Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over whether to take John Mark on their second missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to take Mark but Paul did not, due to Mark leaving them during their first journey. They parted ways, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus while Paul chose Silas and traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches by preaching the gospel of salvation by faith alone. Paul then met Timothy and circumcised him to help him minister to Jews, as Timothy's father was Greek. Paul and Silas continued on their journey, delivering the letter from the Jerusalem Council and strengthening the churches' faith as they preached the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus alone.

1. Acts 15:36-41; 16:1-5
Strengthened
“Multiplication by Division”
December 31, 2017
First Baptist Church
Jackson, Mississippi
USA
What’s the number one thing?
http://quotesthoughtsrandom.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/first-things-first.jpg
The Glory of God!
https://forgodalmighty.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/cropped-sunset1.jpg
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6tzRiT-BrDs/TIGM_Ih3dAI/AAAAAAAAAX0/0AJWPvlAfqw/s640/Gods+Glory.jpg

2. December Memory Verse:
John 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
References:
• Stott, John R. W., The Message of Acts (Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity
Press, USA, 1994).
• ESV (English Standard Version) Study Bible (Wheaton, IL, 2008).
• Unless otherwise stated, scriptures are quoted from the ESV.
• Maier, Paul L., EUSEBIUS: The Church History (Kregel Publications, Grand
Rapid, MI, 2007).
• Sproul, R. C., Sola Fide. Ligonier Ministries, June 2, 2015 Video, YouTube.
Introduction to The Book of Acts:
• Luke is considered the author of The Book of Acts.
• Luke was writing as an historian and not a theologian.
• He records the points of the sermons of Peter and Paul, but provides no
deep theological discussions.
• Paul provides the theology of the events and sermons in his letters and
epistles.
• Lesson today is the start of Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey.

3. Paul’s 1st Missionary Journey – John Mark Leaves the Team in Perga.
• Acts 13:4-5
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they (Paul & Barnabas) went down to
Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at
Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.
And they had John (Mark) to assist them.
• Acts 13:13
13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga
in Pamphylia. And John (Mark) left them and returned to Jerusalem,
Why did John (Mark) leave the mission and return to Jerusalem?
• Family matters?
• Act 12:12 His mother (Mary) was living in Jerusalem.
• Illness?
• Malaria was common in the area.
• Leadership?
• Barnabas (John Mark’s cousin) was the leader prior to Paul taking
over the mission.
• Unknown.
• The Bible does not say.
Introduction to Acts 15 & 16:
• Paul and Barnabas finished their 1st missionary journey into Cyprus and
Turkey in 46-47 AD.
• They return to Antioch in Syria.
• Gentiles are being brought to faith in Christ, and are welcomed into the
church by baptism.
• Jewish Christian leaders were beginning to accept the OT passages of
inclusion of Gentiles.

4. A problem arises … “The Judaizers.”
• Belief that Gentile converts to Christianity must also follow Jewish laws,
especially circumcision.
• Acts 15:1-2
1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers,
"Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you
cannot be saved." 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension
and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were
appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this
question.
The Jerusalem Council decides the issue and sends a letter to the churches.
• Acts 15:23-29
22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole
church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with
Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading
men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: "The brothers, both the
apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch
and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons
have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds,
although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us,
having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with
our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas,
who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has
seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden
than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed
to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from
sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.”
• All abstentions related to ceremonial laws in Leviticus 17 & 18
(circumcision is not mentioned).
• The dietary restrictions would inhibit Jewish-Gentile common meals.
Paul used this concept in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 in teaching freedoms in Christ
regarding foods.
• 1 Corinthians 8:9
9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a
stumbling block to the weak.
• 1 Corinthians 8:13
13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will
never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

5. The Importance of the Jerusalem Council Decision and Letter:
1. A Victory of Truth – confirming the gospel of grace that faith in Jesus was
enough for salvation.
2. A Victory of Love – preserved the fellowship of Christians who were Jews,
and of Christians who were Gentiles by sensitive respect to Jewish
customs.
Events in Acts 15:
• Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas go with Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch
of Syria to reinforce the message of the Council.
• Judas and Silas are described as “leading men among the brothers.”
• Paul and Barnabas use this letter as a basis for their 2nd Missionary
Journey.
Acts 15:36-37 (51 AD)
36 And after some days (about 3 years) Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and
visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and
see how they are." 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.
38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them
in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a
sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took
Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed,
having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he
went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
• What was the past relationship between Barnabas and Paul?
• How could Christians disagree about this?

6. Barnabas’ Commitment to the Gospel:
• Luke 10:1
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy- two others and sent them on
ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself
was about to go.
• Note: Barnabas was probably one of the 72.
• Acts 4:36-37
36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which
means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field
that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’
feet.
The relationship between Barnabas and Paul:
• Acts 9:26-27
26 And when he (Paul) had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the
disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he
was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles
and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke
to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of
Jesus.
Paul and Barnabas together in ministry:
• Galatians 2:1-2
1 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with
Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and,
meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the
gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not
running and had not been running my race in vain.
• Barnabas went with Paul on the 1st Missionary Journey.
What happened between Paul and Barnabas after this separation?
• Colossians 4:10
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of
Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes
to you, welcome him),
• Is the “he” in this verse a reference to Mark or Barnabas?
Paul later refers to Barnabas as fellow apostle/minister in 55 AD.
• 1 Corinthians 9:6-7
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for
a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a
vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without
getting some of the milk?

