Good Morning

Our study Sunday was about the conflict that arose between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark accompanying them on their second missionary journey. Here’s the Scripture to ponder:

Acts 15:36-41 (English Standard Version)
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." 37Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

When we are speaking about conflict here, we aren’t talking about just having words but “sharp disagreement”. Paul saw John Mark’s leaving one way; Barnabas saw it another. And they were at an impasse – and ultimately they decided to separate.

So here’s the question I would like for you to answer. Who was right? Was Paul right? Or was Barnabas right? Or were both men “right”? Or were they both wrong? There you have it – four answers to one question. You choose.

I think the answer lies in understanding how both men viewed not only John Mark but also their own ministry. Paul was committed to bringing the Gospel to every place he visited. From experience, Paul knew that when the Gospel was preached, persecution followed. He may have felt that John Mark wasn’t up to the rigors that he would face. After all, John Mark had left them earlier – wasn’t it very likely that he would do so again?

Barnabas, on the other hand, saw John Mark in the light of a work in progress. Keep in mind that Barnabas was the “encourager”. Wasn’t it he that took a new Christian named Saul under his wing and saw his potential? Both Paul and Barnabas were men who were called of God but given different gifts. We don’t hear anymore of Barnabas after this – Luke continued the journey with Paul and didn’t go down to Cyprus. But we do know that in his later life, Paul found John Mark to be necessary for him. Could it be the patience of Barnabas paid off with a John Mark that was acceptable to Paul?

Now the big question – and I do want your answer either in an email or a comment on the website. What would you do with John Mark? Would you take him with you or leave him behind? Why would you make your choice?

Be talking with you…. Have a blessed day!

Agape’

Mr. Jim
Fatdad5@comcast.net
"Preach the Gospel everyday - and if you have to, use words" ... St. Francis of Assisi