Study 31. Acts 15:36 - 16:1-10

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'We' (16:10-17). Evidently, Luke joined Paul’s party in Troas and accompanied it to Philippi; the rest of chapter 16 is his eyewitness account. The “we” account ends when the mission team leaves Philippi (see 16:39-40) and begins again when Paul returns to Philippi five years later (see 20:5–28:16).
 
For Further Study: Does disagreeing and parting company have to lead to anger and broken fellowship? Consider how Paul felt about Barnabas and Mark after parting from them (see 1 Corinthians 9:1-7; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11). What do you learn about fellowship? Is there an example here for you?

The disagreement with Barnabas about taking John Mark likely occurred around AD 49, while 1 Corinthians was written from Ephesus during his third journey, sometime between AD 53-57. Colossians was written AD 60-62, and 2 Timothy is AD 64-67
 
It did not take long before Paul and Barnabas reconciled.
Reconciliation depends on each one's personal relationship with God. It also depends on the subject of disagreement or the presence/absence of personal betrayal. 
Fundamental theological differences will prevent reconciliation; operational differences will not.
In the early church context, the priority was the gospel and unity with Christ
  

For Thought and Discussion: Why did Paul return to churches he had already founded? What did he do there, and why were those things important (see 15:41; 16:4-5)?
To see how they were 
'Strengthening' in the faith, increasing numbers,
 
Strong faith is assured faith that trusts God more and more. Through teaching and example.
"Strong faith' (Rom 15) is found in those who:
  • Are firmly convinced of their liberty in Christ.
  • Are not troubled in conscience over disputable matters (like food laws or holy days).
  • Have a clearer grasp of the gospel's implications, particularly regarding freedom from the Mosaic law
Romans 15:1–3 emphasizes that the strong must not use their liberty selfishly or with a superior attitude but should bear with the weaknesses of others, to build them up.
 

For Thought and Discussion: In circumcising Timothy (16:3) , Paul was accommodating Jewish culture in order to further the gospel (see 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). In refusing to circumcise Titus (Gal 2:1-5), Paul was refusing to accommodate Jewish culture because of a theological principle. Do you face any similar decisions to accommodate or not? If so, what should you do?
 Paul discerned what was peripheral and what was central to the Gospel.
Unnecessary  obstacles were removed, but on a point of theology he refused to compromise when challenged.
External appearances are not unimportant if they impact gospel truths. 
 
 
For Thought and Discussion: In what sense is the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of Jesus” (16:7)? What does this phrase tell you about the nature of God?
 
Doctrine Western (Augustine) Eastern (Cappadocian Fathers)
Key emphasis Unity of essence Distinction of Persons
Spirit's relation Proceeds from Father and the Son (Filioque) Proceeds from the Father alone
Spirit as Mutual love between Father and Son Distinct Person proceeding from the Father
Source of divinity Shared divine essence Monarchy of the Father
Order of manifestation Father → Son → Spirit (or Father & Son → Spirit) From the Father → Son and Spirit
 
 
Optional Application: Does God ever guide you by closing doors (see 16:6) or by direct leading (see 16:9)? If so, name an example or two. If not, how does He guide you, if at all?
These are examples of the situational will of God being revealed.
In the former instance there is no indication of how the Spird did not allow tha apostles to move on, although in the latter instance there was supernatural revelation in a vision. 
I thought ZW’s comment about our needing God to guide us when we have no choices 



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