28. “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”
The apostles, elders and assembly at Jerusalem fully submitted to the Spirit of truth, and they did so in oneness of heart. This single-minded submission and oneness with the mind of God is the key to Christian happiness today—individually and collectively.
29. “That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”
These four things are moral principles that go beyond Judaism. To observe them would in no way put the Gentile assembly under Jewish law, and, in fact, they ought always—in reality and in moral application—to be seen in each believer’s life: Purity in relation to God, in relation to life and in relation to God’s institutions, especially marriage.
30. “So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.”
It is beautiful to see the submission of spirit in Paul and Barnabas who had earnestly and rightfully contended for the faith against bad doctrine. Yet they take the humble place and wait at Jerusalem until they “were dismissed” (“let go”; JND). They did not lord it over those they had contended with and whom they had proven wrong. Oh! that God would grant us to have such a humble, quiet spirit today! How much sorrow and bitter feelings could be avoided among brethren by a quiet, humble spirit.
31. “Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.”
The lovely spirit of submission to the mind of God through the Apostles and the oneness of mind of all the saints in Jerusalem have their happy effect on the Gentile believers in Antioch. There is no debating or questioning the apostolic decision—rather joy and comfort in the judgment.
32. “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.”
The apostolic epistle carried few words for the believers in Antioch. The prophets brought many words of exercise and comfort to them. How good to be able to visit brethren face to face, strengthening the vital bonds of love and unity.
33. “And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.”
When the Spirit had used them according to His will, Judas and Silas were submissive. They submitted to the assembly conscience as led by the Spirit, staying until the assembly let them go. They didn’t assume a superior attitude (as brethren from Jerusalem) to force their wills. Displaying submission to the will of the Antioch assembly, there was peace.
34. “Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.” This verse is not found in the most reliable biblical manuscripts, and both Mr. Darby and Mr. Kelly leave it out of their translations.
35. “Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”
Paul and Barnabas taught and proclaimed the Word “with many others.” Though unnamed, these brethren also were doing the Lord’s work. May we be found daily doing whatever it is the Lord has given us to do. Eternity will reveal the blessings resulting from the efforts of the myriad of unnamed laborers. Let each one labor today in view of the coming day of revelation.
36. “And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.”
Five words describe the heart of a shepherd: “And see how they do.” May each of us who have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ have that heart’s desire to see how our brethren are getting on in this dark wilderness!
37. “And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.”
We read that “in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Prov. 11:1414Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)). Barnabas made a personal decision, and immediately his spirit and willingness to submit to the counsel of others is tested. We cannot go on happily in our service or with each other if our spirit refuses to hear others’ advice. We must allow the possibility that the Lord is sending counsellors to help rather than hinder us.
38. “But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.”
Paul had no personal animosity towards or jealousy of John Mark. Rather, he was able to see what Barnabas evidently missed: Dear Mark’s faith was not yet strong enough for what would be required on the proposed journey.
One who engages in the work of shepherding (pastoring) cannot allow discouragement or opposition to turn him aside.
39. “And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus.”
How sad that dear Barnabas, who was known as “the son of consolation” (Acts 4:3636And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, (Acts 4:36)), ends his happy fellowship and service with Paul in a spirit of “contention.” The Spirit of God is, from this time, silent as to Barnabas’ ministry. May the Lord give us a spirit of lowliness and submission, following after “things which make for peace” and seeking “as much as lieth in you” to walk in fellowship with one another.
40-41. “And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.”
Paul was commended by the assembly to the grace of God needed for his ministry. Assembly fellowship in a servant’s work is vitally important and ought to be coveted by the servant of the Lord.
Ed.