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Teams in Acts |
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Take some time to read through Chapters 13 to 20 of Acts. You might like to think about the following questions as you read through it. |
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Here are some brief thoughts on the above questions. As you read through this part of Acts, you may well be struck by other thoughts. Q1 - Paul's role. - Initially, (Chap 13), Paul is mentioned after Barnabas, implying that Barnabas had team leadership. By Chapter 14, we see Paul taking over. We might assume that Barnabas was coaching Paul until he was ready to take over the reins. By Chapter 16 we see Paul starting to coach Timothy in the same way that he had been mentored by Barnabas. Again, in Chapter 18, we see Paul using the same style to mentor Priscilla and Aquilla. Q2 - Authority Structures - Paul and his team respond to both the authority of the church, and the authority of the Holy Spirit. In 13:2-3, we see the church responding to the Holy Spirit's prompting and commissioning Barnabas and Paul. The argument in 15:2 can only be resolved by the broader church, and they turn to the apostles in Jerusalem. We see examples of the authority of the Holy Spirit throughout these chapters eg 13:4, 16:6-7. Q3 - Team diversity - As the chapters progress, so the team changes in size and composition. There is cultural and religious diversity. It is suggested by some that Luke was a Gentile, many of the others were of Jewish origin. Chapter 20:1-6 illustrates the wide diversity in backgrounds. During these chapters, the team size varies from 2 to 7. Different situations required different number of people, and different gifts. Q4 - Team membership : 13:3 - Barnabas, Paul and John Mark (Barnabas as team leader (first named) - mentoring and developing Paul) 13:13 - John Mark leaves them (Team divides as John Mark returns to Jerusalem) 15:22 - Silas and Judas added (Paul now inherits leadership from Barnabas - Barnabas now mentor on the team, and also therefore a team member. Add two newcomers for developing) 15:37-40 - Barnabas and John Mark, Paul and Silas (Team division through disagreement leads to two teams. Although teams break down, we see Barnabas and Paul both resolved to continue the work.) 16 - Timothy and Luke added (narrative changes to we. Timothy will be one of Paul's most significant emerging leaders.)) 18 - Priscilla and Aquila added (Paul initially works with Priscilla and Aquila. Later joined by Timothy and Silas) 19:22 - Timothy and Erastus sent out by Paul much as Jesus sent out the disciples two by two. 20:4 - A broad team has now developed, again with many newcomers (Soapter, Aristarchus, Tychicus etc). Team is diverse : Thessalonians, Asians, Soapter from Beroea, |
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 This material is copyright to The Teal Trust, (www.teal.org.uk) � 2002, but may be reproduced with permission for non-profit use. |
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