Our main consideration is to unpack Acts 15:32. Two basic questions to answer are:

1. What is the obvious motivation in this text?
2. What is unspoken, or not emphasised?

In this story or description of the work and walk of Paul and Barnabas in ministering to the saints; three things come to mind (vs 36)

The three Cs

1. Concern and care for their converts in respect of their:

a. continuance, stability and growth in their relationship with Christ,

b. conduct towards their world (past, environment and culture). Such fellowship was a necessity in responding to John 15:16 (breaks into 3-goals,

• go forth to make converts, (Beyond the pulpit)
• teach to establish (Ministers’ conferences) and
• do not lose any (that the fruit remain))

2. Compassion that sacrifices most importantly by way of prayers as is evident in all of Paul’s letters; and

3. Cost is not evident whether financial, or time sacrificed for such undertaking. This is hardly spoken about. This latter has become the waterloo of many of us, the distraction that has rendered us static and driven us to many wrong things.

Bringing back the reality of ministry as expressed in Ephesians 4:12, if we are to fulfil John 15:16 each aspect cannot be dropped for another. They must go pari passu!

Communicating with the different assemblies was a key matter in:

1. knowing their state and responding with the greatest support, prayers.
2. speaking to their challenges with scriptural precepts, that became doctrinal corrections.

How well are we doing in this? Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele