Embracing Spirit That Strengthens the Ministry
Scripture Passage: Acts 15: 36-41 (NASB)
36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul was of the opinion that they should not take along with them this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas, and left after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
SUMMARY
Paul and Barnabas are planning to return to their first mission field to strengthen their brothers and sisters there. For this journey, Barnabas wants to take Mark (Barnabas’ cousin) to give him a second chance to work and grow. But Paul insists that they don’t take Mark who had deserted them in Pamphylia in the past. Paul thinks his irresponsibility and unpreparedness will put their lives and ministry at risk. It turns into such a sharp disagreement that Paul and Barnabas separate from one another. Barnabas takes Mark with him to Cyprus, and Paul chooses Silas and travels through Syria and Cilicia.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
There must’ve been such an incident in the past that Mark was deemed immature, weak and irresponsible. The text described Mark as “this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.” (v.38) So I think it was the right argument of Paul that they should not take Mark along with them, revisiting the cities that they had spread the gospel. This journey was not only crucial to strengthen the believers there, but was probably very dangerous and risky. I see Paul’s concern. He didn’t want to jeopardize the safety and wellness of the ministry with someone’s mistakes and hasty actions. Paul wanted someone mature in faith who can support the ministry.
However, I also see where Barnabas’ argument was coming from. He wanted to give Mark a second chance in the ministry. Perhaps Barnabas knew that Mark just needed another opportunity to redeem himself and grow. I can tell that Barnabas was someone who didn’t really dwell on the past history of that person, but rather saw the potential in everyone. Afterall, Paul wouldn't be where he was if it wasn’t for Barnabas. When Paul came to Jerusalem after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was trying to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They could not believe Paul’s transformation. “But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:27) Because Barnabas received Paul as one of them, Paul was able to start the ministry with fellow disciples.
APPLICATION
I realize through Barnabas that it is important not to judge others because of their past experiences and stereotypes. Barnabas persuaded disciples to accept Paul, even though Paul had harshly persecuted believers in the past. In today’s text, Barnabas also gave a second chance to Mark to grow and mature in faith. Barnabas built up fellow disciples by comforting and encouraging them. I wish I can have such a gentle and embracing spirit to receive others as they are, and see them through the eyes of God.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I’m praying for the heart of gentleness in me. It is true that there were times in the past that I often got frustrated with some people in the ministry if they had different opinions from mine. If they were not responsible at their task especially, I’ve judged them in my heart and wished I would never have to work with them any more. I learned through Barnabas that I need to have a more loving and patient heart to embrace the differences in people. Lord, forgive me for being prideful and judging others in my heart. I pray that I can be someone like Barnabas who can lovingly offer second chances to people.
In Jesus’ name, I prayed. Amen.
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