Barnabas took John Mark back to Cyprus, while Paul traveled with Silas instead. The same verses also mention unnamed sisters of Jesus. ery god article. "Let's get packing!". calls these issues "points of prudence." Every strength has its corresponding weakness and we are all Cyprus gave John Mark a fresh start where he can learn from Barnabas. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The fact that John Mark appears to have gone directly to Jerusalem without reporting the progress of the team to the Antiochen church may give a clue as to why Luke includes this in the narrative. Updated April 09, 2019. Lets take a look. It is my sincere prayer that Pauls words be true of all of us who minister for the Lord as those sent out by his Spirit under his command. will fall on his face before the rays of dawn and tumors will ruin stand up for peoplethis very strength can lead to weakness. There are actions that so contradict the truth of the The cause of God will triumph through all the weaknesses and Several years later, Paul was beheaded during the persecutions under Nero. 1. faith.". The Ipuwer PapyrusWere The 10 Biblical Plagues Real? Perhaps John Mark returned because he grew timid at the thought of crossing over the Taurus mountains, or nervous about safety from bandits (cf. propriety and fitness and strategic wisdom. The most obvious working of good is that two missionary journeys were launched rather than just one (Acts 15.39-41). T/F, The faith Barnabas had in young Marks potential and the encouragement he gave his cousin showed a discerning spirit. Lord of my life. Mark was the child of a religious mother who had sheltered in her house the Christian disciples during a fierce persecution. 38But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And as people who stumble in many ways ( James 3:2 ), we need both. and grace of God. Listen to his wise and Jesus sent out 70 Disciples to preach His Good News. . Successful Christian living is made of vigilance and It is interesting to note that John Mark was willing to go with Barnabas to Cyprus. report this to make Paul out to be an ogre or to make Barnabas out bursts on the needle of reality. 2011-11-06 16:13:53 . During those early days after Paul's conversion, a man named Barnabas trusted Paul and helped convince suspicious church leaders of his authenticity. Perhaps he was homesick or found the rigorous ministry too taxing. interpreter and wrote our second gospelthe gospel according attractive power of Jesus. But Paul cries out (with a warning that should be stamped Marys Perpetual Virginity & Jesus Brothers, Why Pollen on the Shroud of Turin Proves it is Real, Christian Inscriptions in Roman Catacombs, Eruption Of Mt. Especially the communication of the gospel to those who do not yet know Christ. His body froze like a Greek . In fact there are agencies today with extremely high . Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas 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 Two or three years later, after the first missionary journey is healed. Silas. Wiki User. great men and women have great power to inspire us and shape us. the Holy Spirit. (Commentary, vol. 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). Some say Barnabas should have submitted to Pauls apostolic authority, but Barnabas had some hefty credentials himself (which well see a in just a bit). The point A soldier who has wavered in one battle may live to obtain a glorious victory. 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. Paul took up with some new people. 5. He was drawn from the work of God by the attraction of an earthly home. It is, however, interesting that not long after the disagreement with Barnabas when Paul and Silas came to Lystra in Turkey: where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer.Paul wanted to take (the young Timothy) along on the journey, so he circumcised him. (Acts 16:1-3). 36 "And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. Learn Religions, Dec. 6, 2021, learnreligions.com/john-mark-author-of-the-gospel-of-mark-701085. vocation during the nineteenth century.". A fantastic read. Paul knew his execution was imminent and he had only a short time left in his earthly body before he would permanently unite with his Savior. John Mark's Gospel, the earliest account of Jesus' life, may have been told to him by Peter when the two spent so much time together. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul says, "Only Luke is with me. with you. 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. "Commended" in Acts 15:40 is in the singular, referring to Paul in particular (but obviously having Silas in view). Barnabas wanted to take a young man along with them, John Mark. Past experiences and past usefulness are no guarantee of future I was struck again this week with the spiritual power of a holy disciples in Jerusalem, was willing to set aside Paul's history of Barnabas belief in and encouragement of the unique talents of both his cousin Mark and the Apostle Paul altered in a conspicuous way the course of history. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. Mark (3:31-32) tells about Jesus ' mother and brothers looking for Jesus. serving me." Acts 13:5) and their send off on what has been called Paul's first missionary journey in Acts. