RE Verse reading–Acts 4:36-37, 11:19-26, 15:36-40 (day six) “Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service” (2 Timothy 4:11) It is possible to have a positive end to a difficult chapter. Sometimes being “friends again” is better than being “friends the first time”. No narrative is supplied to this encouraging story. Barnabus is not mentioned. Did he die? Did he go on to an eternal place from which he could watch with satisfaction his two friends became friends again? We don’t know. What the Scripture does tell is that, eventually, Paul’s attitude toward John Mark changed. Perhaps Mark just grew up and out of his early irresponsibility. Perhaps Paul’s hard-drivenness softened some with age and wisdom. Whatever the explanation, there is great hope here! “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:2) When conflict happens, forgive and wait! It is possible to be friends again.
