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Commentaries
English
Acts
  
30So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.31When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.32Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.33And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.34However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.35Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.


The result of the journey of Barnabas and Paul to Jerusalem was that the council decided to send two brothers to Antioch, together with a letter to be read by them there. Judas and Silas were prophets who taught their hearers by direct inspiration from the Holy Spirit. They were filled with the same Spirit who had established full harmony between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Joy and peace continued in the Antioch Church. Their thoughts returned to their holy duty, namely, the preaching of the gospel to the world. The devil always tries to shake churches through divisions in doctrine. He also tries to move believers away from the goal of preaching to the world. Where parties, however, submit to the drawing of the Holy Spirit they soon become united. They receive divine direction and principle, including 1) the preaching of the gospel to the nations 2) the salvation of the lost, and 3) the filling of seekers with the Holy Spirit.
The question to every church is: Do you quarrel with each other or do you work together to preach the gospel? Solve your problems quickly, for you are not called to disagreement. Your Lord called you to spread the gospel of salvation in your surroundings. Do you want to interrupt the progression of Christ’s triumphal procession because of your stubbornness and pride?

Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us our every delay in preaching. Forgive us for our insufficient prudence in solving problems in our churches. Help us not to condone our pride and stubbornness, and not to seek our own dignity, but together spread the gospel of Your kingdom. Glorify Your name, and call upon Your triumph, that many may be saved in our surroundings.