The growing Church was in a very FLUID situation (Fluid – likely to Change, often repeatedly and unexpectedly).
Acts 15 was mainly concerned with the Council of Jerusalem and the reversal of the false decree that new believers must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. The ruling of the Council sought to re-establish peace and order among the new believers.
24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorisation and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul – … 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Acts 15
The chapter then ends with the dispute between Paul and Barnabas and their subsequent separation. Paul and Silas left for Derbe and Lystra, where they met Timothy, (means Honouring God). The Book of Acts alternates between the relationships within the corporate body and the personal relationships of believers.
The Bible includes a Character Reference of Timothy by those who knew and shared fellowship with him. Many times Society today seeks Character References, jobs, loans etc. Yet the Church today is very motivated by the gifts people have. God still expects Character in those who love and serve Him! The Lord desires to have a pure Bride, before His return.
2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Acts 16
Paul and Barnabas had opposed those believers from the group of the Pharisees who demanded keeping law and circumcision. Yet Paul had to circumcise Timothy, Greek father, in order to minister in the synagogues he visited. Timothy’s Calling had a personal Challenge right at the outset.
4 As they travelled from town to town, they DELIVERED THE DECISIONS reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
The apostles exercised Governmental Authority as they visited the different groups of believers, Churches. This is often overlooked because the Spirit moved in such great power, but those decisions gave the body unity and cohesion. It’s notable that verse 5, on the growth of the churches, comes after the relaying of the central body’s decisions. The present day Church will undoubtedly face similar challenges when the Spirit begins to move in greater measure.
God bless and keep you today.