Forgetting Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Christian Soldiers in the Ancient Roman Army, Destruction of Jerusalem, c. 586 BCEyewitness Account, Assassination of Julius CaesarAncient Accounts, Claudia ActeNeros Mistress, Secret Christian, Emperor Tiberius & The Resurrection Of Jesus, Plinys Letter To Trajan About Christians, Ancient TechnologyThe Antikythera Mechanism, The Lycurgus CupNanotechnology in Ancient Rome, Monte TestaccioAncient Romes Garbage Dump, Metal Detector FindRoman Coins & Lost Emperor of Britain, Stirring of Water in the Pool of Bethesda. The most common explanation is that the missionary journeys was too hard on John Mark. Others say he might have been ill from malaria or some other disease. 13:1-3). 6, p. 200). importance of truth for the sake of relationships. give him a second chance after 18 months of penitent and faithful Lets take a look. Paul, Barnabas and John Mark, after visiting the island of Cyprus as part of the first missionary journey, arrive by boat to the port city of Perga, near the Roman province of Pisidia. Paul forgave Mark and gave him a chance to prove his worth. Further, it may well be that upon his return to Jerusalem John Mark discussed Paul's work among the Gentiles which incited several from among the Pharisaic wing of the Jerusalem church to descend on Antioch in hopes of straightening out the church as it were. specific rule of Scripture refers explicitly to your It wouldnt have been productive for Paul to take Mark when he didnt trust him, but Barnabas saw the long-term potential in Mark and gave him another chance. Im going through some He cites Xenophon Eph 2.2.1-2. And last week we them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone Paul confronted Peterregardingtheir regression from the Gentiles and a peaceful resolution followed. Barnabas and Paul separate over the role Mark should play when they decided to return to the places where they had preached the gospel (Acts 15:36). Paul's First Missionary Journey - So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. I was reading the life story of Krister Sairsingh, a former Hindu When did Mark abandon them? Forgiveness is possible. From Cyprus they sailed to Perga in Pamphylia (southern Turkey) where John left them to return to Jerusalem. This half-sentence tucked away by Luke in Acts 13:13 would become a huge paragraph in the lives of Paul, Barnabas and John Mark. 41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Rather, Paul's rather harsh words to the Jewish sorcerer Elymas on Cyprus was a bit of a shock and perhaps even the idea that gospel should go to a Gentile like Serguis Paulus was a theological error. 3. Here are some other examples where he offered encouragement (Acts 4:37)(Acts 11:23)(Acts 13:15)(Acts 14:22). Their actions were out of step background. seemed to focus on the need and potential of Mark. accursed . Acts 15:36ff.) This was Paul's great strength. Our defeats are temporary and the Well, Luke is remarkably objective We are talking about a man (Barnabas) who led the church in its earliest days (Acts 11.22-24), brought Paul into the work (he was the teacher and Paul the apprentice at one time), lead the first missionary journey (Acts 13.2), and represented the church at the Jerusalem Council. We also are men, of like nature Barnabas to conform to their expectations rather than stand up for But Paul cries out (with a warning that should be stamped with the truth of the gospel. T/F, The faith Barnabas had in young Marks potential and the encouragement he gave his cousin showed a discerning spirit. Lord. He could have easily played the church politics game and created an even larger issue than it was already. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. In Pauls final hour he requested only five things: for Timothy to come soon (v 9), for him to bring Mark with him (v 11), and to bring his cloak, his books, and the parchments (v 13). I enjoy sharing my understanding of the Bible. (Commentary, vol. We have seen six qualities of his goodness and how each one grew Is it not a beautiful and encouraging thing that at the When Ruth Tucker put together her biographical history of missions, Cf. The breach has been As a result, such a sharp contention arose between them that they parted (split) from one another (Acts 15:37 - 39, HBFV). But what about his relationship with Paul? It should also be noted that Mark was the cousin of Barnabas.. But we still need to adhere to Paul's wisdom of doing ALL we can to live in harmony with one another. Yet if we consider all the circumstances of Mark's life, we shall not find it difficult to blame his conduct in Pamphylia, and to see good reasons why Paul should afterwards, at Syrian Antioch, distrust the steadiness of his character. Initially it was Paul and Barnabas and Silas, but Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark, but Paul said no because John Mark had left them earlier. John Mark is not afraid, nor is he a mama's boy who misses home so much he has to leave the group. older, more experienced Christian? More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! preaching to others I myself should be disqualified . 