5. GUIDANCE BY ARRANGED CIRCUMSTANCES

We can learn much about guidance by circumstances from Paul's second missionary journey, Acts 15:36 to 16:10.

During the second World War, any railway station or bus depot in the United Kingdom would display the question, "Is your journey really necessary?" In our going about we can know whether the Lord is in the journey or not. Divinely arranged circumstances will guide us.

This second missionary journey of Paul's was to have momentous results - Europe was to be opened up to the gospel.

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What Churches Did Paul Desire to Revisit That He and His Companions Had Planted?

The churches of Asia Minor, Acts 13 and 14. See a good map of Paul's first missionary journey.

Acts 15:36 "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. " (KJV)

Paul's first missionary journey began by being sent forth from Antioch, Syria, (Acts 13:1-3 ). Then to Seleucia, a seaport of Syria, (Acts 13:4 ). To Salamis, on the island of Cyprus, (Acts 13:6-12 ). On to Perga, Pamphylia, Asia Minor, (Acts 13:13 ). He came to Antioch, Pisidia, (Acts 13:14- 50 ). Then to Iconium, capital of Lycaonia, (Acts 13:51 to 14:5 ). Then Lystra, Lycaonia, (Acts 14:6-19 ). On to Derbe, Lycaonia, (Acts 14:20 ). Back to Lystra, Lycaonia, (Acts 14:21 ). Back to Iconium, Pisidia, (Acts 14:21 ). Back to Antioch, Pisidia (Acts 14:21-23 ). Perga, Pamphilia, (Acts 14:24-26 ). Attalia, Pamphylia (Acts 14:24-25 ). Back home, Antioch Syria. (Acts 14:26-28 ).

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What Birthed Paul's Desire to Visit These Young Churches?

A natural wish born of Paul's love for and prayers for these new churches which he and Barabas had planted.

Acts 15:36 "... Let us go again and visit our brethren ..." (KJV)

Paul's love and prayers concerning them is clearly expressed in the letters he wrote afterwards, for example

Philippians 1:3,4 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, " ( (KJV)

It is important to see that his desire to visit springs out of his love and prayer life. Involvement for others in prayer will prompt us to do all in our power to go to them. Prayer life creates a "Want to be a blessing" life. Guidance by the Holy Spirit can begin with a prompting of our natural desire for the welfare and blessing of those we love in Christ, and pray for. Such desire will lead to winning souls and serving saints.

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Could Paul Fulfill His Calling by Remaining at Home Base?

No. Pleasant though it was at Antioch, the sending church, (Acts 13:1- 4 ), his ministry was that of planting New Testament churches and consolidating them. He faithfully and zealously pursued his calling. The leading of the Holy Spirit can be experienced by a restlessness which demands the fulfilment of calling and ministry.

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What Were the Main Concerns of Paul for These Young Churches?

Paul says:

Acts 15:36 "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. " (KJV)

Their visit was to HELP, and MINISTER, and SEE HOW. That is, the visit would help by interest, help by inspection, help by instruction. The Holy Spirit will lead us in service through thoughtful concern for the brethren. He will prompt us to go, to help, to teach.

Acts 15:37-40 "Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God." (NKJV)

The testing circumstances were not allowed to stop the journey. The Lord's overruling grace caused the territory to be covered more quickly owing to the division. The Lord the Spirit, having a leader determined, or resolved, and another insistent that what the other wanted would not be done, incredibly uses the circumstance to speed up the job. It is clear from this happening also, that the mistakes of those who assist gifted leaders, can have serious consequences.