The Pilgrim Path---Acts 15: 36 – 41

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.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the LORD. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

…A SHARP DISAGREEMENT

What a text of sacred Scripture! Paul and Barnabas got “bothered” over whether or not John Mark should “go on” with them---in the next Mission Enterprise. The original indicates that there was some real “heat” between the two men. Paul figured Mark had bailed out on them earlier (Acts 13: 13)---and needed some additional time to add some fabric to his soul. Barnabas was Mark’s cousin---and he determined there was no reason whatsoever to count Mark “out” so soon. So---they separated. Paul took Silas as a companion and headed in one direction---Barnabas took his cousin Mark---and sailed off in another direction…

Here is as fine a summarization as you will ever get---on the whole episode---from one of my seminary professors, Dr. Simon Kistemaker:

When Luke writes the Book of Acts, he considers Mark a friend and fellow worker in preaching and teaching Christ’s gospel (Col. 4: 10, 14; Philem. 24). He has difficulty reporting that Mark was the object of contention that led to a separation between Paul and Barnabas. Understandably, Luke merely states the essentials and excludes the details. He reports the controversy but fails to delineate the basic causes. Thus we could ask whether Paul was too harsh when Barnabas , who had distinguished himself as an encourager (4: 36; 9: 27; 11: 24-25), spoke on behalf of Mark. Should not Paul have shown a forgiving spirit and reinstated Mark as a fellow worker? From Paul’s perspective, however, Mark had broken his pledge to be a bond servant of Jesus Christ when he forsook the missionaries and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13: 13). We must answer that Paul doubted whether Mark could function as a missionary who, regardless of the consequences, had dedicated his life to Christ. “Paul insisted that they should not take Mark along.” He considers Mark unsuitable for the task that lies before them. From Paul’s letters we know that reconciliation took place and that Paul even recommended Mark to the church at Colosse (Col. 4: 10). At the end of Paul’s life, he requests that Mark come to his prison cell in Rome. He adds that Mark has been helpful to him in his ministry (II Tim. 4: 11).

---It takes Grace and Grit to be involved in a Church---and in ministry---Because you are dealing with people. Ask the Sweet Spirit of God to give you a double-portion of grace----in order to deal well with souls (every day).

---It takes Gospel-Oriented Power to die every day. If your life is hidden with Christ in God--- You do not always have to have “your” way…Please aid Us Powerful Spirit---so we can surrender our will to King Jesus each day…

---It takes Gospel-Oriented forgiveness---to Go On---in Service for Jesus Christ---and not bear a grudge. Do what You do---for Jesus’ sake. Give up bitterness (every day).

---It takes Gospel-Committed Love---to be glad the Word is going out (by you---and by Others).

From Warren Wiersbe: Did You know God uses people for His Glory---who do not agree with you?

From John Duncan: Although there is grace in your heart, there is also corruption, both wishing the mastery.

From J. C. Ryle: The poorest and most ignorant Christian can every day find occasion for practicing love and humility.

From F. F. Bruce: It was a pity that the present dispute was allowed to generate such mutual provocation, but in the providence of God it was over-ruled for good, for in the upshot there were two missionary expeditions instead of one. Barnabas took Mark and went back to continue the evangelization of his native Cyprus, while Paul returned to his native Anatolia to prosecute the same work there…

HYMN

All for Jesus! All for Jesus! All my beings ransomed powers,

All my thoughts and words and doings, all my days and all my hours.

Let my hands perform his bidding, let my feet run in his ways;

Let my eyes see Jesus only, let my lips speak forth his praise.

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus, I’ve lost sight of all beside;

So enchained my spirit’s vision, looking at the Crucified.

Mary D. James, 1889

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason