Acts 15:36-41
For most of us, confrontation is no fun. We would much rather things go smoothly then have to face someone head on. But if we believe in something enough, we are willing to face our fears and confront that obstacle.
After many days of staying in Antioch, Paul had the bright idea to go on another mission’s trip, so he pitched the idea to Barnabas.
(Act 15:36) And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
Now think with me about some of the characteristics that could apply to Barnabas in the stories we have gone over thus far: loyal, servant, willing to see the best in people, etc.
Barnabas who took a chance on Paul when nobody else would, saw another young man that needed encouragement.
(Act 15:37) And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Now, there could have been some deeper issues at work here, after all Mark was the nephew of Barnabas. Regardless, Paul wasn’t having it. If Barnabas looked on Mark and saw potential, Paul looked on Mark and saw a quitter.
(Act 15:38) But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
This became such a sticking point, whether or not to take Mark with them again that the two missionaries split over it.
(Act 15:39) And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
What’s interesting is that the Bible doesn’t say who was at fault here; and it doesn’t give us the messy details of the struggle. All we know is that two partners went different directions, and it was contentious.
What we do know is that Barnabas was sticking up for something that he believed in. Everything in his life thus far points to him being a ‘grade A’ discipler. From the way he took a chance on Paul, his desire to teach and evangelize, and his very name.
While Paul saw Mark as a hindrance to the mission, Barnabas saw someone who needed a second chance; and he was willing of all things to leave Paul behind to do it.
So, Barnabas took Mark to the island of Cyprus where Paul and Barnabas had ministered on their first missionary journey.
As far as the narrative is concerned, we don’t hear anything more on Barnabas after this directly. The Book of Acts focuses on Paul and Barnabas fades into the woodwork.
However, there are two NT verses that tell us indirectly that Barnabas remained busy discipling Mark (who eventually wrote the gospel that bears his name)
The first one is found in the Book of Colossians.
(Col 4:10) Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
Here, Paul is telling the church to take in Mark if he shows up. Only a hint, but we see that somehow Mark has changed. Let’s look at another one.
(2Ti 4:11) Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Now Paul is asking for Mark because he would be useful for ministry! What a turn-a-round! But how did he get here? How did Mark go from quitter to where he is now?
The answer is Barnabas; a man who realized the power of a mentor, an encourager, and a man who was committed to a life of discipleship.
Ryan King is pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Westville.