7. The Scriptures indicate that Paul and Mark were reconciled.
• 5 years after Acts 15:39, in 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul writes, “Luke alone is with
me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for
ministry.”
• 12 years after Acts 15:39, in Colossians 4:10 Paul writes, “Aristarchus my
fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning
whom you have received instructions— if he comes to you, welcome
him)”
History’s Account of Barnabas’ Ministry in Cyprus.
• Honored as founder of the Cypriot Church during 1st Missionary Journey
with Paul.
• Preached in Alexandria and Rome.
• Preached Christianity mainly in Cyprus.
• Mark ministered with Barnabas.
• Stoned to death by Jews in Salamis in 61 AD.
• Mark then goes to minister with Paul.
Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey in 48-51 AD.
• Acts 16:1-2
1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named
Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was
a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.
• Note: Timothy, his mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) became
believers on Paul’s 1st visit to Lystra.
• Acts 16:3-5
3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and
circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they
all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through
the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had
been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the
churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers
daily.
If circumcision is not necessary to become a Christian, why did Paul do this to
Timothy?
• Timothy was considered a Jew because of his Jewish mother (Eunice).
• Timothy’s father was Greek and was deceased when Timothy became a
believer.
• For Timothy to be accepted as a Jewish Christian and witness to the Jews,
circumcision was believed to be necessary.

8. How did the strengthening in Acts 15:41 and Act 16:5 happen?
• Acts 15:41
41 And he (Paul) went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the
churches.
• Acts 16:5
5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in
numbers daily.
• Answer:
1) Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
2) Prayer.
3) Preaching the Gospel.
What Gospel was preached?
• Galatians 2:15-16 NIV
15 "We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is
not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too,
have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ
and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one
will be justified.
False Gospel has been presented for 2000+ years!
• Galatians 1:9
9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to
you a gospel other than what you “accepted”, let them be under God's
curse!
• Note: The accepted gospel of Christ is “faith alone”, and not “faith +
works.”
• Sola fide = Latin for “faith alone.”

9. Essentials vs. Nonessentials of Salvation:
• Essential of Salvation = Faith in Jesus only (sola fide).
• Nonessentials of Salvation = circumcision, dietary laws, good deeds,
tithing, baptism…actually; anything!
The Importance of the Jerusalem Council Decision and Letter:
1. A Victory of Truth – confirming the gospel of grace that faith in Jesus was
enough for salvation.
2. A Victory of Love – preserved the fellowship of Christians who were Jews,
and of Christians who were Gentiles by sensitive respect to Jewish
customs.
What is “sola fide”?
• Salvation (forgiveness of your sins and being righteous before God) is
based on placing your “faith” in Christ.
• The good works you do for God or others contributes nothing to your
salvation.
• Following the Jewish laws contributes nothing to your salvation.
• Christ’s life, death and resurrection are totally adequate to cover your sins
before God.
Why is the theology of “sola fide” so important?
• False doctrines do not believe in sola fide – they always add an element
of man’s good deeds.
• Martin Luther – Sola fide is “the article with and by which the church
stands.”
The Confusion Over the Place of Works?
• James 2:21-24
21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when
he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his
actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what
he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed
God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called
God's friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they
do and not by faith alone.

10. Clarification on Works and James 2:21-24:
• R. C. Sproul – The relationship between faith and good works is one that
may be distinguished but never separated. If good works do not follow
from our profession of faith, it is a clear indication that we do not possess
justifying faith. The Reformed formula is, “We are justified by faith alone but
not a faith that is alone.”
• Faith works together with works, and by works faith is made perfect
(James 2:22).
Key Doctrines of the Protestant Reformation:
1. Sola fide – faith alone.
2. Sola scriptura – scripture alone.
3. Sola gratia – grace alone.
4. Sola Christus – Christ alone.
5. Sola Deo Gloria – for the glory to God alone.
Summary of Lesson Today:
• Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not
from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can
boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Next Sunday
Acts 16:22-34
A Changed Family
January 7, 2017
First Baptist Church
Jackson, Mississippi
USA
The Plan of Hope & Salvation:
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me.”

11. Romans 3:23
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23a
23a For the wages of sin is death,
• Death in this life (the first death) is 100%.
• Even Jesus, the one who doesn’t deserve death, died in this life to pay the
penalty for our sin.
• The death referred to in Romans 6:23a is the second death explained in
Revelation 21:8.
Revelation 21:8
8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the
sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the
lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Romans 5:8
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us.
Romans 6:23b
23b but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Revelation 21:7
7 "The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will
be my son.”
• Romans 10:9-10 explains to us how to be conquerors.
Romans 10:9-10
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your
heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart
one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 10:13
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Have questions or would like to know more?
Please, contact First Baptist Church Jackson at 601-949-1900 or
http://firstbaptistjackson.org/contact/