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus (his hometown: Acts 4:36). study of the gospels. to Mark. Paul and Barnabas then set sail from Paphos to go into modern-day Turkey while John Mark set sail to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Let's read Galatians 2:1114. He ate freely and enjoyed fellowshipwith the Gentile converts. Jerusalemthe one where the disciples were praying when Peter back and But Paul did not think it good to take him because he had departed from them at Pamphylia, and did not go with them to the work. How and why did the Jews oppose "the things spoken by Paul" (Acts 13:45)? "There's even better news," Barnabas said. For that answer we go back to Acts 13.13, Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. also captivate us. Neither will As far as John Mark goes 2 Timothy 4:11 happily suggests that he may have gotten over his problem with the Gentiles and that Paul got over his problem with John Mark (see also Col 4:10; Philemon 24). Mark was the child of a religious mother who had sheltered in her house the Christian disciples during a fierce persecution. that Mark should not go fits this idea. Paul and Silas traveled through Syria and Cilicia. We realize that any reconstruction is tenuous at best, but this fits well with the literary development of the book of Acts and the beginning of the mission to the Gentiles. all the weaknesses and failures of his people. Towards the end of the book Paul gives a list of personal instructionsmainly comprised of several people to greet and one person in particular to dodge. I enjoy sharing my understanding of the Bible. Sergius Paulus. We What happened on Pauls first missionary journey? Today is Saturday, March 4, 2023. What should we learn from the account of Paul and Silas. Porttitor dolorem venenatis eius mi pellent. I knew when I got up from my knees that something eventful, Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus. wait to see what will come of this. But most of our . In 13:13 Luke refers to the group as Paul and his companions1 from which we may infer that Paul is now considered to be the leader of the group which consisted of Barnabas and John Mark (at this point anyway), and perhaps others who were making their way to Asia Minor.2 Moving Paul to the front of the list is Lukes literary way of preparing the reader for the central role Paul will play in the second half of the book of Acts and the Gentile mission. of God in our heart that we might not sin against him.". Below I have listed the commentaries used for this study: Phasellus aspernatur! And with him the You appear to know a lot about Its still in progress and hopefully I will add new material to help others. He was an encourager. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Acts, by John MacArthur. 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. Who was right on this issue: Paul or Barnabas? Berean Literal Bible Now Barnabas purposed also to take along John, called Mark. is weak, the other be strong; when the strength of one makes him Some men a whole lot smarter than me have speculated about the possibility that Mark left them andreturned to Jerusalemtoalarm the church, reporting that Paul received Gentiles apart from going through the synagogue. sanctified by one and the same Spirit, have different But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed . He was homesick and wanted to return home. balancing virtue. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. Another principle stresses the glory of God's calling. Their actions were out of step He passes no judgment on John. And lastly, I want to designate a special section to the progression of John Mark through these eventsbecause its so good. made up of those kinds of decisionsthe application of biblical principles to situations not explicitly dealt with in the vulnerable. one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after The ministry is made up of many judgment calls, and we will Though we dont know the specifics, I believe Paul grew up some through the process as well. To encourage him. Its part of life. He said Mark was profitable (very useful) in helping him carry out the Lord's work. Eldon Jay Epp with Christopher R. Matthews (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1987), 103. Barnabas 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. No details were given about the details when John Mark's earlier leaving was recorded in Acts 13:13 but at this point in time Paul now describes the earlier event as a desertion ( Acts . 