Chapter 14 records the completion of Paul’s
first missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas met with
opposition in verses 1-20. That opposition did not stop
them; instead they stayed in the cities and continued to
preach.

Each of us can learn a practical lesson from
this chapter. Wherever the Gospel is preached and some
believe, you will find division and disturbance. Even
today, many Christians suffer because of loved ones who
have rejected Christ. But it is not for us to quit the
battle of faith; we should, rather, surrender our will
to our Commander, Jesus Christ, and allow Him to win our
battles for us.

In chapter 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas severed
their missionary relationship and each took new
associates. Paul chose Silas, and Barnabas took John
Mark. Paul felt that John Mark had failed them on their
first missionary journey, since he departed from them at
Pamphylia. But Barnabas was a relative of John Mark and
was willing to give him another chance. From these
verses we see that it is possible for men to agree
doctrinally and yet disagree in practical things. Of
course, differences are always regrettable; and the Lord
can overrule them when we take them to Him.

Silas, who had been a key figure in the
Jerusalem assembly (chapter 15:22) and also a prophet
(verse 32) was now Paul’s partner. Timothy, a young man
who had been saved when Paul visited Lystra on his first
missionary journey, joined Paul and Silas, taking John
Mark’s place (chapter 16:1-5). Timothy, no doubt,
witnessed Paul’s suffering at Lystra (II Timothy
3:10,11), and had proved himself worthy of Christian
service.