Second Mission, Second Chance Series

“Second Mission, Second Chance”

Acts 15:36-41

I would like to make the case for forgiveness and restoration.

God in His word describes His desire to forgive and restore those who have fallen.

Psalm 86:15 “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

The Bible is full of people who received second chances, and even third and fourth chances:, Moses, David, Jonah, Samson, Peter, Mark, and so many others.

The sad truth that I have seen, is the lack in the action of God’s children to forgive and restore others who have fallen.

I am so glad God is a God of second, third, fourth chances and so much more.

I. Second Mission

Acts 15:36 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.

Rested up and desiring to visit those whom had responded to the Gospel message.

Where churches were planted and elders were ordained.

I can relate to Paul because many years has passed since we had the privilege to start a church to the military in Sicily; we too had a desire to visit and see how it was moving forward.

Not every person will have the same experience, yet if you helped a person/persons through Discipleship it would be natural to see how they are today after a time has passed.

II. Second Mention

Acts 15:37-38 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Barnabas = "son of rest (or Nabas = prophecy)" the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul.

He was often looked to for encouragement.

In fact Barnabas written about in Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation, [encouragement]) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

John/Mark was the nephew of Barnabas and it appears that he was not willing to just let one failure to define Mark.

We will return to this subject near the end of the message.

III. Second Movement

Acts 15:39 “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;

Contention - Irritation, make angry, to exasperate,

How sharp was it? “So sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other…”

A personal note: because of the division between these two (2) men they just doubled their effort???

IV. Second Member

Acts 15:40-41 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Silas - a member of the church in Jerusalem.

Remember that providence caused Silas to stay in Antioch, for what reason was unclear until now!

So what happened to Paul and Barnabas?

I would like to explore this for a moment:

Evidence of Reconciliation

Despite their initial conflict, the New Testament provides evidence that Paul and Barnabas reconciled later on. In his letters, Paul refers to John Mark positively, indicating a change in his attitude towards him. For instance, in 2 Timothy 4:11 “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”

This suggests that Paul recognized Mark's value and, by extension, likely reconciled with Barnabas as well.

Additionally, in Colossians 4:10, Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Paul instructs the church to welcome Mark, further implying that the earlier tensions had been resolved.

These references indicate a restoration of their relationship, highlighting the themes of forgiveness and unity within the early Christian community.

Conclusion

The reconciliation between Paul and Barnabas serves as a powerful example of overcoming personal disagreements for the sake of the Gospel.

Their ability to move past their differences illustrates the importance of maintaining fellowship and cooperation among believers, even amidst conflict.

And the life of Mark?

Mark = an evangelist, the author of the Gospel of Mark. Marcus was his Latin surname, his Jewish name was John. He was a cousin of Barnabas and a companion of Paul in some of his missionary journeys

Don’t quit and give up with someone you had a disagreement with.

There is plenty of room for forgiveness and restoration.

That is only because of the restoration that Jesus gave to me when He forgave me of my sins.

Has Jesus saved you?

Then you too have all you need to forgive others.