(v.36)"And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the Word of the Lord, and see how they do.(v.37) And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.(v.38) But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.(v.39) And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other:and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;(v.40) And Paul chose Silas, and departed, beig recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And He went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the Churches."
Shakespeare said...'Parting is such sweet sorrow'! How true in this case! Paul and Barnabas,those inseparalble, intrepid, innovators of mission, had reached 'gridlock' in their relationship! Who was this 'John Mark'?it would appear that he was Barnabas' nephew(Col.4:10),hence his uncle's reticence to leave him behind! How often 'The Flesh' gets in the way of 'The Spirit'!, much to our regret. John Mark was later restored to fellowship with Paul and recovered to his ministry...(2 Tim.4:11,Philemon 24).Bible scholars agree that this John Mark accompanied Peter and later wrote the Gospel of Mark.(1 Peter 5:13).It would probably indicate a greater level of commitment on Mark's behalf. His Gospel portrays Christ as the Son-Servant;(Mark 10:45)and this Gospel of Action is in sharp contrast to Mark's earlier inaction!
We can agree to differ,but let us reach an understanding that we who belong to Christ are all one, in the final analysis...(John 17:21) May The Lord Bless you.