MONDAY, July 29 Acts 15:36—16:5. Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. We often think of Paul as having been perfect, once he was converted. Even though he says in his letters that he has not yet been perfected, has not received the prize (Philippians 3:12-14), he seems so assured that the church has granted him great authority. Here we see a common, everyday Paul, a person like us. He is angry at John Mark (referred to often as Mark), because Mark “deserted them in Pamphylia.” It would be interesting to know the whole story. Mark may have had a good reason. He may have just been irresponsible. We don’t know. We only know that Paul is angry enough about it to refuse to take him, and it causes a rift with Barnabas, Paul’s companion and Mark’s cousin. They no longer travel together. But the Christian story is about reconciliation and growth in Christ. Here Paul shines. In Colossians 4:10 we read that Paul is united again with Mark. Paul was never perfect, but what a model for us he is, getting over his anger at Mark, and continuing to work with him to spread the Good News to all. (From Forward Day by Day)
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 18:26:02 +0000
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