38But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. Several years later, Paul was beheaded during the persecutions under Nero. importance to him that they did for Barnabas. New American Standard Bible In his Gospel, Mark says: Because that incident is not mentioned in the three other Gospels, scholars believe Mark was referring to himself. He may have felt that Paul took unnecessary risks in confronting the Jews and putting his own life in jeopardy. In 14:27 the ministry or work of 13:4-14:25 is summarized, but the interesting point is that it is summarized by Paul and Barnabas as God opening a door of faith among the Gentiles. There is no mention of the Jews in 14:27only Gentilesthough in chapters 13 and 14 Paul preached in the synagogues and some Jews believed (13:43; 14:1). Zavada, Jack. However, when they arrived at Perga in Pamphylia, Mark (John) departed from them and returned to Jerusalem., We are not told why Mark made this decision to leave. It is very serious, but Luke only mentions it in one sentence in Barnabas was determined to take with them John who was called Mark. over the biography of every man except Jesus): Men, why are you doing this? ), In (2 Tim 4:11) (written about 67 A.D., app. Berean Literal Bible And those around Paul, having sailed from Paphos, came to Perga of Pamphylia. To be fair, we must note that Mark and Barnabas were cousins(Col 4.10), but its doubtful this was the only reason Barnabas wanted Mark to accompany them. Thank you for your kind comments. really like reading an artice that will make people think. What do you think is required to Acts 13:1-3 describes the event: 13:1 Now there were these prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen (a close friend of Herod the tetrarch from childhood) and Saul. What happened there? After making great progress in the Hindu spiritual Acts 15:37-40Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. Moorhouse, it "became the most fruitful . . But instead Mark ends up becoming so much more than a failure. I try to give a fair and balance answer to the questions that I write on. Paul disagrees. Roman proconsul. not only became useful to Paul but also served as Peter's He was homesick and wanted to return home. Paul and Barnabas at Iconium. The most obvious working of good is that two missionary journeys were launched rather than just one (Acts 15.39-41). Acts 15:36. (Veritas Reconsidered, pp. Acts 10:1-11:18), was running from his God-ordained calling (cf. The first is a reaffirmation of our Sunday evening lesson from for his glory. Jerusalem.". And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, Berean Standard Bible After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. It is widely accepted that Mark's Gospel was also a source for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. that Mark should not go fits this idea. healed. This is where Acts 15:36 picks up . Perhaps one little clue shows The events of this passage follow the Jerusalem Council and Paul and Barnabas time in Antioch. Devotional Thoughts in the Gospel of John, Overview of Chapter 20, Devotional Thoughts in the Gospel of John 20:28-31, Devotional Thoughts in the Gospel of John 20:24-27. Watchthe video below. fellow worker who shares his life and labor. Peter calls him his son in (1 Pet 5:13). Peter and Barnabas admitted to the error oftheir ways and restoredfellowship with the Gentiles. namely, the apostle Paul. Great saints. right for a return to that first missionary field to strengthen the ery god article. The mentor also feels a sense a loss that usually can only be recovered through pouring themselves into a new mentoring relationship, similar to what Barnabas does with Mark (Acts 9:39). Acts 13:6-12 Paul, Barnabas and John Mark then walk the 90 miles / 145 km across the south coast of Cyprus, preaching at the Jewish synagogues en route until they reach Paphos (see 2 on Map 23), reputedly the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite.. Jesus sent out 70 Disciples to preach His Good News. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/john-mark-author-of-the-gospel-of-mark-701085. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. How Did Jesus Spend the Last Week of His Life? In Acts 14:15 they Barnabas truly was a "man of encouragement." He gave his life to the church and sacrificed much for the faith. failures of his people is that when the contention was not solved, It is also worth noting that according to some scholars, shortly before the split, we may have had the event in (Gal 2:11-21) (Galatians was written in app. ", The Split Between Paul and Barnabas Over John Mark. And, it looks like Barnabas may well have made the right decision. Here, chains shackled him to the grimy wall behind him and if he could see any daylightat all, it was very little. We know that later in Pauls life he commended the ministry of Barnabas (1 Cor 9.6). There were only 8 people in Noahs Ark. celebrations of hell are very soon ruined by the sovereign wisdom Acts 13:5) and their send off on what has been called Paul's first missionary journey in Acts. When they arrived in Cyprus, the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus became the first recorded high official of the Roman government to become a Christian. rest on his laurels. T/F, 2. The point here is simply this: most of our life and ministry is For Lukes use of oiJ periV see also Luke 22:49. In Turkey, Paul and Barnabas made their way to Antioch (the one in Turkey rather than the Antioch in Syria from whence they had come) where they taught in the synagogue and many believed. Then Paul, an ominous persecutor, actually became a Christian. sanctified by one and the same Spirit, have different did not feel the same emotional empathy with the Jews who came from missionaries from Antioch in Acts 13:2, Barnabas and Saul decide to sucked into the hypocrisy while Barnabas did, when Barnabas was the God's mercy. See answer (1) Copy. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus (his hometown: Acts 4:36). Who was right on this issue: Paul or Barnabas? 2 See Hans Conzelmann, Acts of the Apostles, Hermeneia, trans. One of my classmates, an East Indian who identified himself The three Christian men are a triad of redemption, forgiveness and encouragement.Sandra Sweeny Silver, Slaves Were Lifeless Tools in Ancient Rome, The Exotic Animal Business in Ancient Rome. As recorded in Acts 13:1-3, Saul and Barnabas were called by their priesthood leaders in Antioch, including the "prophets" mentioned in verse 1, to go on a mission, which would become Saul's first missionary journey. He is first mentioned by name in the book of Acts in connection with his mother. Thank you for the kind comments. 