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^“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

The following is an excerpt from an article which originally appeared in the July, 2006 issue of Tabletalk Magazine. It is entitled A Man in Christ. Its author is Burk Parsons, Pastor of St. Andrews Chapel, Sanford, Florida.

The apostle Paul was indeed a man of strength, bravery, boldness, and confidence, and he was a man who cared deeply about the world, about others, and about all things religious. He was a man who very much concerned himself with servant-hood, humility, prayer, faith, and love. He was a man of such spiritual fortitude that he understood that he was strongest in Christ when he was weakest in himself (2 Cor. 12:10).

He was a man who knew that his only confidence was in Christ, not in his own natural abilities (Phil. 3:3). He was a man who cared so much for the people of God that he was willing to suffer the persecutions of men rather than be at home with Christ (Phil. 1:21).

He was a man who didn’t feel the need to pound his chest and defend himself as the great apostle Paul; rather, he buffeted his body to gain an invisible crown so that he could present it to the Lord (1 Cor. 9:26). He was a man willing to be considered a fool for Christ (1 Cor. 1:27), and he was a man who wanted to be identified, first and foremost, as one graciously called to be an apostle who was a bondservant of Christ.

Just as he boldly proclaimed the doctrine of justification by faith alone because of the imputed righteousness of Christ alone, so he lived and breathed the simple phrase that he wrote on nearly every page of every epistle: “in Christ.” Paul was a real man, and one of the greatest men of all time, not because he lived for his own greatness and glory but because he lived humbly before the face of God, coram Deo, for the glory of God.

May this be said of us.

Soli deo Gloria!

^6 “And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. ⁷ And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. ⁸ So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. ⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:6–10 (ESV)

Who exactly was this man of Macedonia? Today’s text provides us with some information.

First, he appeared in Paul’s vision in the night. Second, he stood before the apostle and continuously urged, pleaded and earnestly encouraged Paul and his companions to come to Macedonia. Third, the reason given for this earnest plea was for the apostle and his men to come to the aid of those living in Macedonia. The aid spoken of would most likely have been the spiritual help only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can provide (Acts 16:10).

However, back to our original question. Who was this man of Macedonia? He most likely is a visual representation of a Macedonian who needed to hear the Gospel. God used this visionary picture to reveal His will Paul.

Macedonia was a Roman province in NT times, beginning as a kingdom in the seventh century bc. With arrival of the Greek King Philip II (359–336 bc), and especially of his son Alexander III (the Great, 336–323 bc), Macedonia became a world power.

After Alexander’s death, the empire was divided among his successors into several regions, one of them the original Macedonian kingdom. Political instability held sway for the next 150 years, and in 167 bc Macedonia came under Roman rule. Initially divided into four districts by the Romans (Acts 16:12 is a possible reference to this division), this territory was made into a Roman province in 14 bc with Thessalonica as its capital. From ad 15–44, Macedonia was combined with Achaia and Moesia (other parts of Greece) into one large province.

One commentator writes, “The Roman province of Macedonia included the northern region of Greece and southern sections of present-day Albania, Yugoslavia (former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), and Bulgaria. Noted for its gold, silver, timber, and farmlands, the region also served as a land route for trade between Asia and the West. Shortly after the Romans incorporated Macedonia as a province, they built the Via Egnatia, a paved road over 500 miles (804.5 kilometers) long, running from the Adriatic coast to the Aegean, no doubt traveled by the apostle Paul as he moved through the Macedonian cities of Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica (Acts 16:11–12; 17:1).”

It should be noted that the personal pronouns distinctively change in Acts 16:10. Instead of the third person plural pronoun “they,” Luke began using the second person plural pronoun “we” and “us.” It is most likely that Luke joined the team as they prepared to journey towards Greece. The team of three becomes a foursome.

The LORD wanted Paul in Macedonia It would be in this region that the LORD would establish many churches through His faithful stewards and servants. The gospel would be preached, souls would be saved and churches would be established.

Much like the Apostle Paul, be encouraged today that whatever circumstances you encounter, the LORD can use them to accomplish His sovereign will. He is using you for His glory.

Soli deo Gloria!

^6 “And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. ⁷ And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. ⁸ So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. ⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:6–10 (ESV)

Robert Burns (1759-1796), also known familiarly as Rabbie Burns, the National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman Poet and various other names and epithets, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.

