Acts 15:30-35 Continuing Ministry in Syria
“So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.
However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Acts 15:36-41 Division over John Mark
“Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”
It had to happen sooner or later. Paul and Barnabas have been ministering as a team with great results. But now there’s a problem. When Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, was with them during Paul’s first missionary journey, he left them in Pamphylia, returning to Jerusalem. Was Mark ill? Did he find Paul overbearing? Did God order Mark to return to Jerusalem? We don’t know Mark’s reasons for his departure; we only know that Paul remains offended and incensed. Barnabas has a soft heart for those around him; in fact, Barnabas was the one who introduced Paul to the church leaders in Jerusalem, a fact Paul seems to have conveniently forgotten. While Paul spews forth fiery rhetoric, Barnabas continues to lovingly insist that they include Mark. Finally, relationships become so strained that Paul takes Silas, an elder at Antioch, as a ministry partner while Barnabas and Mark sail for Cyprus, returning to Barnabas’ home area.
Many times, when churches split, the turmoil results in large numbers of people who aren’t attending anywhere. But this split has God’s finger prints all over it. Although we don’t hear much about Barnabas and Mark after the description of this controversy, we can be certain that this team will prove as effective as that of Paul and Silas. Barnabas is one of those men who ministers quietly but lovingly, a combination that’s impossible to ignore. Perhaps this split also is God’s way of allowing Mark to work closely with Barnabas, that “Son of Encouragement.” Without Paul continually trying to dominate every situation, Mark can grow spiritually and as a teacher and preacher. Gardeners can tell you that some plants do better in direct sunlight while others need shade to flourish. Mark may be a gentle soul who will develop far better away from the glaring brightness of Paul.
Not all controversies are bad; sometimes God uses trouble to guide us into or out of particular situations. During our first mission term, we found ourselves in an untenable position. Although we had repeatedly promised our supporters that the new project to which we had been sent would not benefit any private individual, we soon realized that at least two people were trying to get a great deal of money out of our sending agency. The fledgling mission that had sent us was uncertain about the way forward, leaving us at the mercy of greedy men. Although it was extremely painful when the mission agency shortened our term by one year and ordered us to return home, God was actually delivering us from a terrible situation. The struggles we faced helped bring out the problems in that posting and the next missionaries sent there had a far easier time of it than we had. We suspect that the mission agency belatedly realized they had made a major mistake; however, large groups find it nearly impossible to apologize for hurts they have inflicted.
It was less than two years when God opened up other doors and we found ourselves headed to Ghana again. (While interviewing at our next sending agency, we told their leaders, “Here are the mistakes our last mission group made, and if you want to behave like this, we can end this interview right now!”) While the lessons we learned from that first term were quite painful, they were necessary. Once we returned in December 1992, we have never stopped serving the Ghanaian people.
What ever happened to John Mark? Well, we know him as Mark, the author of a Gospel by his name. Eventually, Mark connects with Peter, who gives Mark most of the information contained in that Gospel. Mark’s resilience and persistence in ministry likely reflect the teaching he has received from Barnabas. Perhaps Mark even receives instruction from Barnabas far more readily because he has suffered brow beating from Paul! Only in heaven will we know these things. But this we can be sure of: God does not waste people or their suffering. Suffering always leads to something better, if we will allow it. And for centuries, believers have read Mark’s Gospel and blessed his name. Not bad for a ministry failure?
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, we bless Your Name, for You do not waste people. When we fail, You send someone like Barnabas to restore and teach us. Help us to continue to trust You, no matter what. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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