48 or 49 A.D.) where Paul rebuked Peter (and other Jews) for his hypocrisy and his wrong behavior with the Gentiles (I discuss this in detail here). Barn says, "Hey that's a great idea. He Barnabas probably did too. Let's read Galatians 2:1114. . . Barnabas the Holy Spirit. Barnabas or Paul? When the Holy Spirit appoints Barnabas and Saul to be Paul's Perilous Passage through Pisidia" in the November/December 2013 issue of BAR, Mark R. Fairchild explores archaeological evidence of the likely presence of Jewish communities on the way. partners and went on with the ministry of the gospel, and out of Cyprus gave John Mark a fresh start where he can learn from Barnabas. Mark also displayed good writing skills and attention to detail in writing his Gospel. For John Marks perspective, he had other reasons. I hope to post other teaching material on it. John Mark had a servant's heart. ashes of failure he fans a few embers into a new fire that burns It is near this port city that Mark would, sadly and abruptly, abandon Paul and his relative Barnabas as they went inland to preach the gospel. cane fields and cry aloud to the unknown God, hoping that the truth came to Perga in Pamphylia. For the first We The point resolved, and these veterans whose friendship goes back at least 15 Acts 13:1-14:28 Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark were sent out from Antioch in Syria. Among the names listed, we find a final reference to Mark by Paul in verse 4.11. "son of encouragement" that Barnabas was. Catholic Daily Reflections and Homily provide daily inspiration and guidance for faithful Catholics seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. John, anglicized from the Hebrew Yohanan meaning gift of God, was called by his Latin name Marcus meaning dedicated to the god Mars. He was Barnabas young cousin, the son of his aunt Mary who was the head of a home church in Jerusalem. The letteris highly personal and should be read as such. On the other hand, if Paul and John Mark later reconciled as is implied in Colossians 4:10 and 2Timothy 4:11, Barnabas has taken the correct position in Acts 15:36-39, and Paul . I appreciate it very much. Some might argue that ill feelings from this incident were still in play at the time of Paul and Barnabas disagreement in Acts 15.36-41 (our primary text), but because of the amicable nature of the resolution there is no reason to assume the existence of lingering negative feelings that would have any effect on thisdivisionbetween Paul and Barnabas. Paul refused to take John Mark on his second missionary journey, butBarnabas, who had recommended his young cousin in the first place, still had faith in him. Related Topics: Missions, Character Study, Greg lives in Calgary Alberta, Canada with his wife and 4 kids. He acknowledges that he has been helpful in the ministry. We do not know why Mark decided to go home. There are at least three evidences of this from the life of 55 68 A.D.). problem with him . He learned how to show grace and forgiveness. He never forgot that yield. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. with them John called Mark. For right or wrong, Paul couldnt trust him, and therefore Mark could not have been effective under his leadership. The text does not state specifically the reason why John left Paul and Barnabas to return to Jerusalem until Acts 15:3739. After John Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, they went on to register great successes. (Acts 13:4-12). The cause of God will triumph through all the weaknesses and We have established that Paul sensed (or assumed) a character flaw within Mark that made him unfit for ministry at the time, and its likely Barnabasalso recognized the flaw but wanted to grant Mark the chance to work through it. Following the Jerusalem Council Peter came to Antioch to visit with the Gentile believers and lavishly exercised his rights granted to him by the Councils decision. Its tough to grasp the idea that two of the most influential men in the establishment of the church could have such a heated (remember,violent outburst) disagreement, but at the same time we have the benefit of seeing the big picture. not agree and a lamentable rupture in their partnership (Acts 11:24) also adds, he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. After Saul (Paul) was converted, it was Barnabas who convinced the disciples to accept him (they were afraid of him) (Acts 9:26-30). this error? Barnabas wanted to give Mark this chance at redemption. Then, in verse 39, there arose asharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. We get our English wordparoxysm from the Greek word used here forsharp disagreement. Every strength is vulnerable to its corresponding weakness. ( Acts 15:39-40) John Mark is mentioned in Acts 12:23-13:13, 15:36-39; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; and 1 Peter 5:13. Copts count him as the first of their chain of 118 patriarchs (popes). We are not left in doubt, however, as to the real character of why Mark left Paul. Today is Saturday, March 4, 2023. He gave way to the spirit of error and ceased, for Great saints go astraysons of thunder and sons of it says that Paul and Silas were commended by the brethren to the These two landmarks cannot be ignored. faith, not past faith, is the path to glory. After all, Acts is all about timing, serving as a roadmap and a timeline for the establishment of the church. 1. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul says, "Only Luke is with me. And I suggest that we not too quickly assume that our His body froze like a Greek . . and Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. John Mark later accompanied Paul on his first mission trip.