The Thrill of Victory!

…the Agony of Defeat 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." 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. 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.

Paul’s History with John Mark• New Gentile church in Antioch, had sent Paul and Barnabas to

the Jerusalem ‘Mother’ Church with a donation (11:27-30). • Paul and Barnabas then returned to Antioch, with a member

of the Jerusalem church in tow named John Mark (12:25).• When Antioch’s church sent them on their first missionary

journey, John Mark went too as their helper (13:4-5). But shortly after a successful power-encounter with a Jewish sorcerer on Cyprus (13:6f), John Mark bailed on them.

ACTS 13 13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. [Reason never stated]

The Part of THJ’s That He Missed

• John Mark had returned to Jerusalem and was there when Paul and Barnabas participated in the Jerusalem Council. Afterwards, Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark with them, but Paul sharply disagreed.

• By abandoning them, this is what John Mark missed:– Being persecuted and expelled from Antioch– Fleeing for their lives from Iconium– Being stoned and left for dead (Paul) in Lystra– Retracing steps to encourage new believers (Acts 14:21-28)

Even Heroic Partnerships Fall Apart

• Paul and Barnabas split up after being launched together in mission, even after going through so much together.– Not over doctrine or about power or difference of vision.

Over whether to reinstate a ‘helper.’– Before he died, Paul reconciled with both people.

• Churches split, ministry partnerships dissolve, best friends go their separate ways. Reasons aren’t always known or ever fully understood.– Must be open to Spirit’s work of

reconciliation/restoration.

Learning to Forgive My Father

“As you grow older, one of the most important things you

must do is to see your parents as flawed people who did the

best they could with what they had and to forgive

them.”