One day a businessman came to an important discovery. He simply told his employees to do a task, he pursued no follow-up, and the task was completed. He also observed that job satisfaction numbers followed a downward trend when he consistently chose not to follow-up and the task often morphed into something he never intended. However, when he did engage with follow-up, he found his employees became more satisfied with their jobs, the tasks were accomplished with greater accuracy, and his product quality increased. The lesson he learned? Follow-up is key!
Follow-up is not just a modern-day idea or practice. In fact, it was even practiced in the book of Acts! Businesses understand the importance of follow-up for better outcomes. The church needs to understand the importance of follow-up as a biblical directive for the sake of the gospel.
After Paul’s missionary team received mob scenes in Antioch, Iconium, and a stoning in Lystra – the mission team continued on to preach in Derbe and then returned to each of these cities. Why return to places that drove you away?
I heard once of a man who dreamed that he was swept into Heaven, and oh, he was so delighted to think that he had at last got there. All at once one came and said: “Come, I want to show you something.” He took him to the battlements, and he said, “Look down yonder; what do you see?”
“I see a very dark world.”
“Look and see if you know it.”
“Why, yes,” he said, “that is the world I have come from.”
“What do you see?”
“Men are blindfolded there; many of them are going over a precipice.”
“Well, will you stay here and enjoy Heaven, or will you go back to earth and spend a little longer time, and tell those men about this world?”
He was a Christian worker who had been discouraged. He awoke from his sleep and later he said: “I have never wished myself dead since.” (Source: Anecdotes, Incidents, and Illustrations, D. L. Moody)
Evangelism is the crucial beginning to the great commission. We cannot give up!
1. Evangelism.
We understand the purpose of the original visits. It was for evangelism! They were preaching the gospel and seeing people saved. Missionaries and evangelists do much the same thing today. They travel across the nation, and across the world, for the purpose of the gospel. However, why would anyone go back to a place that almost killed you via stoning? This was not just a “Paul thing” either. There are missionaries serving in dangerous places today as well.
There are missionaries in Japan who had a home invasion in the middle of the night
There are missionaries in South Africa who have faced theft, violence, and murder as regular possibilities.
There are missionaries in Morocco (Muslim) that face life threatening possibilities all the time.
Why would they go there? Why would Paul’s team return to such dangerous places? The answer is simple. It is for the continuation of the gospel in those places! Follow up! The importance of the message outweighed the danger of the mission.
2. Equipping
The next phrase says, “confirming the souls.” The great commission begins with evangelism, but it continues with equipping. This is not a reference to a “confirmation rite” that some denominations practice. This passage cannot and should not be used to affirm such a practice. There is also no evidence that they had not already been admitted into the full privileges of the church or that a ceremony of some sort took place at this time. The word “confirming” here simply means to establish, strengthen, further instruct. “Souls” references the hearts and minds of the believers.
I have been a parent for more than 27 years. However, I have not forgotten those early years. As a brand-new parent, I remember seeking out advice in raising our children from more experienced parents. I remember the struggles of when your child would not obey! What should I do? I needed some on the job training!
These believers in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe were newer in their relationship with the Lord AND opposition surrounded them. They needed some building up and strengthening of their foundation!
3. Exhorting
Acts 14:22 continues on with, “exhorting them to continue in the faith.” So, the great commission continues with exhorting. This is not the first-time Paul and Barnabas “exhorted” to keep on keeping on! For example, look at Acts 13:43.
I remember driving down Founders Parkway in Castle Rock, CO, very discouraged. Church planting is hard, and at times painful, work. I was young and lacked much experience. I would plead with God for people to show up for Sunday worship services, only to see 5 people walk through the door. However, God would know when I needed more encouragement to continue on, and the church would receive a large donation or more souls would be saved.
Anyone of us can easily become discouraged, however, these churches have significant cause for discouragement. Paul and Barnabas saw the vital need to encourage them to keep going!
When we (the church) face opposition in our lives we have significant potential for discouragement as well. We need other believers to come alongside us to “exhort (us) to continue in the faith.” We need to be that help for one another!
This passage also points out that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” In other words, the believer ought to count on hardship. Wow. That is a significant statement! Note why the Bible says this hardship sometimes comes our way:
Because such is the opposition of the world to pure religion (II Tim. 3:12)
Because hardship is sometimes necessary to reclaim us from wandering from Jesus (Heb. 12:7-8)
Because hardship (opposition) strengthens & leads to peace (Heb. 12:11; Ps. 119:71)
4. Appointing
Acts 14:23 then reveals a crucial part of successful gospel ministry. It says that Paul and Barnabas “ordained them elders in every church.” For the gospel to continue, these churches needed pastors and so pastors are chosen. Actually, the Greek phrasing here declares just that – “chosen by a show of hands.” An under-shepherd to lead and care for the flock was needed. Simply stated, the people voted by a show of hands. Then they prayed over them with fasting, setting them solemnly apart for the work in front of them.
5. Refreshing
After their missionary journey, what did they do in Acts 14:27-28? They testified (“they rehearsed all that God had done through them”) and fellowshipped (“they abode long time with the disciples”).
Alexander Solzhenitsyn was a prisoner in a Soviet prison in Siberia. He became so weak and discouraged that he wished he would die. The guards would beat and usually kill anyone that stopped working. He decided to stop working so that the guards would kill him. As soon as he did so, another Christian drew a cross where Alexander could see it.
Alexander said that he was encouraged by remembering that God gives hope and courage. He decided to continue working because of a Christian who cared too much to let him give up. (Source: McHenry’s Quips, Quotes, & Other Notes, Raymond McHenry)
All the above is crucial for the continuation of the gospel around the world today…and in Marshfield, WI: Evangelism, Equipping, Exhorting, Appointing, & Refreshing. Follow-up is key! What part are you currently having in the continuation of the gospel where you live?