Epistles of God
Acts 15:30-32
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Do you not just love it when God brings people together for a divine purpose. To see them walk therein and fulfilling it is really something. The presentation of the epistles and the letters from the elders filled the people there with much joy. For so it was comforting to them. Indeed, it felt right. Now we have seen the progression of hearing the Word before; you know how it seizes the hearts of men to change their lives. On this I will not now elaborate. But tell me now, is this not a consolation. I imagine the epistle took some time to read, being a strong one indeed. Sometimes to the natural man of 1 Corinthians 2:14, such things of the Lord seem wearisome indeed. But when you have been sent by God, he will make even the tiresome a joy to be read by many. Oh, how I love what I am reading here also. The Paulean epistles were sent forth with certain others. Yet Paul and Barnabas were dismissed by the elders at Jerusalem. They thought this was the end. It was over. No more would be heard about Paul or any trouble from him either. See, walking in your divine purpose also brings much consolation. But the disciples would not have known that in between their much pre-occupation. So, I am glad that Paul and Barnabas went on even when they were dismissed by the church elders. For this cause, we obey God and not men. It is important in the work of 1 Corinthians 4:2 that a man be found faithful. For faithful these were indeed. But not say more faithful than the Lord which sent them. Yet how many of you know that when man has shut the book and turned the page, God has not. Imagine how boring it would be had their story ended here.
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Notice how these two honorable mentions trot right along beside God's called and chosen ones. Wherever the epistle went, they also followed. Unless of course, they obtained further directions from God and the church officials. See, the issue lay not in their qualifications. The text makes it plain that these were prophets themselves indeed. My, the church at Jerusalem surely is reeling from these Judean men. They sent two others and dismissed the troublesome. But God will use even this to his advantage. See, man can plot, plan, and maneuver as he sees fit. How many of you know that in all things God is moving. For does not Daniel 2:21 teach us that God so overrules in the affairs of men. The church really ought to have known this by now. They might seem extra, but when God is through, these will be inseparable. They must have seemed insufferable to the rest of the church right now. For all preached the same doctrines being also led of the Spirit. Are you glad God led Silas and Judas along with those he just could not let go. How God will work them in we will soon see. Judas wrote the book of Jude right next to John and Revelation. He would become as big of a pain in the side of the church at Jerusalem as Paul was. Silas also would later accompany Paul on several journeys, a perfect companion of the gospel as he could be. Nor it seems did these apostles labor in vain. For here they also found a temporary home as had so many others before them. Now I just love seeing how their own gifts are used with nothing wasted. See, when you are traveling with Jesus, he will put you to good purpose. Nothing will ever be lost, wasted, or missing on a road trip with him.