Acts 15:36-41
Who Believed in You as You Grew Up?
Paul was always moving around. During the preparations for this particular journey, a large disagreement surfaced between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark along and Paul did not. Paul refused to work with John Mark for whatever reason. Logically, we can see that John Mark had been with them on the first journey and left them to go home from Pamphylia. Perhaps Paul felt that he would not be up to completing a long, hard mission? We really don't know what Paul's reasons were, but he felt strongly enough about them that he and Barnabas went their separate ways after this.
Clearly, Barnabas believed in John Mark enough to stick by him and go a separate way from Paul. He was fortunate to have someone to believe in him like Barnabas. We have seen before when Barnabas' heart showed through large and warm.
Over the years, there have been a parade of beginning ministers who have preached at Putnam. Batsell Barrett Baxter and Paul Faulkner just to name a couple. A relationship evolved that helped both the congregation and the preacher. All have gone further into the ministry or have become missionaries. God uses the people we are around to lead us to where we are supposed to go.
One gentleman was intent on going to New Zealand. As they were preparing to go, the family had a child who could not thrive well in New Zealand's climate. God led them to Africa. They are missionaries, but at a different location than they originally planned. Remember to keep your mind open to God's will. It may not be exactly what you thought it would be.
Who do you believe in deeply?
Do you encourage them much and often?
Barnabas believed in John Mark, and in the end John Mark justified that belief in his ministry during life.
The Second Missionary Journey – Introduction
Paul's narrative of the second journey occupied about three years of time. The record of this journey is from Acts 15:36 – 18:23 beginning from Antioch. The biggest part of this journey is that Paul extends his ministry beyond Asia and into Europe.
Have a Blessed Week!
Brad
PS Join the study of Matthew by emailing the group subscription address at matthew@bradloveland.com
