"Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? Who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? Or who feeds a flock and eats not of the milk of the flock? " (I Corinthians 9:6-7)
We often hear about the split between apostles Paul and Barnabas, over the latter deciding to take John (whose surname was Mark) with him, but are we aware of the rest of the story? This is a good question and one that serves as a catalyst for investigating the scriptural accounts further. It also provides much needed insight into the lives of those who literally hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- having stepped out of their religious chores for the good news gospel.
The transformation began on the day of Pentecost when the first 3,000 souls saved repented of their sins, and were water baptized in the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:1-47) The born again movement wherein believers were filled with the Holy Ghost did not end there. Indeed, the book of Acts (wherein the disciples were led by the Holy Ghost) shows us numerous examples of how born again believers walked in the day to day, and how Saul (through the coming along side of Barnabas) became increasingly established in the faith.
We know too that Barnabas was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith; and from his preaching of the gospel, much people were added unto the Lord. (Acts 11:24) Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas; that he should go as far as Antioch; who, when he came and had seen the grace of God was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." (Acts 11:22-23)
It is also important to note that many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God ... confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 13:43; Acts 14:22)
Like Paul, Barnabas did not hide his doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience, persecutions and afflictions. (II Timothy 3:10-11) From Acts 14, we learn that Barnabas was also in one accord with those early believers who repented and were baptized on the day of Pentecost:
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation), a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold [it] and brought the money and laid [it] at the apostles' feet." (Acts 14:32-37)
But we are jumping ahead of ourselves. In terms of the relationship between Barnabas and S/Paul, we need to look first at the situation in Acts 9, and the course of events going forward. After many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill S/Paul for preaching Christ in the synagogues --that He is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20) But their laying await was known of S/Paul, and that their agenda was to kill him. So the disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a basket.
But we are jumping ahead of ourselves. In terms of the relationship between Barnabas and S/Paul, we need to look first at the situation in Acts 9, and the course of events going forward. After many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill S/Paul for preaching Christ in the synagogues --that He is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20) But their laying await was known of S/Paul, and that their agenda was to kill him. So the disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a basket.
"And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that He had spoke to him about how Saul preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27; Acts 4:29, 36)
In Acts 11, when the saints were scattered abroad as a consequence of the persecution that arose from the stoning of Stephen, travelling as far as Phenice, and Cyprus and Cyrene, and Antioch -- preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only. Some from Cyprus and Cyrene took it further and preached the Lord Jesus to the Grecians. "And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord." Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
"Who -- when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith; and much people was added unto the Lord." (Acts 11:23-24)
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus to find Saul. When he found Saul, he brought him unto Antioch.
"And it came to pass that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea; which also they did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:25-30)
What we are witnessing here is the Word of God growing and being multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled [their] ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch and Saul.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." And whey they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to [their] minister.
And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus; which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man: who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the Word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Then Saul (who is also called Paul), filled with the Holy Ghost set his eyes on him and said, "Full of all subtlety and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. (Acts 13:1-12)
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia, and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. Continuing in Acts 13:
"But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. And after the reading of the Law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, "Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on." Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm brought He them out of it.
And about the time of forty years suffered He their manners in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, He divided their land to them by lot. And after that He gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfil all My will. Of this man’s seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: when John had first preached before His coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, "Whom think ye that I am? I am not He. But, behold, there cometh One after me, whose shoes of His feet I am not worthy to loose." (Acts 13:14-24)
"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, to you is the Word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that He should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre. But God raised Him from the dead: and He was seen many days of them which came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses unto the people.
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee." And as concerning that He raised Him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, He said on this wise, "I will give you the sure mercies of David." Wherefore He saith also in another psalm, "Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption." For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: but He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you."
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, "It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 13:1-51)
"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, to you is the Word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that He should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre. But God raised Him from the dead: and He was seen many days of them which came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses unto the people.
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee." And as concerning that He raised Him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, He said on this wise, "I will give you the sure mercies of David." Wherefore He saith also in another psalm, "Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption." For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: but He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you."
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, "It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 13:1-51)
In Acts 14, in Iconium, they both went together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spake, that a great multitude -- both Greeks and Jesus believed. Bu the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Still, Paul and Barnabas abode there for a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided -- with some siding with the Jews, and the other part with the apostles.
