In our text today, Paul and Barnabas are discussing the idea of returning to the towns they'd visited in the past. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them but Paul “...did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia...“ (Acts 15:38 NIV)
Barnabas, on the other hand, wanted to encourage John Mark by giving him another chance to prove himself. Barnabas was actually Joseph the Levite, “whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”)“. (Acts 4:36 NIV)
Barnabas was also the one who introduced Paul to the church in Jerusalem. The church leaders were afraid of Paul, “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how...he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.“ (Acts 9:26-27 NIV)
Again, it was Barnabas who encouraged Paul to return to his missionary work when he, “went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.“ (Acts 11:25-26 NIV)
It was Paul's influence that enlarged the church by taking the gospel to the Gentiles, insisting that no obstacles be placed in their way. He seemed to be more attentive to the overall direction of the church while Barnabas seemed to be focused on motivating individual members.
The angry parting of these two great missionary spirits was sad, especially as they never worked together again. Paul left the man to whom he owed so much, and Barnabas left the greatest missionary of the ages.
Later, when Paul comes to the end of his life, the one he calls for is John Mark (2 Timothy 4:11).
Paul and Barnabas, both filled with the Spirit, had productive ministries together and alone. A sharp disagreement caused them to part ways, but the effect of their parting was that each ministry expanded. Although they had different points of view, they looked to the higher good and, as a result, we're blessed by them both today.
Have you been misjudged in your church life, or been rejected like John Mark over a failure you had when young in the faith? Take heart, because this story is for those who've fallen and need help.
Look for a Barnabas near you. Seek out someone who isn't afraid to show their emotions. Someone who's spoken encouraging words to you before. Ask them for guidance. Learn from their wise counsel, recognizing you need help from someone more mature in the faith.
Whatever you do, don't give up. You might be a John Mark, ready to be built up so that the very person who rejected you will come back and ask for help. The Lord delights in those who look at "the bigger picture", as well as those who are encouragers. There's an important place for both in the Lord's work.
