Return to the Core Mandate

Baptist Daily Devotional
Aug 29
2 min read

Rev Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 29 2025 | Acts 15:30-35

KEY VERSE: “But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also” Acts 15:35 (ESV)

MESSAGE:

This verse highlights several profound truths about the early Church and its leaders. First, they showed resilience in ministry. Though the delegation had completed its mission and others returned home, Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch. Their decision to stay and continue ministering speaks volumes about their resilience. These were men who had risked their lives to plant and nurture churches (Acts 15:26), and who bore the emotional weight of every believer’s struggle (2 Corinthians 11:28–29). Yet, they pressed on.

The missionaries also demonstrated a commitment to the call. Their unwavering dedication to God’s calling is evident. They didn’t pause or retreat—they got back to work immediately. Their diligence reminds us that true servants of God don’t waste time when there’s Kingdom work to be done.

They also showed faithfulness to the Word of God. The content of their message remained consistent: the Word of the Lord. From the beginning of their mission (Acts 13:4–5) to its expansion (Acts 13:48–49), the Word was central. The Gentiles rejoiced and glorified God because of it, and it spread throughout the region. The Church has no other foundation but the Word of God. The Jerusalem Council itself was convened to defend and uphold this truth.

Paul and Barnabas employed both teaching and preaching—two distinct but complementary methods. Teaching grounds believers in doctrine; preaching stirs hearts toward transformation. Their balanced approach ensured both depth and passion in the ministry.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Let us emulate the apostles’ consistency in proclaiming the Word. Let us remain anchored in truth, even when it’s unpopular or contested. Let us be prepared to defend the integrity of the Gospel. Let us be open to God’s redirection, trusting that He can turn setbacks into setups for greater impact.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, your Church has often strayed from the core message—your Word. Bring us back to the truth that saves, sanctifies, and strengthens. May your people rejoice in your salvation and give you the glory. Let there be showers of blessings upon your Church once again.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 241: Nehemiah 4–6 — Opposition Overcome

DAILY word study: TEACHING The Greek word didaskō means “to teach, to instruct, to impart knowledge.” It carries the sense of forming minds and shaping lives through instruction.

Paul and Barnabas balanced teaching with preaching. Teaching helped the Antioch believers grasp doctrine and apply it. Preaching stirred their hearts to live the truth. Together, these ensured depth and passion. The church’s core mandate—teaching and preaching—still centres on God’s Word.

Reflect on This

Do I make space in my life for both learning God’s Word deeply and living it passionately?