The Two Splits and Fusion Attempt
There were men telling the brothers of the church that only those who are circumcised can be saved. That completely overwrites what Christ did on the cross and what Paul and Barnabas had been teaching. Paul and Barnabas tried to persuade them through debate. That didn't work so they went to go speak with the elders and other apostles about the matter but they could not come to an agreement. There were those who were circumcised as the Pharisees were, but were also Christians and still believed that circumcision led to salvation. They were split (Acts 15:1-5).
During these debates, Peter spoke on the issues setting the focus on faith and not the acts of keeping the laws of Moses. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke up on the miracles they have seen and had done through God's will. The assembly fell silent and eventually James spoke and suggested to write to the Gentiles who had turned to God. The letters were to encourage them to flee sexual immorality and to abstain from anything polluted by false idols. The letters were also to create unity in that which was divided; the church (Acts 15:6-35).
Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. They both wanted to visit the places where they preached the word of God and check up on the people. Barnabas wanted to take Mark, but Paul did not want to because Mark had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia. This is where the disagreement ensued and they both went their separate ways with Paul taking Silas with him and Barnabas taking Mark (Acts 15:36-41).
It is okay when we disagree with one another. It is the manner in which we disagree. In other words, what did you say and how did you say it? Where was your heart? Did you listen to what they had to say? Did you ask for clarification when you were not sure of something? We don't always have to be right and in this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas those types of questions would need to be asked in hopes that the relationship remain in tact rather than split for good.
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Unbelievers, Healing and Humility
Unbelievers can really cause some trouble. Their unbelief and hard hearts can stir up those who are seeking. Unbelievers can be cynical and overlook truth and proof due to their personal issues, not because what they do not believe in is not true. The unbelievers here in verse 2-6 were Jewish poisoned the minds of the Gentiles and turned them against the brothers Barnabas and Paul. But, Barnabas and Paul found out about and fled and continued preaching the gospel. I love the dedication here. I think many would find it easy to say "if I keep hitting these roadblocks, then it isn't meant to be." When you are doing God's will, it isn't about what the naysayers and haters say.
Being in God's will can also allow you to heal those that are sick and disabled. In verses 8-10 we see that man who had never been able to walk was commanded to stand by Paul's voice and the man was healed. Once again, the Holy Spirit has healing power. It isn't just physical. If you have ever had the Holy Spirit work through your life in restoring a relationship or helping you through a personal problem, then you too know of the Holy Spirit's power and have a testimony to tell.
But, sometimes people get things twisted and confused. We see good things people do and we begin to worship them or make false idols (see Exodus 32). In verses 11-18, when the crowds saw what Paul had done with healing the man, they began to refer to them as gods and wanted to offer a sacrifice to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard about this they stopped them and showed them that they were also men and need not be worshiped. Barnabas and Paul could have used that time and gotten the glory like Herod wanted, but they chose the humble route.
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Paul, Barnabas and The Message
Exit Saul and enter Paul (Acts 13:9). Saul was his real name but in another language names are used sound similar and maybe even have a different meaning. We know that Paul had been one to commit evil acts against Christians, but in verse 4 Paul, Barnabas and John (who was assisting) were led by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Word of God in the synagogues. They encountered a false prophet named Bar-Jesus who was cursed by Paul via the Holy Spirit and stricken with blindness (Acts 13:6-11).
Paul and Barnabas (now without John who had gone back to Jerusalem) were sent a message in a synagogue on Sabbath day. The synagogue needed a word of encouragement. Paul stood up and gave a very quick yet detailed account of how Christ came to be but also not forgetting Moses and prophecies from the Old Testament about the life of Christ (Acts 13:13-47). Paul also informed people that through Christ we are forgiven from our sins and that the law of Moses could not forgive us of all of our sins (Acts 13:38-39). When the gentiles heard all of this they began rejoicing, but the religious leaders drove Paul and Barnabas out of their district once the leaders caught wind of the word of God spreading through out the region. But, the disciples "shook the dust off their feet" and were filled with the Holy Spirit and joy (Acts 13:48-52).
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