> General Discussions
Paul & Barnabas
mharrell08:
--- Quote from: GinaMilan on June 06, 2010, 05:14:53 PM ---Hi, Marques
I know what my thoughts and opinions are, but that's not worth an anthill. What saith the scriptures? I've searched but I can't find the answer. I am very, VERY curious what you think. After all, you were the one who brought it up. Would you mind telling us what your thoughts are regarding the dispute?
--- End quote ---
Hello Gina,
As you can see, I removed my reply because I didn't want to steer the thread into a discussion about which Mark was which. I have not read any scriptures that confirm that John Mark spoken of in the book of Acts is the same that is referred to in the apostle epistles. Names such as Mark, Mary, John, James, etc are so common in the NT, it can cause confusion if the people being referenced are not distinguished by another attribute.
My thoughts are pretty much what I wrote in the initial post. I understood why Paul did not want John Mark to continue in the ministry, it was because he left in the midst of tribulation. Obviously, it was not the most ideal circumstances otherwise he would have stayed. John Mark decided that he would rather be somewhere else than ministering with Paul and Barnabas. I agree with Paul.
But Barnabas does not hold that decision against him the next time they are to ship out. I think that shows a perfect 'forgive and forget' attitude, which is always easier said than done. In that regards, I agree with Barnabas.
I find it peculiar because I agree with both of these men's decisions, even though they have direct opposite intentions. Normally, it is very easy to see who is wise and who is foolish when reading the scriptures, but this was the rare time for me to see wisdom in both instances. So I found that very, very interesting.
That's all :),
Marques
GinaMilan:
Well, you could be right in that Barnabus (which by the way is his surname and not his first name) was taking on a perfect forgive and forget attitude. But then that would mean that God made a mistake and that Paul was wrong and not forgiving. Was it not necessary for John and Barnabus and Paul to part ways for a while till Mark could grow up a little? If Paul had obeyed Barnabus, what would the NT look like? Probably much different.
Akira329:
I agree it is really hard to tell the difference between all the johns and mary's ect.........
The only verse that gives indication of why, is this one:
Act 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
At first I didn't see the wisdom of Barnabas in the matter.
I totally sided with Paul.
I never considered to forgive John Mark for leaving a brother stranded.
I guess sometimes it reveals a something about ourselves. Would I have forgave John Mark?
The book of acts is such a great book when it comes to seeing the growth of the apostles.
Antaiwan
mharrell08:
--- Quote from: GinaMilan on June 06, 2010, 05:59:21 PM ---Well, you could be right in that Barnabus (which by the way is his surname and not his first name) was taking on a perfect forgive and forget attitude. But then that would mean that God made a mistake and that Paul was wrong and not forgiving.
--- End quote ---
No it wouldn't, it could be simply a lesson for both of them to learn. While I stated I agreed with both about 'why' they did not want John Mark to continue, I did not say I agreed that they should have let this become such an issue as to separate them within the ministry.
Understand, all is of God. God intended from them to separate. But this could have been a lesson tool in humility for both these disciples, not whether one was right or wrong about John Mark.
--- Quote from: GinaMilan on June 06, 2010, 05:59:21 PM ---
Was it not necessary for John and Barnabus and Paul to part ways for a while till Mark could grow up a little? If Paul had obeyed Barnabus, what would the NT look like? Probably much different.
--- End quote ---
As Paul told the church in Corinth, it is God who gives the increase...it's not about who follows who or who obeys who [1 Cor Ch. 3]
Who knows if John Mark continued in the faith and grew? Again, whether Paul was right or Barnabas was right is not paramount...they still should not have become so stubborn as to split up. The ministry is to and for the saints, not the other way around.
Just my thoughts,
Marques
GinaMilan:
--- Quote ---Again, whether Paul was right or Barnabas was right is not paramount...they still should not have become so stubborn as to split up.
--- End quote ---
I'm sorry, Marques. See, I was under the impression that God directs our steps. ;)
I'm sorry, I hope this doesn't sound harsh, but it is very confusing to read that first you believe that Barnabas was perfect in his actions because of his forgiveness (automatically leading the reader to conclude that you do not believe that Paul was perfect in his decision); then to hear you say that they both were stubborn. (I'm sorry, I don't see where Paul was being stubborn. Did Paul ever apologize for his actions regarding John Mark?) And that this stubborn attitude (now on both their parts) was the thing that caused the (unnecessary?) split. It was clearly only for a season, and necessary for the betterment of the saints; that is, if you believe Paul's reasoning. These things happened, and Mark obviously was not harmed by it and neither was Barnabas. If they did not split, if there was never any contention or division, then we'd have a perfect church body and everything Jesus and the apostles prophesied would never have come to pass. And, thank God it's not here to stay. (Sure seems like it though, doesn't it.)
Thank you for your responses, though. I appreciate you taking the time, and I hope we can get past this.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version