In his 1786 poem, entitled To a Mouse, Burns tells of how he, while ploughing a field, upturned a mouse’s nest. The resulting poem is an apology to the mouse. In the poem, Burns composed the following, classic verse.

But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane [you aren’t alone]                                                 In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
Gang aft a-gley, [often go awry]
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promised joy.

Burns was saying that the most carefully, prepared plans may go wrong or may be changed due to circumstances beyond one’s control. Burns’ poem provides an appropriate commentary regarding the plans of Paul, Silas and Timothy during their missionary endeavors.

As you may recall, they planned on solely revisiting the churches that Paul and Barnabas visited during their first missionary journey. However, the LORD had other plans. Today’s text indicates that the Holy Spirit forbade them to speak the Word of God in Asia any longer. The Spirit also prevented them from entering Bithynia, located north of Galatia and off the coast of the Black Sea.

They then traveled southwest through the region known as Mysia. They eventually stopped at the coastal town of Troas. Troas was a seaport on the Aegean Sea.

It was while they were at Troas that the Apostle Paul had a vision at night. This apparition was similar to the visions the LORD brought to Ananias (Acts 9:10-12), and to Peter (Acts 10:1-19; 11:1-5).

Before we begin examining the content of the vision, let me ask you a question? Have you ever encountered closed doors? You pursued a certain goal, a relationship or career path, only to be consistently stymied and hindered from encountering any success or achievement in your best, laid plans?

During those times, did you consider that the LORD might have been providing you “prohibitive guidance?” Instead of becoming frustrated, it would be better to trust Him when things don’t go the way you think they should.

Dr. R. C. Sproul comments that, “As God closes the doors to you, thank Him for that grace to move ahead, walking in His revealed will (the Bible) and waiting patiently for His specific will to become clear.”

Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴ As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.” (Acts 16:4–5)

Paul, Silas and Timothy traveled though the various cities that Paul and Barnabas visited during their previous missionary journey. However, instead of solely sharing the Gospel, the three missionaries delivered the letter and subsequently explained the decisions reached at the Jerusalem Council.

As a result, the churches were strengthened in their faith. The churches became more firm in their trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Dr. R. C. Sproul comments that, “The unity of the visible church is evident in the fact that a decision reached by a council in Jerusalem, in response to an issue in Syrian Antioch, is now communicated as binding on churches in other cities and regions.”

The churches also increased in numbers on a daily basis. Luke does not mention any church growth principles being implemented. Rather, it was the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which resulted in not only spiritual growth but also numerical growth.

I Corinthians 3:5-9 says, “⁵ What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. ⁶ I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. ⁷ So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ⁸ He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. ⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

God is the cause for true church growth. He is the only One who sovereignly appoints or assigns specific converts to specific sharers of the Gospel. Let us always remember this biblical truth.

Soli deo Gloria!

^“Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:3)

Paul welcomed Timothy to his evangelistic missionary team. Unlike John/Mark, the Apostle Paul was impressed with this young man and eagerly wanted Timothy to join him and Silas on this second missionary journey.

However, there was a problem which needed to be resolved. Timothy was a product of a mixed marriage between a Jewish mother and a Gentile father. Timothy had never been circumcised when he was 8 days old (Genesis 17:10-14). Therefore, as an uncircumcised son of a Jew, he would have been an offense to other Jews. Ironically, if both of his parents had been Gentiles, his uncircumcised condition would not have been a problem.

Even though Paul is carrying a decree from the Jerusalem Council explaining that circumcision was not a necessary condition for conversion, he was willing to circumcise Timothy in order that Timothy might minister to the Jews without giving offense. Remember, Luke records that the Jews in the region all knew that Timothy’s father was a Greek.

Dr. Simon Kistemaker writes, “Paul himself wanted to be all things to all people, so that he might win both Jew and Gentile for Christ (I Corinthians 9:19-23). He expected that Timothy, a fellow missionary, would do the same. Timothy does, and becomes an invaluable aid to the apostle.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Although Paul adamantly resists the imposition of circumcision on Gentiles such as Titus (Galatians 2:1-3), Timothy’s status as the offspring of a mixed marriage would be questionable in the eyes of the Jewish community. Rather than risking a hindrance to Timothy’s ministry among those who might regard him as an uncircumcised Jew, Paul removes that obstacle (I Corinthians 9:19-23; 10:32-33).”

What obstacles may you remove from your own life in order to not hinder your ministry and communication of the Gospel? Think about it.

