"Mark...Subject of Disagreement"

May 13, 2015

“Mark...Subject of Disagreement”

Blessings folk!

There are many truths to be learned in the Word.
Many “hidden” directly in front of our faces in portions that we often gloss over...the “begats”, “the ‘hellos/goodbyes’ ”, etc.

Yesterday, we saw some things about Aristarchus.

Today, consider Mark…

Col 4:10-11
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.


Mark is Barnabas’ cousin.
Barnabas was Paul’s traveling companion on Paul’s first journey.
Mark went with them.

Acts 15 tells of a conflict between Paul and Barnabas…

Act 15:36-41
After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.
But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

On considering a second journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark again.
Mark had left them the first time.
We do not know why.
Paul apparently did not appreciate it.
Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, offered a second chance.

They so sharply disagreed that they decided to visit the same places, journeying from opposite directions!

Those of y’all that are experiencing transitions in your local body give heed.
Such is nothing new.

I believe that the Lord often uses such things…”Pauline/Barnabas” sharp disagreement… to His greater purposes.

Often, He disperses the Body for His purposes.

One last thing.

Note that Mark was now with Paul.
Paul wanted them to welcome Mark if he came to them.

Something changed after the sharp disagreement…