“After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he travelled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.” Acts 15:36-41
“Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, 3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. 4 Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.6 Next Paul and Silas travelled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.” Acts 6:1-6 NLT
“Paul and Silas then travelled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people” Acts 7:1-2 NLT
Lord God,
I am worn out thinking of the miles Paul travelled. I can understand them travelling in two’s. For fellowship, for safety and for encouragement! There is no covering up events in Luke’s travelogue here either. The reason Paul took Silas and split from Barnabas was a sharp disagreement. These were men, just human normal people, trying to make the best decisions, and disagreeing. But it was a disagreement between them and it did not stop them both continuing the work You, God gave them. The enemy could not stop them with disagreements. It was Pauls second missionary journey and he was seeing and hearing that the churches were growing.
The Holy Spirit prevented them going to Asia. Sometimes we come up against a brick wall and we just need to change our direction. Where a door opens to go through it. Sometimes it is not all bells and whistles and the light of revelation pointing the way. Paul and Silas simply accepted they were not meant to go yet, even though they wanted to. So they ended up in Thessalonica and we have two wonderful letters as a result of His having been there. You are a good God and a loving Father , in hindsight we see where You have stopped us going and led us Your way. We may not have acknowledged it at the time. And the ability to disagree and yet continue working for You is a blessing.
In Your name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 25th November 2025
Sometimes it is not about being right or wrong but being able to hear each other and agree to disagree. Then serve on together for You God with our differences.
‘Forgive our sins as we forgive,’
you taught us, Lord, to pray,
but you alone can grant us grace
to live the words we say.
How can your pardon reach and bless
the unforgiving heart,
that broods on wrongs and will not let
old bitterness depart?
In blazing light your cross reveals
the truth we dimly knew:
what trivial debts are owed to us,
how great our debt to you!
Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls,
and bid resentment cease;
then, bound to all in bonds of love,
our lives will spread your peace.
Lyrics: Rosamond Herklots