness.

Hamilton advocates that believers must accept divine authority and rely on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to overcome cowardice. By trusting in God's power, love, and sound mind, Christians can replace fear with confidence, engaging more fully in God’s mission. Such trust aligns with biblical teachings that empower believers to live courageously and witness effectively, even amid adversity.

In conclusion, biblical narratives and contemporary reflections demonstrate that authentic Christian living encompasses both the extraordinary events and the mundane routines. Embracing each moment as significant in God’s plan fosters spiritual maturity, resilience, and active participation in mission—building a life that reflects faith not just in moments of crisis but in everyday obedience and trust.

References

• Barclay, W. (2007). The Acts of the Apostles. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Johnson, L. T. (2004). The Acts of the Apostles: A Commentary. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Longenecker, Richard N. (2019). Acts (Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 42). Zondervan Academic.
• Stott, J. R. W. (2007). The Spirit-filled Church: The Petra of the New Testament. IVP Academic.
• Wilkins, M. J. (2012). The NIV Application Commentary: Acts. Zondervan.
• George, T. (2016). Acts: A Theological Commentary. InterVarsity Press.
• Packer, J. I. (2000). A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. Crossway.
• Smith, J. E. (2010). Witnessing for Christ: A Guide for Evangelism. Baker Academic.
• Hamilton, T. (2014). Overcoming Your Fear of Witnessing to Others. Christian Publishing House.
• Harvey, R. F. (1980). Memorial Service Poem. Tuskegee, Alabama.