When an assault was made, they continued to preach the gospel in Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies about. Therein, a man impotent in his feet and a cripple from his mother's womb was healed -- Paul perceiving that he had faith to be healed. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia -- "the gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." (Acts 14:1-11)
And they called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercurius, because Paul was the chief speaker. But when the priest of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands unto the gate to do sacrifice with the people, the apostles, Barnabas and Paul rent their clothes and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein; who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless, He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. (Acts 14:1-18)
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people and having stoned Paul drew him out of the city, supposing he to be dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood around about him, he rose up, and came into the city, and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Indeed, as they travelled from city to city, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." (Acts 14:19-28)
This was not the only time when the good news gospel collided with the religious traditions of men.
"And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." When therefore, Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question." (Acts 15:1-2)
When they passed through Phenice and Samaria, great joy was caused unto all the brethren as they declared the conversion of the Gentiles. At Jerusalem, they received of the church, and of the apostles and elders and they declared all things that God had done with them. Still, there rose up a certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, "That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." (Acts 15:3-5)
So the apostles and elders came together to consider the matter. After much disputing, Paul said unto them, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knows the hearts bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers, nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:6-11)
Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written, "After this I will return, and rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down, and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called," saith the Lord, "who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God; but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach Him, being read in the synagogues ever day," (Acts 15:12-21)
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: and they wrote letters by them after this manner.
"The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, "Ye must be circumcised, and keep the Law: to whom we gave no such commandment: it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord, with many others also." (Acts 15:22-34)
Note that after all this time of preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ together, we reach the point in the scriptures -- which the religious in spirit often allude. That is, from Acts 15:
"And some days after 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." And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches." (Acts 15:35-41)
To the religious, they separated into different ministries. But this interpretation does not align with apostle Paul's statements in the first chapter of I Corinthians, wherein he asks "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." (I Corinthians 1:13-15)
Therefore, the separation was not to preach "another" gospel under different umbrellas, but over the question of whether John whose surname was Mark could be trusted to engage in the ministry/work.
[As background, Peter had been imprisoned under Herod the king. The angel of the Lord came upon him and the chains and bindings released. Peter follows the angel out of the city and comes to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many had gathered together praying. (Acts 12:1-12) And the scriptures allude that later Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. (Acts 12:25)]
Note that this same Mark had previously departed from Pamphylia and went not with Paul and Barnabas to the work. Is that the end of their relationship, as some would allude? Let's examine what the scriptures state, because it is herein that we find truth. As Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth!" (John 17:17)
"Then fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run in vain. But neither Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus -- that they might bring us into bondage ..." (Galatians 2:1-4)
When, as Paul states, they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto him, and the gospel of the circumcision unto Peter - "For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles." (Galatians 2:7-8)
[For further clarity, note that apostle Paul, who received his understanding of the gospel by revelation (having not walked with Jesus when He walked on earth) was responsible for ministering to the Gentiles -- the uncircumcised.] But I digress.
After Paul and Barnabas separated, Paul went to Derbe and Lystra, and found there a certain disciple named Timotheus. (Acts 16:1; Galatians 2:3) And as they went through the cities, they deliver them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily." (Acts 16:4-5; Acts 15:2, 28-29; Acts 2:36-47; Acts 9:31)
This is an important point -- that these churches were established in the faith, and increased in number daily, emanating directly from the "no small dissension and disputation" that Paul and Barnabas together (in one accord) had with them who wanted to include circumcision as a necessary part of salvation.
This is why "the fourteen years after that Paul went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas" -- from Galatians 2:1 is critical -- to ensure that the contention that the scriptures allude -- was so sharp between Paul and Barnabas over Mark -- is not an indication of each going their separate ways, in "different" ministries, but continuing in the same one accord that was established on the day of Pentecost.
Examining the scriptures further, Paul gives further instructions --- "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him)." (Colossians 4:10)
And also, Paul writes -- "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry." (II Timothy 4:11)
Taken together, these latter scriptures indicate that as a consequence of Barnabas taking Mark, the latter was able to become established in the faith (like Saul in the beginning), but so much so, that Paul later tells Luke to take Mark too -- "for he is profitable to me for the ministry." (II Timothy 4:11)
All critical understandings in achieving the one accord that is weaved throughout the New Testament for us to learn and be edified -- knowing that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
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