36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Having then strengthened all the brethren in the grace of God at Antioch, by their preaching and teaching and expounding the Word of God, the Apostle Paul now wants to return to all the places where he and Barnabas had preached the Gospel and magnified the Word of God, and thus made many disciples (vs. 36). Now Barnabas was wanting to take with them John called Mark his cousin, however the Apostle Paul remembering how Mark had left them at Pamphylia, and thus had not gone on with them to complete the work, did not feel that he should accompany them (vs. 37-38). And so, it was that the contention became so sharp between them that Barnabas took Mark and sailed back to Cyprus, their native land (vs. 39, Acts 4:36). It appears then that Barnabas’ family loyalty may have clouded his judgment in regards to this matter, since not everyone is chosen by the Holy Spirit for the mission field, nor is everyone prepared for the hardships that one must endure while doing so. Now when this occurred the Apostle Paul chose Silas to accompany him, and they departed to do that work, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God (vs. 40). Which clearly indicates that the church was with the Apostle Paul’s decision regarding this matter. And so, it will be from this time forth that the Apostle Paul will become the primary missionary to the Gentiles, preaching the Gospel, discipling believers, establishing churches, and later while imprisoned for his faith in Christ writing a good portion of the N.T. The Apostle Paul had so many Spirit gifts, and the only way to use them was get out and endure the sufferings and reproaches of the Gospel for the Lord and His people’s sake. And so that is what he is about to do, leave the comforts of Antioch, and begin to fulfill his ministry. The only question then is will you?
Scripture Quotations
New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.
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