Doctor Luke gives us an interesting account of the 1st missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14). It was a journey of very contrasting experiences. In each of the cities they visited they were thrilled to see many coming to faith in Jesus, and being gathered into little congregations which throbbed with spiritual vitality.
by John Birnie
In those same cities, however, they met with violent opposition – Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra. Such was the extremity of the opposition that in Lystra the apostle Paul was stoned and left for dead. By God’s grace he quickly recovered and moved on with his companions to Derbe, from where they made their return journey.
That return leg was via Lystra & Iconium where they had been so cruelly mistreated. Why? Paul’s desire according to vs.21-23, was to strengthen the souls of the disciples. He was concerned to consolidate the infant work.
This concern surfaces with respect to other places. Paul’s love for the church at Corinth compelled him to address serious problems there. He had much to say about disunity, and the confusion about spiritual gifts. At several points he cuts through all the fog and gets right to the heart of church life and witness.
He exhorts them that since they want to see the Spirit at work, they should strive for the upbuilding of the church. (1 Cor.14:6). A little later he states that whatever spiritual gifts are in view, all is to be done for edification. v.26.Â
Paul’s concern is for the strengthening of the church, and the consolidation of its spiritual life and witness.
Much of Paul’s writing ministry was concerned with consolidation of the churches – those planted through his own evangelistic ministry, and others planted independently of his direct involvement. A central plank in consolidating church life and ministry was the appointment of suitable mature leaders. This was Paul’s main concern in writing to Titus. He had left Titus on Crete, so that he would put into order what remained undone, and appoint elders in each town Paul had already indicated to him. (Titus 1v5).Â
He writes similarly to Timothy, spelling out what is required of church leaders, and indicating that they have a central role in strengthening and consolidating the churches, confronting and dealing with false teachers, and feeding God’s people on His Word.
...we are committed to strengthening and consolidating Gospel work....
Other aspects of consolidating work are mentioned in the New Testament – financial help from richer churches to poorer; spiritual guidance and encouragement through the sending of men like Titus and Barnabas to help in needy situations; humanitarian-type ministry such as care for orphans, widows and those in material need.Â
SGA endeavours to respond to this NT challenge to consolidate the work of God. We are committed to strengthening and consolidating Gospel work across our fields of ministry. Â
Pray for the strengthening of the churches of Christ in all these countries.