Let us be Encouragers

Rev Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 27 2025 | Acts 15:30-35

KEY VERSE: “So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement” Acts 15:30-31 (ESV)

MESSAGE: 

The first recipients of the letter from the Jerusalem Council were the believers in the Syrian Antioch Church. To fully appreciate the impact of this fact, we need to understand the background of this remarkable church.

According to Acts 11:19-26, we learn that the church was established by believers fleeing persecution after Stephen was killed for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These pioneers boldly shared the gospel with Greeks, a groundbreaking move. God blessed their efforts, and many Gentiles came to faith in Jesus as their Saviour. The Jerusalem Church responded by sending Barnabas, “the son of encouragement,” to support them. Barnabas, seeing the grace of God at work, brought Paul to help nurture the growing church. It was here, in Antioch, that the disciples were first called “Christians.” This Gentile church flourished and became a launching pad for global mission. In Acts 13:1-5, God called Paul and Barnabas from Antioch to begin their missionary journey, which spread the gospel far and wide.

However, trouble soon followed, as false teachers—known as the Circumcision Party—began infiltrating Gentile churches, insisting that salvation required conforming to Jewish customs (Acts 15:1, 5). Their teachings sowed confusion and threatened the joy and freedom found in Christ.

The Jerusalem Council responded decisively. The Council’s letter, delivered by trusted messengers, brought clarity and comfort. It reaffirmed salvation by grace through faith alone. Upon reading it, the Antioch believers rejoiced—they were encouraged and strengthened (Acts 15:31–32).

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FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Be mindful of what you believe or spread as truth. False teachings drain spiritual vitality and rob believers of joy. Commit to spreading only truth, that encourages, restores, strengthens, and uplifts.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, may our words—whether spoken or written—bring joy, strength, and encouragement to others. Help us to stand firm in Your truth and share it with grace. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 239: Ezra 8–10 — Safe Journey and National Repentance

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DAILY word study: ENCOURAGEMENT The Greek word paraklēsis means “encouragement, comfort, consolation.” It comes from parakaleō—“to call alongside, to comfort, to urge.”

When the Antioch believers read the letter, their hearts were lifted. Encouragement in Scripture is not empty cheer—it is truth applied with love. God’s Word, carried faithfully, restores hope, strengthens faith, and unites hearts.

Reflect on This

Do my words and actions leave people burdened, or do they bring joy and strength in Christ?