Mountains in Missions - Mar. 6th, 2022

Acts 13:13 KJV 1900

13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

I. Introduction

A. Following in the Footsteps of the First Missionaries

1. From Antioch to Cyprus: preaching in the synagogues

Once again the principle of two men working together is underscored. The verb “set apart” (aphorizō) is used of three separations in Saul’s life—at his birth he was separated to God (Gal. 1:15); at his conversion he was set apart for the gospel (Rom. 1:1); and in Antioch he was separated for a specific service (Acts 13:2).

[Stanley D. Toussaint, “Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 387.]

Of all Paul’s missionary work this period has the best claim to being called a ‘missionary journey’, as is customary on Bible maps. The later periods were much more devoted to extended activity in significant key cities of the ancient world, and we gain a false picture of Paul’s strategy if we think of him as rushing rapidly on missionary journeys from one place to the next, leaving small groups of half-taught converts behind him; it was his general policy to remain in one place until he had established the firm foundation of a Christian community, or until he was forced to move by circumstances beyond his control. The same basic pattern was in fact followed on this missionary campaign in Asia Minor (cf. Acts 13:50; 14:3, 5–7, 20).

[I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 5, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), 227.]

The missionary work of Paul and Barnabas is authenticated by the Holy Spirit, supported by the church in Antioch, characterized by geographical movement, and focused on the proclamation of the word of God. . . .

The realities of missionary work involve reaching out to Jews and Gentiles, interpreting the Scriptures, explaining the significance of Jesus, instructing new believers, and encountering opposition;

The content of missionary preaching is focused on the fulfillment of God’s promises in the salvation that results from the death and resurrection of Jesus, who is Israel’s messianic Savior.

[Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Expanded Digital Edition., Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), Ac 13:1–52.]

2. Most exciting missionary account: pioneer missions

The Church in Cyprus

In the life of the early church Cyprus played an important part. Among the Christians who fled from Judaea in consequence of the persecution which followed Stephen’s death were some who “travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus” (Acts 11:19) preaching to the Jews only. Certain natives of Cyprus and Cyrene took a further momentous step in preaching at Antioch to the Greeks also (Acts 11:20). Even before this time Joseph Barnabas, a Levite born in Cyprus (Acts 4:36), was prominent in the early Christian community at Jerus, and it was in his native island that he and Paul, accompanied by Barnabas’ nephew, John Mark, began their first missionary journey (Acts 13:4). After landing at Salamis they passed “through the whole island” to Paphos (Acts 13:6), probably visiting the Jewish synagogues in its cities. The Peutinger Table tells us of two roads from Salamis to Paphos in Rom times, one of which ran inland by way of Tremithus, Tamassus and Soli, a journey of about 4 days, while the other and easier route, occupying some 3 days, ran along the south coast by way of Citium, Amathus and Curium. Whether the “early disciple,” Mnason of Cyprus, was one of the converts made at this time or had previously embraced Christianity we cannot determine (Acts 21:16). Barnabas and Mark revisited Cyprus later (Acts 15:39), but Paul did not again land on the island, though he sighted it when, on his last journey to Jerus, he sailed south of it on his way from Patara in Lycia to Tyre (Acts 21:3), and again when on his journey to Rome he sailed “under the lee of Cyprus,” that is, along its northern coast, on the way from Sidon to Myra in Lycia (Acts 27:4).

[Marcus N. Tod, “Cyprus,” ed. James Orr et al., The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 772.]

The men depart to Seleucia which was about fifteen miles from Antioch. They sailed to Cyprus which was an island about one hundred miles from Seleucia. The city of Salamis was on the east side of Cyprus. It was the homeland of Barnabas. They preached God’s Word here.

2 Timothy 4:2—Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Ephesians 6:17—And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

If you take the Word out of ministry, you no longer have a ministry. God’s Word increased faith and changed the lives of people. It continues to do that today. It will change your life too, if you will make it a part of your life and hunger for its truths.

A New Hebrides chieftain sat peacefully reading the Bible, when he was interrupted by a French trader. The trader scowled, “Bah, why are you reading the Bible? I suppose the missionaries have got hold of you, you poor fool. Throw it way! The Bible never did anybody any good.”

The wise, old chief very calmly replied, “If it wasn’t for this Bible, you’d be in my dinner kettle by now!” That chief was communicating an important message to the Frenchman, “You ought to thank God for the life-changing power of this Bible!”

[Rod Mattoon, Treasures from Acts, vol. 2, Treasures from the Scriptures (Wordsearch, 2019), 82.]