Soli deo Gloria!  

“Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. ² He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.” (Acts 16:1–2)

Paul returned, along with his companion Silas, to the towns of Derbe and Lystra. He did so in order to encourage the new believers he and Barnabas ministered to during their First Missionary Journey. Living in Lystra was a young man named Timothy.  

Timothy was already a disciple of Jesus Christ when Paul met him. Luke records that Timothy’s Jewish mother was also a believer. However, Timothy’s Greek father was not a Christian. Timothy was a third-generation Christian after his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). The apostle Paul, undoubtedly Timothy’s spiritual father, refers to him as “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2).

Timothy possessed a good reputation. Luke records that the Christians in Lystra and Iconium continually spoke well of him. Timothy lived a good testimony of faith.

One commentator writes, “Probably Timothy was about eighteen years of age, a convert of Paul’s former visit a few years before (1 Tim. 1:2) and still young twelve years later (1 Tim. 4:12). Paul loved him devotedly (1 Tim. 1:3; 5:23; 2 Tim. 3:15; Phil. 2:19f.). It is a glorious discovery to find a real young preacher for Christ’s work.

Dr. R .C. Sproul writes, “All believers grow in Christ at varying rates, and those who are young may be quite mature spiritually. We must not discount the usefulness to Christ of anyone young or old. Neither should we discount our own abilities because of youth or age. Seek to grow in Christ to the full extent and to serve Him faithfully no matter what your age.”

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” (Acts 15:40–41)

 One of the results of God’s providence in permitting Paul and Barnabas to separate was that now there were two missionary teams. Barnabas and John/Mark sailed to Cyprus (Acts 15:39) while Paul chose Silas from Jerusalem (Acts 15:22) to be his new missionary companion. The Church of Antioch commended them to the Lord’s grace.

Paul and Silas then revisited the churches God started through the work of Paul and Barnabas. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey had begun. However, what do we know about Silas?

We have already seen that Silas was a respected leader in the Jerusalem church, who was also called Silvanus (2 Corinthians1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12). The name “Silas” is possibly the Aramaic form of the Hebrew name “Saul,” which when given a Latin form became Silouanos (Silvanus). Therefore, Silas had two names—a Latin name and a shorter, Jewish name. The name Silas was known in the Hellenistic Greek era and appears in various inscriptions. Luke used the name Silas throughout the Book of Acts. Paul and Peter used the Roman name in their epistles.

Silas’s name appears eight times during Luke’s account of the Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16:19, 25, 29; 17:4, 10, 14–15; 18:5). His service as a prophet may be evident in Acts 16:6, when the Holy Spirit redirected the missionaries. Silas accompanied Paul through the hardships suffered at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. When Paul safely left Macedonia (17:14), Silas remained behind with Timothy to oversee the work already begun in the region.

Later in Corinth (18:5), Silas and Timothy rejoined Paul. Their report prompted Paul to correspond with the church at Thessalonica. This may explain Silas’s name in the prescript of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

Silas appears to have been well known to the Corinthians. Not only did he stay in the city with Paul for a year and a half (Acts 18:11), but also stayed behind in Corinth after the dispute before Gallio. Paul, on his final missionary journey, wrote to Corinth from Ephesus and mentioned Silas again (2 Corinthians 1:19), reminding the Corinthians of his earlier ministry among them.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “He (Silas) was perfectly suited to be Paul’s companion, since he was a prophet and could proclaim and teach the Word. Being a Jew gave him access to the synagogues. Because he was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37), he enjoyed the same benefits and protection as Paul. His status as a respected leader in the Jerusalem fellowship helped to reinforce Paul’s teaching that Gentile salvation was by grace alone through faith alone.

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary records that, “Some believe Silas was a respected Christian scribe. Silas’s involvement in 1 and 2 Thessalonians is often mentioned, pointing to Paul’s sustained use of the first person plural. Some scholars find resemblances among 1 and 2 Thessalonians, the decree of Acts 15, and 1 Peter, where Silas is mentioned as a scribe (1 Peter 5:12). This latter association with Peter is intriguing and has led to the speculation that Silas ultimately joined Peter and ministered in north Asia.”

The church has many Silas’. These are individuals who don’t mind playing second chair. They contribute harmony to another person’s melody. Like Silas, they are to be appreciated. If you are a Silas type of individual, thank you for your faithful service.

Soli deo Gloria!