Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas Divided Over John Mark

Appointed by the apostles and church leaders in Jerusalem, Barsabas and Silas accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Antioch where they rejoiced with the believers over the good news, that circumcision would not be a burden imposed upon Gentile Christians.

“36 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.” (Acts 15:36)

Encouraged by the letter and its impact on the believers in Antioch, Paul proposed a second missionary journey through the region to strengthen existing churches as well as further God’s kingdom by advancing the gospel even further, fulfilling the Lord’s plan for His disciples.

“37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 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.” (Acts 15:37-38)

Mark, Barnabas’ nephew had previously accompanied the missionaries until Perga, an important city in Pamphylia, the region in the south of Asia Minor, between Lycia and Cilicia, extending from the Mediterranean to Mount Taurus.

There, Mark concluded his missionary journey and returned to Jerusalem. Paul did not approve of his leaving, hence now he would not support Barnabas’ choice to take Mark on this journey.

“39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.” (Acts 15:39)

Even though Paul and Barnabas were both men of God, this disagreement was so sharp that it got the best of both disciples, resulting in both men going their separate ways. Here, the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan was revealed, producing two missionary teams to be used for our Father’s glory, rather than only one envoy as proposed by Paul.

Barnabas, accompanied by Mark journeyed to Cyprus, the Greek island which had been visited and harvested in A.D. 48 during Paul’s first mission trip through the region.

“40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” (Acts 15:40)

Entrusted by the church, and led by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Silas set out on their missionary journey, traveling to Syria and Cilicia where they continued to further God’s kingdom, sharing the truth about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the risen Christ and Savior. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre

Daniel St.Pierre is a born again child of God. A Canadian immigrant to the United States, Daniel considers himself "blessed to be a blessing" as the ministry he leads continues to reach thousands of souls each month, on a global scale since 2003.