The Pointe at Lystra

After gathering Silas and probably an entourage of a dozen believers for the journey, Paul leaves with his group across land from Antioch in Syria to the Galatian region of Derbe and Lystra. The conflict between Paul and Barnabas caused them to separate, but it did not seem to cause a division either between the two or toward the progress of the gospel message. Although the journey revisits cities from the first journey, the second journey tours through new lands, new adventures and new challenges.

Lystra was a Roman colony, serving mostly as a market town, both in Paul’s day and in current Turkey. Most likely, there was not a strong Jewish presence in the village. Our stop in this city, brings several discussion points and lessons to apply to our study.

From The Pointe at Lystra, let’s pause to consider these ideas:

Paul develops a close mentoring relationship with his traveling companions. Most notably, we read and see the impact that the Apostle has on the lives of Silas and Timothy at this stop. For thought and consideration, what provisions are in place for people to develop that kind of relationship within your congregation? Who are you mentoring purposely to pass on both your understanding of Scripture (sound doctrine) and your commitment to serving and ministry? Who mentored you?
From our understanding of Scripture, Paul circumcised Timothy in order to take away a stumbling block that the youth would have in ministry and preaching to a Jewish population. As Paul had written to the Corinthians, it is an example of “becoming a Jew” in order to win converts from within Judaism (1 Corinthians 9:19). What freedoms are you setting aside in order to better reach the lost?
On the first journey, the people of Lystra witnessed a miracle performed through the hands of Paul. They immediately thought the pair of missionaries were gods sent from above. The people wanted to offer sacrifices and worship the duo (Acts 14:8-13). It is easy for leaders, especially the preacher, to be placed upon a pedestal. How did Paul and Barnabas respond (Acts 14:14-18)? Can this kind of dependence be found in your congregation? What safeguards are in place to prevent it from happening? Can the dangers of pride affect us all?
The disagreement which occurred between Paul and Barnabas before this journey could have caused the first division in the church. Conflict – especially unresolved conflict – is a challenge wherever it occurs. Are there people in your life with whom you have unresolved conflict? What assistance can passages like Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:23-25 and Matthew 18:15-17 provide? Does Paul’s words to the Ephesians (Ephesians 4:32) help?

Lesson Series	This Lesson: Lystra	This Lesson: Mediterranean Moments