To Go

Pete Kersker - Sep 01, 2026

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them (Acts 15:32-33).

The church in Antioch (of Syria) was encouraged and strengthened; unified under the leading of the Holy Spirit. They continued to be the "model" church of "Christians" (as they were called there) who let Jesus unify both Jews and Gentiles. Barnabas and Saul had done well.

But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord (Acts 15:35 NIV).

The LORD had not called Barnabas and Saul to stay there, however, at least not for their whole life of ministry. The Holy Spirit, we may recall, called them to go to other cities in other regions. As they traveled, they brought the good news to new areas, gathered these new believers together as Christ's church, and even developed in their own life and ministry. Barnabas and Saul became Paul and Barnabas. These things happened because they were faithful to the call to go.

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing" (Acts 15:36 NIV).

Have you had seasons of life when the LORD has led you to stay put?
Have you had seasons when you were called to go (someplace else)?
How did God use these seasons to help others?
How did our Lord use these seasons to help you grow?