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Divide And Multiply
After John Mark left and returned to Jerusalem, tension arose between Paul and Barnabas. For the next ministry trip, Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance, but Paul didn’t think it wise. Even though Paul and Barnabas could have resolved their differences and reassembled the original team, God used the separation to spread the Gospel even further.
On ministry teams, there are frequent struggles. While God always desires reconciliation, a change in direction can be the best way forward. Paul and Barnabas split into two different teams, and God used both teams mightily. They may have been divided, but in matters of doctrine, they both saw the importance and necessity of sharing the Gospel. They were unified in what was truly important.
On a side note, around 60 AD, when Paul was in prison in Caesarea, he ended his letter to the church in Colossae: ‘My fellow prisoner Aristarc sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas’ (Colossians 4:10 NIV). Paul had reconciled with Mark. Our Lord has given us the ‘ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Corinthians 5:11–21), and He will use every part of our lives for our good and the advancement of His kingdom. We serve a mighty God, Amen.
Written by HEIDI WYSMAN
About this Plan
In this plan, Heidi Wysman continues her study of Paul, in particular, how we can find hope by watching and learning from his life and the challenges he faced. His words and his teachings pointed to Jesus. And the simple message of Jesus – hope.
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