Barnabus And John Mark

by Reid, A. | Category: Lives As Lessons | Sept 1996

We have no record of anything that Barnabas wrote in the canon of Scripture, no report of the content of any great message that he preached, yet he made an impact on situations and left an impression on people that was eloquent testimony to the work of an outstanding servant of Christ. So what kind of person was Barnabas and what were his main qualities?

The gifted shepherd:

Our first introduction to Barnabas is in Acts chapter 4, where we are told that his original name was Joseph. The name Barnabas was given to him by the apostles, no doubt as a reflection of the character that they saw in this man. Scripture abounds with examples of people whose names were changed or added to in order to indicate their nature or character, or the Lord's purpose in them (cf. Mat. 16:16-19). We are told that the name Barnabas meant son of encouragement, exhortation or consolation. This is our first clue as to what sort of person he was. It would seem to indicate someone who was able to draw alongside those who were experiencing difficulty or trial and by words or deeds was able to lift and sustain their spirits.

The selfless giver:

From those early days in Jerusalem onwards, we see in Barnabas generosity of heart. He was prepared to sell some of his own property and give the proceeds to the common need that existed in Jerusalem at that time. Disregard for his own material well-being and putting the needs of others before his own, was something that figured largely in his life. At a later time (see 1 Cor. 9:6-12) Paul was to link Barnabas with himself as a man who provided for his own needs whilst carrying out, the work God had given him. This was done so that no burden would be laid on others, and so that no hindrance to the progress of the gospel would result. A selfless man with a real concern for others is the picture that is building up of Barnabas.

The perceptive leader:

Another quality that Barnabas seems to have had was the ability to see the potential in other people. Having been sent by the Church in Jerusalem to assess the early work in Antioch (see Acts 11:22-30) he was quick to appreciate the genuineness and scope of the work. As a man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith (Acts 11:24) he helped to bring a great number of people to the Lord. But as the work in Antioch grew and developed, Barnabas could see that the situation required the fresh impetus of a gifted teacher. Having previously seen

and borne witness to the zeal and capabilities of the converted Pharisee Saul of Tarsus (see Acts 9:26-30), Barnabas knew that the work in Antioch cried out for a man of his ability. He travelled to Tarsus and persuaded Saul to return with him, they remained for a year teaching the disciples. Luke mentions in his narrative that it was at Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

The humble spirit:

After being called by the Holy Spirit to a special work (see Acts 13:2,3), Barnabas and Saul set off, accompanied by John Mark the cousin of Barnabas (see Col 4:10), on what was to be known later as the first missionary journey of the apostle Paul. Until now in the narrative of the Acts, Barnabas' name had always appeared first when linked with Saul or Paul; as if Barnabas were the senior partner in their enterprises together. But during the first missionary journey, Saul, now referred to as Paul, begins to assume the more prominent role. This role reversal might have been resented by a lesser man than Barnabas, but we see in the fact that he zealously continued their partner-ship, the gracious nature of this wonderful man. No pride of heart would spoil his service for the Lord; he would be content to follow Paul's lead so long as the work of the Lord prospered.

Defender of the faith:

Despite a moment of failure recorded in Galatians 2:11-13, Barnabas was a man who understood doctrinal truth and was prepared to stand up for it. In Acts 15 we have the record of the attempt by Jewish believers to introduce the rituals of the law into the doctrine of salvation. This was an attempt that was resisted by Barnabas and Paul when it first reached Antioch, and later at the council of elders convened in Jerusalem to debate the issue.

The forgiving spirit:

We must next consider the break up of the partnership of Barnabas and Paul spoken of in Acts 15:36-39. It did not occur over any failing in either of the two partners, but rather through their different assessments of John Mark. Paul remembered that John Mark turned back during the first missionary journey and felt that he should not be considered for the second. Barnabas on the other hand felt that his cousin should be given a further opportunity to prove his worth. Was this just the pull of family loyalty, or was it another example of his ability to see the latent potential in people? Whatever the reason on this occasion he was more inclined than Paul to give Mark the benefit of any doubt.

The great all rounder:

To sum up our review of the life of Barnabas we ask, what are the main qualities we can identify in him? An ability to lift and sustain the spirits of the downhearted; a selfless attitude in giving, whether in material things or in spiritual service; an ability to see the potential in others; a zealous spirit; physical and moral courage, whether facing opposition to the gospel or defending the faith against false teachers; a lack of pride and a willingness to accept the less prominent place and a forgiving heart. What a shining example of Christian living we see in this man, truly a life for us to imitate. Had he not walked so much in the giant shadow of the apostle Paul, perhaps the spotlight of sacred history would have revealed more of this great servant of Christ.

John Mark, the early years:

Our first introduction to John Mark in Scripture is in Acts 12:12. We know that he was a resident of Jerusalem in the early days of testimony in that city, since his mother owned a house there. It is suggested by some that it was this house that contained the Upper Room in which the Lord Jesus instituted the breaking of the bread. Still others suggest that Mark was the young man who fled leaving his garment behind at the arrest of Jesus (Mark 14:51, 52). These suggestions must be treated as speculation rather than attested fact.

The set-back:

From his home in Jerusalem Mark journeyed to Antioch in the company of his cousin Barnabas and the apostle Paul (see Acts 12:25). His role during this time was that of helper or minister (Acts 13:5). Having had experience of the work in Antioch and seen missionary service on the island of Cyprus, when he set foot on the shores of Asia Minor, Mark, for reasons at which we can only guess, decided to return home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). We know that Paul must have viewed this decision as a failing in Mark, which as we have seen, was to bring about the breakup of the partnership of Barnabas and Paul.

Lost ground recovered:

About twelve years alter he had incurred Paul's poor opinion of him, Mark is seen as being held in regard by Paul and spoken of as a fellow-worker and sharer of the apostle's trials (Col. 4:10; Philem. 24) At an even later date, from 2 Timothy 4:11, we see that Mark had regained totally the good opinion of Paul, being thought of by the apostle as being helpful in his ministry; the very task at which he had failed in Acts 13:13.

Perhaps the main lesson for us in the life of Mark is that of recovery from failure. We have all experienced failure in our spiritual lives and service, and repeated failure has been the cause of some abandoning the Christian pathway altogether. So this example of Mark, the failed missionary recovering lost ground to become a man commended by the apostle Paul, is an encouragement to all who feel that they have lost their way in spiritual things.

The gospel writer:

The second book in our New Testament carries the title of 'The Gospel according to Mark'. Although we have no direct scriptural link, early Christian tradition viewed the writer of the second Gospel and the John Mark of Acts as one and the same person. That same tradition holds that Mark gathered the material for his Gospel from the apostle Peter, with whom he was associated. The link between the two men is supported by 1 Peter 5:13 where Peter refers to him as 'Mark my son,.

From faint-hearted missionary to apostle's helper, and chronicler of the life of Christ; this is the encouraging pathway of progress and recovery that is shown to us in the life of John Mark.

Scripture references are from the NJV

Reid, A. | Sept 1996
Lives As Lessons