“Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” (Acts 15:39-41)
What is scripture revealing in this? We must look back to Acts 13 to see the start of the journey with Paul and Barnabas. Scripture says, “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:2-3)
They were both called as apostles, “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out” (Acts 14:14), and they were called to go together (2x2), just as Jesus sent His disciples out. Beloved, Jesus doesn’t send out rogue individuals, He still sends out pairs, but many are too impatient to wait, or they go and have not been sent…
Now after their first missionary journey they return to Antioch and find some false teachers trying to come in and teach that the non-Jewish believers must be circumcised and follow the law of Moses. So Paul, Barnabas, and a few others went to Jerusalem to the other apostles to discuss this. After the decision is made they return to share this and the council in Jerusalem sent back with them a few other men, two of which are prophets. “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.” (Acts 15:32)
Scripture tells us that Silas staid in Antioch, “However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.” (Acts 15:34) and next Paul tells Barnabas he wants to go back and check on the believers where they had previously been in their first journey. You see real Apostolic leaders stay connected to those who choose to believe the Gospel through them! Paul says, “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15) Spiritual fathers raising up spiritual children!
However, Paul and Barnabas disagree over John Mark, who had deserted them previously. So we see Paul and Barnabas split, and now Paul and Silas are together (Apostle and Prophet).
A couple of things to see here:
1. Some people the Lord brings in for a season and you won’t run together forever.
2. Apostles are not called to run together, but apostles and prophets are. We see this with John and Peter. “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.” (John 21:7). John saw (eagle- prophet), and Peter based on John’s seeing then went (ox- apostle).
Apostle and prophet are like spiritual parents who are called to lay the foundation, which is Jesus Christ, then equip, and encourage a people to build upon that foundation with the right materials (1 Cor. 3:10-15).
Beloved, there is sadly a distaste in the Body for those who walk in this grace. They are not just foundation layers, but they check foundations to see if they are on the Rock or sand. They confront religious mindsets and look to ensure the people are focused on Jesus and going after Him personally. They are two parts of the Lamb many cannot stomach, but must!
“And Paul chose Silas as his partner. After the believers prayed for them, asking for the Lord’s favor on their ministry, they left for Syria and southeast Turkey. Every place they went, they left the church stronger and more encouraged than before.” (Acts 15:40-41)
Again notice this, “…every place they went, they left the church stronger and more encouraged than before.”