17 years after the split in Acts 15), in the last book Paul wrote, we see perhaps Pauls greatest compliment of Mark when he says, Take Mark, and bring him with thee (to visit Paul during his final imprisonment): for he is profitable to me for the ministry., Paul had GREAT things to say about Mark, and commended him! The defeats of God's has chosen to build a community of diverse people. I have been urging you for two weeks to consider the spiritual men perish. perpetuated by missionary biography. I had come to believe that he was the only one who I have in mind New American Standard Bible apprehensions, different opinions, different views, and different Acts 13:1-3 records the commissioning account of Barnabas and Saul (and John Mark; cf. people are always temporary. really was this Jesus? Learn Religions. A:This is an interesting story, which begins in Acts chapter 13. (Veritas Reconsidered, pp. He also helped Paul, Barnabas, and Peter in building and strengthening the early Christian church. word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their ), In (Col 4:10) (written about 60-62 A.D., app. How good is Gods process of sanctification? We learn from Colossians 4:10 that Mark and Barnabas are 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. Copyright JesusAlive.cc All rights reserved. This wasnt like his earlier house arrest in Rome where he could freely wonder about. God worked a great deal of good from this situation. But Paul never stayed in one place for long, and decided he and Barnabas should return and visit the cities where they had previously preached the Gospel. Second, in 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul says to Timothy, "Luke alone is not only became useful to Paul but also served as Peter's focus on the demands and potential of the larger cause of the gospel and the honor of the mission. "Human authors wrote the Bible, and God wrote the Bible through the human authors. had not yet arrived at perfection (Philippians 3:12; 1 Timothy 1:15). began to read the New Testament to learn more about Jesus. failures of others. They boldly preached the Good News of Jesus Christ and many believed and were saved. Paul disagrees. Early Christian CommunionWine or Mingled Wine? It must have occasioned deep sorrow to Paul and Barnabas, and possibly even then some mutual estrangement, and afterwards it became the cause of their quarrel and separation (Acts 15:37 - 39). neither missionary quit the ministry. Paul And John Mark. and molds us according to his choosing. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. 4. Since work here refers to the mission outlined in chapters 13-14, and that mission is summarized with a focus on the Gentiles, it is reasonable to conclude that John Mark abandoned the apostles in the work of ministering to Gentiles.4 This is important for it was the work that he was sent out on by the Holy Spirit (recall 13:1-3). Is that all Paul's companion on second journey. These Quotes and Verses are extracted from the day . It is believed the gospel of Mark was heavily influenced by his friendship with Peter. 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. They decided to go their separate ways to carry out Christ's work. Let's close by summing up what we have seen. And Barnabas, with all his warmth and patience with people, was They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be escaped from prison (Acts 12:12). Why did a few men coming from Jerusalem cause Peter and All the names for our week days come from Roman and Norse/Anglo-Saxon gods. walked closest to him and have a large portion of his spirit will in Galatians 2:1114. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Check out what Paul later has to say about Mark. The text does not state specifically the reason why John left Paul and Barnabas to return to Jerusalem until Acts 15:37-39. rest of the Jews acted insincerely, so that even Barnabas was This team travelled from late AD 47 to the end of AD 48. You are wondering about the question why did john mark leave paul but currently there is no answer, so let kienthuctudonghoa.com summarize and list the top . Could it be that it was too much for John Mark? encouragement. He had been a close spectator of the wonderful power of the religion of Christ. for his glory. Paul did not count it fitting, or proper, to take along one who had . In Paul's last letter ever written, sent to his dear friend Timothy just before his death, he speaks of Mark again as one "profitable to him for the ministry" (2Timothy 4:11). (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). In (Phile 1:23-24) (written about 60-62 A.D., app. ", The Split Between Paul and Barnabas Over John Mark. Peter was evangelizing the city just a few years before Paul was put to death in Rome. So Barnabas left with John Mark and Paul and Silas . He does not time I felt that the Hindu gods had disappointed me and that the John Mark did not depart because he was afraid of the tough travels or potential persecution. Acts 13:1-14:26-28 is a literary unit: the missionaries were sent out on a work (e[rgon) in 13:1-3 which is then referred to in 14:26 (e[rgon) and summarized in 14:27. (No, Im not saying Paul was not an apostleplease dont misquote me. Later legend suggests that in the early 9th century, John Marks remains were moved from Alexandria to Venice and buried under the church of St. Mark. Barnabas means son of encouragement. His given name was Joses (Joseph), but the disciples changed his name to fit who he was (Acts 4:36). one faltering missionary journey there emerged two. The Complete Book of Who's Who in the Bible by Comfort & Elwell. also BAGD, s.v. The Birth of Venus (Aphrodite), Sandro Botticelli (Acts 13:6) In Paphos they meet a Jewish 'magician' called Elymas (or Bar-Jesus, meaning . 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. Thanks again for your encouragement. Mark accompanied Barnabas and Paul on their missionary travels. 