Paul and Silas travelled overland to the cities, in what is now southern Turkey, where Paul had previously preached the gospel and new churches had been planted in Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.  However, the last time Paul was there, religious activists opposed his teaching and their hostility overflowed into violence (Acts 13:49-50; Acts 14:5-6).  Nevertheless, he knew that the spiritually immature believers needed encouragement and further teaching.  That was why he returned, despite the threat of further violence (Acts 14:21-22).

Paul understood that gospel ministry required teamwork.  Going back to Lystra, where he had been stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20), Paul met Timothy, a mixed-culture young man who seemed just right to join his team.  Timothy had a godly mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5) but his father was a Gentile.  Although the local believers attested to his Christian devotion and godly character, Timothy was not circumcised or a member of the synagogue.

That was a problem, because Paul believed that he should not abandon the Jews; rather, the gospel should be preached to them first (Romans 1:16).  So, because Paul's team needed to be able to access the synagogues, Timothy was circumcised.  That decision removed a barrier for some Jews to hear the gospel and come to Christ.  It was not a rule for all Christians, but it enabled Timothy to join the team and witness for Christ among Jews as well as Gentiles.  And so, Paul's team travelled on, sharing what the Jerusalem elders had said – handling the interface between Jews and Gentiles - so that no obstacle would get in the way of either group responding to the gospel (Acts 15:19-20).  It was productive ministry.

Although the Old Testament depicts prophets as solitary characters, Jesus sent His disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1) and formed the new believers into churches to be the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) under local leadership (Acts 14:23).  Paul's ministry was always supported by networked teams.  If you are a solo Christian where you live or work, seek out another to share and pray together.  You need each other’s encouragement if you are to live for Jesus and speak about Him.  It is the Jesus-way.  If you are not a part of a team, find one and join it.  If you are, then work together in love and mutual respect, and value the variety of spiritual gifts with which you can serve the Lord together.