23 July 2018 – Acts 15:36-40 (NIV)

23 July 2018 – Acts 15:36-40 (NIV)

Scripture

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 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. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.

Reflection

The sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas derives from the incident that took place in Acts 13:13 where John Mark (Also Barnabas’ nephew – Col. 4:10) left them abruptly and returned back to Jerusalem. It is based on this incident that Paul is not trusting John Mark’s reliability and trustworthiness. However, Barnabas is urging Paul to give John Mark another chance whereupon Paul refuses. It turns out that in this case Paul was in the wrong because John Mark ended up being very reliable and trustworthy. This account is also a great example of giving people a second chance and of reconciliation. In Col 4:10, 11 and 2 Tim 4:11 we read not only had Paul and John Mark reconciled but Paul is also expressing his confidence in John Mark’s ministry and participation in advancing God’s Kingdom (Con).

Thoughts for the day

  • How quick are you to judge someone and if you realize you made a mistake, how quick are you to forgive and reconcile that relationship?
  • What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
  • What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
  • Who can you encourage with this story/message?

Prayer

The Bible is where we can turn when we don’t know how to pray. Take a moment to be still and reflect on God’s word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105.

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By |2018-07-20T11:36:22+08:00July 23rd, 2018|Categories: Week 4|Comments Off on 23 July 2018 – Acts 15:36-40 (NIV)

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Con Loggenberg is a native South African and the Discipleship Director at Shanghai Community Fellowship (SCF). He holds a B.Sc. degree and a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Quantity Surveying, a B.Th. (Hons) degree in Theology and an M.Th. degree in Theology. He and his Texan wife, twin boys and daughter live in Shanghai, China.