When Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch after the first Church Council in Jerusalem, they read the judgment of the Council to the church and they rejoiced over the decision to accept Gentiles as equal members of the body of Christ, but recommending a few social restrictions so as not to hinder fellowship with their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ.

The next step was for the letter from the Council to be delivered to the new churches previously established in Asia Minor. And so, the church started making plans for Paul and Barnabas to begin their Second Missionary Journey. But a major disagreement disrupted their plans. Here is how Luke described the conflict:

After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-39).

As we all know, differences of opinion sometimes occur between brothers and sisters in Christ. As unique individuals, we often see things differently, and in those instances, it’s important that we find solutions that work for both parties. In this case, Barnabas was able to return to where he was born and raised (remember, he was a Levite from Cyprus who was a part of the early Church in Jerusalem almost 20 years prior). And remember, on the First Journey, the Island of Cyprus was their first stop before landing in Asia Minor. So, Barnabas and Mark would return to the churches they had previously established on Cyprus, while Paul and Silas would bypass the Island and head directly into Asia Minor. Conflict resolved! Both parties won! And those of us in the body of Christ can also seek “workable” solutions to conflicts where both parties can accomplish God’s purposes. Please note that this “disrupted plan” was part of God original plan to send Paul and Barnabas in different directions. So, let’s not fret over “disrupted plans.” Let’s realize that God has another plan, a plan prepared and designed by Him.

Interestingly, we don’t hear much about Barnabas throughout the rest of the Book of Acts, as Luke focuses upon Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. When they reached Lystra, they found Timothy who had become a disciple, and was probably among those who ministered to Paul after he was stoned and left for dead on the first journey. Timothy joined Paul and Silas as they continued westward, revisiting the churches previously established in Iconium and Pisidian Antioch, and reading the letter from the Jerusalem Council. As they continued westward, Paul had intended to travel north into Bithynia,

…but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to (Acts 16:7).

I would understand this to mean that God kept placing roadblocks in their way as they tried to turn northward. Inclement weather? Word of bandits on the road ahead? Or maybe just a compelling sense in their spirits that God did not want them to go into Bithynia. The possibilities are endless, but we just have to say that God had other, more important plans for them. And God was about to reveal those plans:

So, they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:8-9).

After the vision, something very interesting happened that you may not have previously noticed. Let’s see if you can catch it in the very next verse:

After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them (Acts 16:10).

Notice that in verse 8 above, Luke records “they” passed by Mysia, meaning Paul, Silas, and Timothy; but after Paul received the vision, Luke speaks of “we” and “us” in verse 10. And so, it was in Troas, on the Aegean coast, where “they” met Luke and led Him to Christ. He then joined them when they traveled into Macedonia. We should all realize the significance of this “God-ordained” encounter, because Luke would later write his gospel, as well as the Book of Acts, the book we are now studying!

I like to think that what we consider to be “chance encounters” are actually “divine appointments.” Notice how Paul’s vision of the “man from Macedonia” redirected and redefined his mission. Furthermore, the vision was combined with an encounter with a Gentile who would join the trio as they entered Macedonia. Let’s remember that “course corrections” are actually part of God’s plan. Where we see a “disruption” of our plans, God sees it as part of His “original” plan for us.

Have you made any plans lately? Plans that unexpectedly changed just when you thought this was God’s plan for you? God’s redirection is not a rebuke for following the path that you thought God had for you. Our journey with Christ is about trusting Him and following His leading each step of the way, AND being open to occasional course corrections. God is simply guiding you in the way He would have you go. And along that way, you just might meet someone who would influence you and the direction of ministry that God has for you. I am reminded of King Solomon who wrote:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I’m sure that this is how Paul and Silas journeyed through Asia Minor, not aware that God would direct them into Macedonia (Greece), but at the same time, always being flexible and open for God to redirect their paths. And somehow, those plans also included a “divine encounter” with a person who would add two important documents to the Bible that we read today! So, friends, as you trust in the Lord and follow His leading, always remain flexible and prepared for possible “course corrections” as well as “divine encounters” along the way. Both are part of God’s amazing plan for your life, as well as for mine. And let’s always remember that if you remain sensitive to God’s leading, disrupted plans are part of His divine purpose for you.  

Next week, we will travel with Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke as they leave Asia and enter Europe! Hope you will join me.