B. From Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia

1. The rejoicing governor

Note - Luke’s recounting of the “Two Paul’s” - Saul, who is called Paul, and Sergius Paulos; or Christ’s Apostle and Caesar’s Proconsul

2. The 170 miles to Perga: the preparation

John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10), was with them as their helper (cf. Acts 12:25). What is meant by the term “helper” (hypēretēn) is debated. Probably he instructed new converts, assisted in baptisms (cf. 1 Cor. 1:14–17), and helped in any way he could.

[Toussaint, 387.]

The Bible draws attention to the fact that they took John Mark along as their minister, their attendant. Some believe that like Elisha who waited on Elijah, Mark helped them as a personal servant while he trained for the ministry. Luke 1:2 uses the same word for “ministers of the Word,” however. Others believe they took Mark because he was an eyewitness of the arrest, death, and resurrection of Jesus, probably being the young man mentioned in Mark 14:51, 52.

Acts 13:6. After proclaiming the gospel at Salamis, they traveled throughout the island. The Greek indicates they covered it rather thoroughly stopping at all or most of the towns and cities until they came to Paphos on the western end of Cyprus.

Saul (Paul) changed this method after they left Cyprus. After this, instead of trying to cover the whole territory of a region or province, they went to key cities to establish churches. These local assemblies then became centers where the local body could spread the gospel into the surrounding area.

[Ralph W. Harris, ed., Acts, The Complete Biblical Library: New Testament Study Bible (World Library Press, 1991), 305–307.]

Note Humor - This is why I know Mark was a good “Baptist.” (Paul didn’t baptize regularly (see 1 Cor. 1), but would have relied on Mark and others to help with this; similarly, Jesus never baptized, but His disciples did that for Him).

“Mark probably acted as baptist,”[12] is a speculation that is supported by the fact that Paul did not usually do the baptizing personally (1 Cor. 1:14–17).

[12 B. W. Johnson, The People’s New Testament (Delight, Arkansas: Gospel Light Publishing Company), p. 470.

James B. Coffman, Commentary on Acts, The James Burton Coffman Commentaries (A. C. U. Press, 1985), Ac 13:5.]

3. The greatest problem to face in Perga

C. The Departing Disciple: Rough Going Ahead

MARK. John Mark was the son of Mary, a Christian Jewess in whose home the early Christians seem to have been sheltered (Ac. 12:12). Marcus was his Latin surname; his Jewish name was John, meaning the grace of God. Peter may have been the means of his conversion, for he calls him his son (1 Pe. 5:13). He was the nephew or cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). Paul and Barnabas, after visiting Jerusalem to deliver the relief offerings from Antioch, brought John Mark with them to Antioch (Ac. 12:25). He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but he left them early in these travels at Perga (Ac. 13:13). Apparently because of this, there was a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over Mark’s going with them on the second journey. The result was that Silas accompanied Paul, and John Mark accompanied Barnabas (Ac. 15:36-40). Later Paul was reconciled with John Mark. Paul commended him to the church at Colosse (Col. 4:10). Paul requested his services in Rome (2 Ti. 4:11), and he was with Paul in Rome when the epistle to Philemon was written (Phile. 24). John Mark is traditionally considered to be the writer of the Gospel of Mark (Analytical, Concise, Smith).

[David Cloud, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity, n.d.]

The defection of John Mark . . . is briefly expressed (anticipating Acts 15:38–39). The ptc. ἀποχωρήσας . . . is often tr. merely “left.” The word with ἀπ᾽ αὐτῶν means “to desert” (BDAG 125a; BHGNT 251).

[L. Scott Kellum, Acts, ed. Andreas J. Köstenberger and Robert W. Yarbrough, Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2020), 156.]

What caused Mark to desert is open to speculation: (1) Perhaps he was disillusioned with the change in leadership. After all, Barnabas, the original leader, was John Mark’s cousin. (2) The new emphasis on Gentiles may have been too much of an adjustment for a Palestinian Jew like Mark. (3) Possibly he was afraid of the dangerous road over the Taurus Mountains to Antioch which Paul was determined to travel. (4) There is some evidence Paul became quite ill in Perga, possibly with malaria, as the city of Perga was subject to malarial infections. Furthermore, Paul preached to the people of Galatia “because of an illness” (Gal. 4:13). The missionary party may have gone inland to higher ground to avoid the ravages of malaria and Mark in discouragement over this may have returned home. (5) Some think Mark was homesick. His mother may have been a widow (Acts 12:12); perhaps Mark became lonesome for her and home. Whatever the reason, Paul considered it a defection and a fault (cf. 15:38).

[Toussaint, 388–389.]

There is no thought here of Mark’s leaving the faith (especially in view of Acts 15:37), but abandoning a mentor was also viewed as a form of unfaithfulness . . . a disciple’s abandonment would still lay the teacher’s honor open to challenge. One trusted associate’s abandonment could create scandal and even generate mass abandonment in times of difficulty.

