Acts 13 Paul, Barnabas and John Mark

 

Acts 13– Paul, Barnabas and John Mark

 

Paul and Barnabas were set apart to go to Cyprus and John Mark accompanied them. As they continue to go on their journey Paul and Barnabas goes on to Perga in Pamphylia and Mark returns to Jerusalem. Paul sees this as a weakness in Mark, but God takes special delight in turning those who fail into faithful disciples. Apparently, He is not concerned about helping those who help themselves as He is about helping those who realize how helpless they are! One glowing example of God’s work can be seen in the life of Mark.  Barnabas has probably invited Mark, his cousin, to join them. Barnabas had an eye for people who needed encouragement. He had helped Paul prove to the other apostles that he was a follower of Jesus, not a persecutor under cover. Barnabas may have also known about Mark’s shameful cowardice on the night when Jesus was arrested, if indeed Mark was the young man who had fled in such a hurry that he left his clothes behind. (Mark 14:51,52).

When Mark left Paul and Barnabas to go back to Jerusalem, Paul concluded that Mark was unreliable. Later, when Barnabas insisted on giving Mark a second chance, Paul refused. The two split up then and Barnabas took Mark back with him to Cyprus.

Events proved that Barnabas’ approach with Mark worked. He became a dependable disciple. He eventually wrote the gospel that bears his name, probably recording Peter’s account. Even Paul later recognized mark’s maturity. Three times in letters, Paul mentioned his appreciation for Mark’s ministry in his life. God doesn’t give up on weak people. Christians ought not to give up on one another. As Paul discovered, those who are weak today may become those on whom we lean on tomorrow.

 

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