II. A Controversy on Circumcision (15: 1-35) (continued)
E. The decision of the Apostles and elders (vv. 22-29).
v.22 James' speech brings the discussion to a close. Notice that this was a unanimous decision being made. The Apostles thought it wise to send two chief men along to Antioch to confirm what Paul and Barnabas would tell them.
v.23 The form of the letter shows that it was from the whole church. The importance of this letter is seen in that Jerusalem was the center of the Jewish church and Antioch is the center of the Gentile church. Syria and Cilicia are provinces, not cities.
v.24 The Jerusalem brethren recognize that Judaizing teachers have gone abroad from Jerusalem. Subvert- to plunder , to ravage. This word shows the condemnation for these false teachers.
v.25,26 Who were the chosen men? Give an example of Paul or Barnabas hazarding their lives. (14:19) This is the earliest epistle from the pen of an apostle, it predates all the Gospels as well as Paul's epistles.
v.27 Judas and Silas would be the personal representatives of the Jerusalem church, they would confirm the letter.
v.28 This verse shows that the letter was inspired and the "necessary things" would be included in this inspiration.
v.29 The four things previously mentioned by James are incorporated into this letter.
F. Peace restored in Antioch (vv. 30-35).
v.30 The entire church at Antioch was assembled to receive "the epistle".
v.31 Consolation- encouragement. The Antioch brethren were encouraged because they did not want to have to submit to the Law of Moses.
v.32 Judas and Silas are further classified as prophets.
v.33 We do not know now long Judas and Silas remained in Antioch. When the brethren released them to return to Jerusalem, Silas chose to remain. (verse 34 is omitted from most older manuscripts.)
v.35 During the time that Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch the events of Gal. 2:11-16 took place. What is the difference between teaching and preaching?
III Paul's Second Tour (15:36-18:22)
A. Change of Companions and beginning of the tour. (vv. 36-41)
v.36 We will see that this tour will far exceed the remotest bounds of the first tour. It has been somewhat more than a year since the visit to Jerusalem.
v.37 Barnabas wanted his cousin to accompany them on the journey.
v.38 Even inspired men can have a difference of opinion as to expedients. Paul did not want to risk taking a helper who had quit him once before.
v.39 This contention or irritation was not over doctrinal matters. They parted company and this is the last mention of Barnabas in Acts. We know that Paul did not harbor ill feelings toward Barnabas and Mark from: 1 Cor. 9:6; Col. 4:l0; and 2 Tim. 4:11.
v.40 The brethren commended Paul and Silas.
v.41 They went through Syria and Cilicia, why not to Cyprus? Why would the Lord let Paul and Barnabas split when they had proven to be such a good team?
B. Churches of the First Tour Revisited (16:1-5)
v.1 Recount previous events at Derbe and Lystra. Timothy- 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Tim. 1:18; 1 Tim. 4:14.
v.2 It had probably been four or five years since Paul had been to Lystra. Timothy is now about 20 years old and had a good reputation among the brethren.
v.3 Paul could use Timothy's help and at the same time train Timothy. Why did Paul circumcise Timothy if it was not necessary? See I Cor. 9:20. Why did Paul refuse to have Titus circumcised in Gal. 2:1-4.
v.4 As they traveled, they spread the word of the decrees from Jerusalem concerning circumcision and keeping the old law. This shows that these "decrees" were for all of the Gentiles churches.
v.5 The strengthening in the faith is what caused the daily increase in number.
C. Preaching in Phrygia and Galatia and a call to Macedonia (vv. 6-10).
v. 6 See map for location of Phrygia and Galatia. The Holy Spirit would not let him go into Asia (Lydia, Mysia, and Caria).
v. 7,8 Paul is being led into new fields by the Spirit. Each way Paul turned he was forced to go west. Finally he comes to Troas.
v. 9 The vision explains why Paul had been prevented from going to these other countries, he was needed in Macedonia.
v. 10 Luke joins Paul at Troas. How do we know? It seems Luke had also been turned by the Holy Spirit toward Macedonia.