Monday Devo

August 19th, 2024

Scripture:

Acts 15
36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

Commentary:

15:36–41 Paul and Barnabas Differ over Mark. Before setting out on his new mission, Paul asked Barnabas to accompany him. A sharp disagreement arose between them over whether to take Mark, resulting in Barnabas taking Mark on a separate mission and Paul choosing Silas as his companion.

15:37 John called Mark. See note on 12:12.
15:39 a sharp disagreement. In the sovereignty of God, out of this disagreement came a doubling of their labor, for Barnabas went to strengthen the churches in Cyprus and Paul went to the churches in Syria, Cilicia, and then Galatia. In addition, both of their assistants (Mark and Silas) went on to have significant ministries themselves.
15:41 Paul’s route took him by foot to the churches of his first missionary journey in reverse order.
16:1–5 Timothy Joins Paul and Is Circumcised. Timothy joined Paul and Silas at Lystra. Because

Questions:

In the latter part of Acts 15, we see a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to the point they decide to part ways. Unlike previous disagreements, this one isn't about theology or questions of morality. This time it's about methodology... about the best way to go about reaching people with the Gospel. When it comes to our theology, we must agree on the majors. When it comes to our methods, it's OK to disagree. How important is it for spiritual people to be able to disagree respectfully? How much thought do you give to the different methodologies people and churches use in order to reach people?
So who was right, Paul or Barnabas? The answer appears to be, "Yes!" Even though Paul and Barnabas had different ideas about how to proceed, and even though they ultimately went different ways to do different things, God still used both of them in incredible ways. And it was especially helpful for John Mark. Think about the awkwardness of this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas being about whether or not you can cut it on the journey? Paul thought he didn't have what it took, Barnabas did. This was ultimately good for John Mark because he got a dose of truth from Paul in holding him accountable for flaking the last time they were together, and he got a dose of grace from Barnabas that gave him a second chance. We all need both grace and truth in our lives. Do you have people in your life that will give you grace? Truth? Do you tend to get one more than the other? What do you tend to give out most? Do you need more balance?

Prayer Topics:

That you would learn to disagree respectfully.
That you would be a person of grace and truth.

This Week's City 7:

Try to commit to memory!

4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)

No Comments

Add Your Comment