Division and growth
Day 510, Saturday, Jan. 3
Acts 15:36-16:5
We usually think of disagreement as being harmful to growth, but these verses show that’s not necessarily the case.
Paul and Barnabas have been a preaching pair, working together, but now experience such a sharp disagreement that their ministries go literally in different directions. In spite of that division, ministry continues. “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
Paul and Silas become traveling companions, and are joined by Timothy. Timothy’s mother is a Jew who has become a believer. His father is Greek; the Bible does not say if he is a believer.
In spite of the Jerusalem Council’s decision that believers do not have to be circumcized, Timothy is circumcized to be accepted by Jews.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Psalms 54:1-7
Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.
Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me—people without regard for God.
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good. You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

Prayer focus
God, do not let our disagreements prevent our spreading your faith.