The Highs & Lows of Ministry

How did the leaders of the church decide to respond to conflict? (v. 22)

They sent other leaders with Paul and Barnabas to the people.

They wrote a letter concerning the issue.

They took action. Their willingness to take action stated that they cared enough about the division amongst the people to do something.

What was the content of the letter? (vs. 23-29)

Who they were (your news made it to the top)

Addressed to them specifically (we are writing to YOU)

We have heard (the conflict amongst your people has been heard by us)

That some of you are troubled (That you are hurting)

Your souls are unsettled (that you are confused)

We gave no such commandment (This did not come from us)

We have sent more men to aid you (Judas, named Barsabas and Silas)

These are not just any men, but men who have risked their lives for the Gospel.

These men will teach you these things in detail personally.

The Holy Spirit (We have prayed and felt that this is God’s will)

Abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.

What was the response of the people to the letter? (v. 31)

What significance did Judas and Silas bring to the table? (v. 32)

Did Paul & Barnabas stop with the letter, or did they continue? (v. 35)