Why is obedience to church leadership important according to Acts 16:4? Setting the Scene Paul and Silas are on a second missionary journey, visiting churches that already exist (Acts 15:36–41). They carry with them the official rulings from the Jerusalem council—decisions made by “the apostles and elders” under the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Acts 15:28). Acts 16:4 records what happened as they shared those rulings. Exact Words of the Verse “As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.” (Acts 16:4) Why Obedience to Church Leadership Is Crucial • God’s delegated authority – The rulings came from “the apostles and elders,” ordained leaders (cf. Acts 15:2, 6). – Obeying them equals obeying the Lord who authorized them (Luke 10:16). • Protection of the gospel’s purity – The council clarified salvation by grace alone, apart from circumcision (Acts 15:11). – Submission protects congregations from drifting into error (Galatians 1:6–9). • Preservation of unity – Uniform practice across “town to town” prevented division between Jewish and Gentile believers (Ephesians 4:3). – Shared obedience keeps one body functioning smoothly (1 Corinthians 12:25). • Strengthening of faith communities – Verse 5 shows the result: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” – Healthy authority structures lead to growth, not stagnation (Ephesians 4:11–16). Scriptures Echoing the Same Principle • Hebrews 13:17 — “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls…” • 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 — “Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord…” • Titus 1:5 — Elders put in place to “set right what was unfinished.” • 1 Peter 5:5 — “You who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders.” Blessings That Flow From Obedience 1. Doctrinal stability 2. Relational harmony 3. Missional effectiveness 4. Personal spiritual growth Putting It Into Practice • Receive teaching from biblically qualified elders with a willing heart. • Test everything by Scripture (Acts 17:11) yet avoid a rebellious spirit. • Support leaders through prayer, encouragement, and cooperation. • Value unity and gospel clarity above personal preference. |
    |