If you remember earlier Mark, called John Mark, left Paul and Barnabas. Now, in Antioch in verse 36 of Acts 15: 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.”
Paul says, hey Barny (short for Barnabas) let's go back to the cities where we helped establish churches. Let's see how they are doing and if we can help.
Barny says, hey great idea and let's take Mark with us. Paul looks up with surprise and disapproval. verse 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.
Paul and Barnabas are best buds, however, this may throw a wrench into their relationship. The discussion was heavy and they did split, each taking a new assistant with them. Barnabas took Mark and Paul took Silas. Barnabas went to Cyprus whereas Paul went to Cilicia. Both men returned to his native land to do missionary work. This indicates that it is important to be familiar with the people and their needs in the different areas. However, this does not mean we don't go where we are unsure of the people or needs, but it helps to meet the needs of the people. The idea here is that the missionary training is easier to begin within ones own cultural context.
The main purpose here is to feed the churches and help strengthen them. Here is the end of Acts 15: 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. 41 He went through Syria and
Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
This verse 41 should be our goal, to help strengthen the churches as we go about our daily work for the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Watcha gonna do fur the LORD today? Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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