Acts 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

On this occasion, “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” (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wanted to take his cousin John Mark with them. But Paul would not allow. He remembered this young man left them half way on their first missionary trip. It was one thing John Mark did that left a very bad impression on the apostle. He did not think Mark was worthy and fit to go with them. He could not trust Mark again.

But Barnabas was insistent to take Mark with them. But Paul would not relent. They had a huge argument over this issue. In the end, these two good men parted ways; Barnabas taking Mark with him, sailed away to Cyprus, while Paul took Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia.

It is sad to see two good men of God in conflict with each other. Why can’t Paul just give in a little for peace sake? Why won’t he give Mark a second chance to prove himself? Paul owed Barnabas a favour for it was Barnabas who spoke up for him in Jerusalem when all others were suspicious of his conversion (Acts 9:37). Paul himself was given a second chance by the Lord Jesus; why can’t he do the same for Mark?

Barnabas lived up to his name as the son of exhortation (Acts 4:36). He was an encourager. He did not lose hope on Mark. He did not brand Mark for one mistake. He knew Mark must have his reason to leave them. He was willing to give him another chance to prove himself. He wanted to encourage Mark. He saw some good in him; he knew he could do it.

Was Paul being too harsh on John Mark? Was Barnabas simply showing favouritism because Mark was his cousin? Probably both were blameworthy.

We know Paul was wrong about John Mark. And, because of Barnabas, Mark had proven himself he was a worthy person. And Paul was willing to right the wrong and in later years, spoke favourably of this young man, declaring him profitable for the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).

Should we also make the same mistake as Paul and draw the conclusion that these two mature Christians were unworthy and were not behaving as Christians? Should we judge them by this incident? Should we conclude that Paul was a very stubborn and unforgiving person? Should we conclude these two Christians were immature and hot-tempered?

We know it was not their normal self. They were arguing. We know they shouldn’t. But we do it all the time; we argue instead of discuss. There is a difference between an argument and a discussion. An argument is to determine WHO is right. But a discussion is to determine WHAT is right. Well, that’s part of life; even leaders argue.

But let’s not argue whether Paul is right or wrong. There is one lesson we need to learn: don’t judge a man by his one action. Paul was wrong about John Mark. Mark was not incorrigible and one who always quit half way. John Mark did change and become a good servant of Christ (2 Timothy 4:11).

Let us be like Barnabas: give a second chance. Barnabas was known for his encouraging spirit. He knew how to encourage. He went on to work with John Mark. He changed this young man. Let us be an encourager too and give a second chance.

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.