So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Many of us have heard of or personally experienced a tough emergency medical situation. If available, emergency room doctors can be really helpful to triage and figure out how to remove or treat the urgent threat(s) to our bodies and our health. If surgery is required, there is typically a recovery period. Depending on how invasive the surgery is, this can range from a few days to many months or even sometimes more than a year. The recovery period is important and if it is not taken, the injured area can be reinjured even worse than before.

When there is a hard disagreement between churches and believers that comes to an end, it is important to heal before moving on as well. The church leaders in this passage knew this and sent Silas and Judas, two prophets, to minister to the believers at Antioch. This was “rich fellowship” as they encouraged, taught, and likely prophesied in efforts to build up the faith and unity of the body of believers there. And then, being of great service, they were sent off with a blessing of peace. This is a wonderful blessing intended not only for these two emissaries, but also for the entire church in Jerusalem.

Sometimes, out of hard conflicts, closer bonds are built in the repair phase. Just like how a broken bone builds back stronger. I have experienced this with my wife and friends over the years. I have a feeling there was an increase in the love and brotherhood between Jerusalem and Antioch after this healing process was complete.

Thank you, Lord, for your Word, which demonstrates here how to help heal a wounded church. When we are wounded individually, we need healing too. May your Spirit and your people heal our wounds and may you use me as a healer of others, I pray!