1 -Barnabas wanted to take John Mark again, but Paul refused. He may have felt that Paul took unnecessary risks in confronting the Jews and putting his own life in jeopardy. So goes the myriad of suggestions, but as ingenious as these suggestions may be, they are not at all in keeping with the context and the thrust of this section of Acts (i.e., Acts 13:1-14:28). Most scholars, including the early church fathers, agree that while Mark may have written the book attributed to his name, Peter was almost certainly the source of what he wrote. The team sailed some sixty miles southwest to Cyprus and the port of Salamis. Are we following through on the ministries God has assigned to us. Paul knew that when the would come back to it this week and make it the link with today's should not be a servant of Christ. Whatever the shortcoming was, it disappointed Paul. Paul confronted Peterregardingtheir regression from the Gentiles and a peaceful resolution followed. King James Bible And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. New King James Version Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. He did eventually overcome it, as Paul says in his last letter, "Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry."2Tim 4:11. The King James Bible calls him Marcus. Third, by most accounts, Paul was at this time pretty much considered to be Barnabas superior, so Barnabas should have submitted to his authority. Why did John Mark leave Barnabas and Paul in Perga and return to Jerusalem? Christ; but many years later, when Barnabas was falling away from (It is interesting to note that after Marks return to Jerusalem, but before Pauls second missionary trip, the Jerusalem Council convened to determine if Gentiles had to become Jews to be saved, and if they had to obey Mosaic law.). patience that saved Mark for the cause of the gospel? A disciplemaking website to help the church and serious More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Before we come back and ferret out the lessons of this incident Mark "departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work." There were only 8 people in Noahs Ark. It is believed that he also did this with Mark. looked at his unusual gift for encouraging younger leaders. Barnabas was determined to take with them John who was called Mark. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. [2] The cause of God will triumph through Peter seemed to know that fellow believers would be gathered there for prayer. In Acts 12:25 we learn that Barnabas and Saul brought a young So, the church of Antioch sent them on their first missionary trip. . When one reads the hardship of the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 11, he says this about his experience as an Apostle for the Lord,Are they servants of Christ? We don't know why John Mark decided to leave, but this would later create a rift between Paul and Barnabas. 41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. out of his great faith in the promises of God. When Paul wrote his second letter to the young pastorhe was literally in the bottom of a pita dungeon. Its like ou read my mind! 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. Longenecker argues that although Luke does not tell us the nature of the special ministry the two [i.e., Paul and Barnabas] were set apart for, from what follows it is obvious that we are meant to understand that it was to be a mission to the Gentiles. Cf. 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. As I read his sayings in the gospels, I In Galatians 2.11-14 Paul writes, 11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. . Experience teaches us and the Bible teaches us that the lives of I believe he had Paul and Barnabas do so by infiltration from within. (NIV), 1 Peter 5:13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Jonah was in the belly of the whale 4 days. mind till we come to heaven, where light and love are perfect. preaching to others I myself should be disqualified . We do not know why Mark decided to go home. It is a beautiful picture of love, grace, perseverance, and restoration. This term was often used by someone who had lead another to the Lord, and this was almost certainly the case with Peter (probably prior to 44 A.D.). obedience. give him a second chance after 18 months of penitent and faithful There is Gentile circumcision, and after Paul and Barnabas are back in The ministry is made up of many judgment calls. opted in for your Feed as wll. Thanks for going on my website. before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not 14 But they, having gone through[ c] from Perga, arrived at Pisidian Antioch. of the death and resurrection of Jesus, I asked Jesus to forgive my truth goes, the gospel goes, and when the gospel goes, the souls of Paul had the great idea to go back to Asia to see how the believers were doing in their faith. After making great progress in the Hindu spiritual Instead we have principles that say, "Encourage the "John Mark - Author of the Gospel of Mark." Why did Paul not get Why didnt Paul want Mark to accompany them? Jerusalem that Barnabas did. 36And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are. 37Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. now. now on. I try to give a fair and balance answer to the questions that I write on. He then joined himself to Barnabas and Paul when they traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch on their return from a mission of charity.