[Craig S. Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary & 2: Introduction and 1:1–14:28, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012–2013), 2030–2031.]

Body

I. The Christian Must Realize That There Are Mountains to Cross

A. Mark and his first impulse to missionary service

B. What we know of Mark from Acts 12:12: son of a rich woman

Acts 12:12 KJV 1900

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

C. H. A. Ironside:

''That isn't always the best start in life-to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth!"

1. The tragedy of modern youth

2. The mistake: won't have to work as I have

D. Crossing mountains

1. Moses: must face Pharaoh to free Israel

2. David: must face Goliath to defend Israel

3. Many mountains today: ridicule, financial stress, family forsaking, physical suffering

Free from condemnation (Acts 13:13–43)

From Paphos, the apostolic team sailed to Perga, near Antalya in modern Turkey, at which point John Mark ‘left them’ for Jerusalem—a departure Paul later characterized as desertion (13:13; 15:38–39). We are not told why Mark left. We do not need to know all about other people’s failings: we just need to work at overcoming our own. Mark went on to be a missionary and the writer of the Gospel that bears his name. He appears also to have been reconciled to Paul in later years (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24).

[Gordon J. Keddie, You Are My Witnesses: The Message of the Acts of the Apostles, Welwyn Commentary Series (Darlington, England: Evangelical Press, 2000), 153.]

II. The Christian Must Not Retreat from Crossing the Mountains of Life Lest He Harm His Service for Christ (Acts 15:37)

Acts 15:37 KJV 1900

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

A. Mark's next desire for missionary service

Barnabas’ suggestion went over like a lead balloon. Paul was about as thrilled as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. He was not a happy camper. The apostle was concerned about the unfaithfulness of Mark in the past. He did not want a quitter on the trip. Mark did not have time to mature and prove his faithfulness. It was too soon for him to be involved in a difficult task.

It takes time to restore a testimony and to establish credibility and trustworthiness. Paul lacked confidence in Mark.

Proverbs 25:19 KJV 1900

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Barnabas viewed Mark in a different way. He looked at people and saw what God’s work could do for a person. Paul looked at people and saw what a person could do for God’s work.

[Rod Mattoon, Treasures from Acts, vol. 2, Treasures from the Scriptures (Wordsearch, 2019), 180–181.]

Mark and Paul placed Barnabas in an unenviable position; culturally, he was expected to choose his allegiance or create friction anyway by refusing to do so.

[Craig S. Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary: 15:1–23:35, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2014), 2300.]

. . . one should not trust someone one has not observed (1.1.5.15; cf. 1 Tim 3:10).

1 Timothy 3:10 KJV 1900

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

[Keener, 2302.]

B. The world is retreating from its problems

1. The person imbibing alcohol is in retreat

2. The loud cursing mouth is evidence of retreat

3. The unfaithful woman is evidence of retreat

4. The liar is in retreat

5. The young person who runs with the worldly crowd is in retreat

6. The slave to entertainment is in retreat

C. Biblical examples of retreat

1. Israel desiring to return to Egypt

2. Peter's denial at the trial of Jesus

We press on now with a squint at our own feet of clay, feeling a measure of relief that two of the greatest men of history were not totally unlike ourselves. But before that gives us an excuse, we are challenged by the fact that both Paul and Barnabas moved on to their new, but separate callings. The reconciliation of the two of them, and of Paul with Mark, would come later. Unconditional love won in the end; Colossians 4:15 is evidence of that. When Paul was in prison in Rome, Mark was with him, and the great apostle commended him to the church in Colossae.

It is a challenge to realize that we don’t have to wait until the end of our lives to experience reconciliations. As I’ve moved through this chapter of Acts, I’ve realized areas where I’m struggling to keep faith as my only confidence with God, and relationships where my standards for people have blocked unconditional love. What about you? The Council of Jerusalem not only changed the future of the expansion of the church. If we deal with the same issue, it will change us and our churches. And if we fail again? The Lord will use even that if we surrender it to Him with faith in His mercy!

[Lloyd J. Ogilvie and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Acts, vol. 28, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1983), 234–235.]

D. Problems are never really solved by retreating from them

I feel for Barnabas, and yet Paul is the greatest of the apostles. Perhaps they were both right. No one can rightly blame Barnabas for wanting to give his cousin a second chance, nor can we fault Paul for fearing to trust him again. Our judgment goes with Paul, but our hearts go with Barnabas.

[R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), 203.]

The ministry of Paul and Silas involved their strengthening the churches (cf. Acts 14:22; 15:32).

Acts 14:22 KJV 1900

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 15:32 KJV 1900

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

[Stanley D. Toussaint, “Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 398.]

E. Great men facing problems e.g., Daniel and his friends

The term “the work” (τὸ ἔργον) denotes missionary work, i.e., the proclamation of the good news of Jesus to Jews and Greeks and the teaching of new converts, and it includes the travels and the travails of missionaries.

[Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Expanded Digital Edition., Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), Ac 15:37–38.]

The result of the separation was that two missionary expeditions, rather than one, set out. We hear no more of Barnabas’s activities. From now on the spotlight is exclusively on Paul. Moreover, what began as a follow-up visit to areas already evangelized became under the Spirit’s direction a full-scale campaign that took Paul and Silas temporarily out of Asia Minor and across the Aegean Sea into Macedonia and Greece where they established churches in Philippi, Thessalonica and Corinth.

[I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 5, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), 273.]

III. The Christian Must Refresh Himself by Looking to Jesus

A. The difference in the problem for the Christian and the world

After certain days (probably a considerable time, even up to a year), Paul suggested to Barnabas that they visit the brethren in the churches established during the first missionary journey in Cyprus and South Galatia to see how they were and what their situation was. All these churches were founded in the midst of all kinds of opposition and persecution. Paul had been stoned at Lystra. He had suffered persecution in every place where he preached the gospel. Now Paul felt it was time to go back and see how these churches were doing.

Throughout his ministry, Paul maintained a love and concern that kept him praying for the churches and believers to whom he had ministered. He visited many of them again and again to give them further teaching and encouragement. He knew how important it is to follow up and disciple new believers. When he could not go to them, he wrote them letters. Even in the midst of his own persecution and perils, he did not forget them. Upon him daily was the care and concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28, 29). So now he wanted to visit every city where they had founded churches.

2 Corinthians 11:28–29 KJV 1900

28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

The word “visit” is the same word used of God’s gracious visitations where He brought salvation and blessing to His people. It is also often used of visiting the sick to pray for them and to help them. Visit has the connotation of caring and looking after. Paul had the heart of a good undershepherd who felt the responsibility of caring for the Lord’s flock.

[Ralph W. Harris, ed., Acts, The Complete Biblical Library: New Testament Study Bible (World Library Press, 1991), 375.]

B. Second Corinthians 12:7-10: Paul finding strength for mountains

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 KJV 1900

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

C. What happened to Mark?

1. Wrote his gospel between these years

2. Saw Christ facing and overcoming

Mark 1:12–13 KJV 1900

12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Mark 4:35–41 KJV 1900

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Mark 14:22–46 KJV 1900

22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. 26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. 32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. 43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

Mark 15:15–28 KJV 1900

15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. 16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. 17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, 18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. 21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. 22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. 23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. 24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. 25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. 26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

D. The profitable servant by looking to Jesus

St. Mark

This evangelist and martyr was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. It is supposed that he was converted to christianity by St. Peter, whom he served as an amanuensis, and whom he attended in all his travels. Being entreated by the converts at Rome to commit to writing the admirable discourses they had heard from St. Peter and himself, he complied with their request, and composed his gospel in the Greek language. He then went to Egypt, and constituted a bishopric at Alexandria: afterwards he proceeded to Lybia, where he made many converts. On returning to Alexandria, some of the Egyptians, exasperated at his success, determined on his death. They tied his feet, dragged him through the streets, left him bruised in a dungeon all night, and the next day burned his body. This took place on the 25th of April, on which day the church commemorates his martyrdom. His bones were carefully gathered up by the Christians, decently interred, and afterwards removed to Venice, where he is honoured as the tutelar saint and patron of the state.

[John Foxe, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2000).]

The beginning of the second missionary journey and disagreement over John Mark (Acts 15:36-41).

This story has been overemphasized. Despite sharp [dis]agreement. Five observations for application today:

a. This was not an issue of right and wrong; not matter of judgment. Cannot be proven who was right. No methodological issue at stake; simple difference in opinion.

b. God can lead people to two different points of view. Sometimes that’s good thing. More people can be utilized in the ministry.

c. In the church and ministry, there are different ways to do thing (not doctrinal matter and God’s method). That’s not necessarily bad and sometimes very helpful.

d. We must not become too sensitive when it comes to disagreement. We will disagree on some things. That’s fine.

e. When we do disagree with each other, this needn’t turn ugly. No indication in the Acts that Paul and Barnabas became enemies. But other places tell us they were in good relationship. Let’s just leave some matter with God. God will be the judge. Jonathan Edwards’ example – he was kicked out of his church. His response was this: I will see you at the judgment seat. He did let God deal with it.

[C. Jason Walker, Course Notes - Pensacola Theological Seminary | Commentary, n.d., Ac 15:36–41.]

Conclusion

A. What to Do with Mountains

1. Face them: conquer them with Christ

2. Don't run from your problems today

B. Who Has Problems to Face?

[Source: Roger Campbell, Preach for a Year, #8; Kregel]