Strengthening the Churches
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
Rev Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 31 2025 | Acts 15:36-41
KEY VERSE: “And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Acts 15:41 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Following the Jerusalem Council, a letter was sent to three key regions—Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (Acts 15:23)—to clarify doctrinal unity and encourage the believers. At Antioch, however, a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas led to their separation (Acts 15:36–40). What seemed like a setback became a divine setup: two missionary teams now moved forward instead of one.
Church planting is vital, but church strengthening is equally essential. A healthy church is not just born; it must be nurtured. Paul’s journey through Syria and Cilicia wasn’t about numbers—it was about depth, discipleship, and durability. Strengthening churches must be prioritised alongside planting new ones.
In Acts 16, we see Silas and Timothy join Paul, sharing the message of the Jerusalem Council and helping to plant the Philippian church. Meanwhile, the Scriptures fall silent on Barnabas and John Mark’s activities. But the Epistles offer beautiful glimpses of restoration and fruitfulness: Colossians 4:10 – Mark, Barnabas’s cousin, is commended and welcomed by the church. – Paul later affirms, “Mark is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Mark is credited as the author of the second Gospel, a legacy of grace.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Depth matters as much as reach. We must start new things, but we also need to strengthen old things, such as relationships, businesses, and our vision. Do one without neglecting the other. Are there broken relationships that you would ask God to redeem for greater Kingdom impact?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You are the builder of Your Church and the restorer of broken things. Thank You for the example of Paul, Silas, and Timothy—who went forth not just to plant, but to strengthen. Teach us, Lord, to value depth as much as reach. Help us not to chase new beginnings while neglecting what You’ve already entrusted to us. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 242: Nehemiah 10–13 — Covenant Renewed and Reforms Made
DAILY word study: STRENGTHENING
The word “strengthen” translates the Greek epistērizō, which means “to support, confirm, or make firm.” It conveys the idea of reinforcing stability.
In Acts 15:41, Paul was not just visiting churches—he was stabilising their faith, ensuring they were firm in doctrine and practice. Strengthening implies care, teaching, correction, and encouragement.
Reflect on this:
Our lives and communities need both expansion and reinforcement. True growth occurs when what already exists is strengthened in Christ.
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