Acts 15.36-41 takes place just before Paul leaves on his second missionary journey. While he and Barnabas put their affairs in order and planned out the relevant details of the trip, a disagreement arose between them regarding whether or not John Mark should accompany them.
Let’s take a look at what Luke writes:
36 And 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.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Mark likely felt guilty about abandoning the journey to Perga and wanted an opportunity to redeem himself. Perhaps the Jerusalem Council’s decision had a large enough impact to give him a new perspective from the one he held back in Acts 13. Barnabas wanted to give Mark this chance at redemption.
To be fair, we must note that Mark and Barnabas were cousins (Col 4.10), but it’s doubtful this was the only reason Barnabas wanted Mark to accompany them. Perhaps Barnabas recognized Mark’s full potential and wanted to give him a chance to develop and mature in his walk.
Read Part 2 to continue conversation
Dr. Zolisha L Ware
Comentários