Congregational Book Study, Week 9-15 September 2024, Chapter 15, paragraphs 8-12 and box on page 118, Answers.

Congregational Book Study, September 9-15, 2024, Chapter 15, paragraphs 8-12 and box on page 118, Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 15 pars. 8-12 and box on p. 118.

Traveling overseers visit congregations to strengthen their faith

8. How did Barnabas react to Paul’s proposal?

Barnabas reacted positively to Paul's proposal to return to "visit the brothers." He thought it was a sensible and practical idea, since the two had already formed a good team and knew the congregations in the areas they had traveled through well. However, the situation became complicated when Barnabas was determined to take John Mark with them, which led to a disagreement with Paul.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul's proposal to return to visit the brothers he had met during his first missionary journey was a sensible idea. Paul and Barnabas had worked together in the work of the ministry and their partnership had yielded good results. Furthermore, this proposal reflected his genuine interest in strengthening the brothers and ensuring that they continued to grow in their faith. Barnabas, upon hearing Paul's proposal, agreed with it. However, a significant difference of opinion arose.

When Barnabas was determined to take Mark with them, the expression was determined indicates that Barnabas was not just suggesting the idea, but was firmly convinced that Mark should accompany them. This strong desire to safely include Mark was due in part to their family connection, as Mark was Barnabas' cousin.

9. Why did a disagreement arise between Paul and Barnabas?

The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas arose because Paul did not agree to take John Mark with them on their second missionary journey. The reason for Paul's opposition was because Mark had separated from them on a previous journey in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. Paul considered this to be irresponsible and had therefore lost confidence in him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas arose because of Paul's firm stance against taking Mark on his second missionary journey. The reason behind Paul's objection is explained in Acts 15:38, Paul did not think it was right to take him along because he had separated from them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work during their first missionary journey.

Mark had accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem, but instead of completing the mission he abandoned them in Pamphylia and returned to Jerusalem. Although the Bible does not explain the exact reasons for his departure this action was interpreted by Paul as a lack of commitment on the part of Paul, missionary work required total dedication and Mark's decision to abandon the mission at such a critical moment was in all likelihood seen by him as a sign of unreliability, this may have caused Paul to lose confidence in Mark.

10. What was the result of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?

The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas resulted in a heated argument that led each to go their separate ways. Barnabas decided to take John Mark with him to the island of Cyprus, his homeland, while Paul chose Silas as his companion and continued with his plan to make a second journey, strengthening the congregations in Syria and Cilicia.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The issue of whether or not to take Mark on his second missionary journey was so intense that it resulted in a definitive separation between the two. According to Acts 15:39, the discussion provoked a strong outburst of anger between them, which led to each going their own way.

Barnabas, remaining firm in his desire to give Mark a second chance, decided to take him with him to the island of Cyprus. This decision shows Barnabas' determination to continue supporting and guiding Mark despite the mistakes made in the past. 

On the other hand, Paul did not consider it prudent to take Mark along because of his previous abandonment. He decided to continue with his mission but chose Silas as his new traveling companion. This change of plans did not stop Paul in his purpose of strengthening the congregations they had previously established.

11. What qualities do we need to maintain good relationships when a brother offends us?

To maintain good relationships when a brother offends us, we need qualities such as humility, kindness, and a willingness to forgive. The story of Paul and Barnabas reminds us that, despite being imperfect, it is important to strive to maintain peace and unity. It also highlights the importance of treating others with love and kindness, which is essential for resolving conflicts and restoring relationships.

12. What qualities of Paul and Barnabas should Christian elders imitate?

Christian elders should imitate qualities such as humility, gentleness, and kindness that characterized Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas, known as the “son of comfort,” was loving and generous, while Paul was also known for his gentleness and kindness. These qualities are essential for treating fellow elders and others in the congregation with kindness and kindness.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The account of the dispute between Paul and Barnabas serves as a reminder that even the most faithful and committed Christians can experience disagreements due to their imperfection. Although both had been sent by the governing body and played a crucial role in the expansion of Christianity, in this particular case their imperfection led them to a disagreement that resulted in their temporary separation. Most importantly, however, they did not allow this dispute to destroy their friendship or spiritual relationship.

Remembering this, when a brother offends us, it is essential to imitate the qualities that Paul and Barnabas later demonstrated, humility and a willingness to make peace. Despite their disagreement, both continued to imitate Jesus and maintained humility, which allowed them to eventually reconcile and restore their good relationship. This example teaches us that while conflicts may arise, the Christian qualities of humility, patience and a willingness to reconcile are essential to maintaining and restoring good relationships within the congregation.

ANALYSIS BASED ON THE BOX: «MARCOS ENJOYED SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES»

Mark and his possible encounter with Jesus.

This paragraph suggests that Mark may be the young man who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested, as his gospel is the only one that mentions this anecdote. This indicates that Mark was probably with Jesus at some point.

Mark was likely the young man who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested. This is an anecdote only mentioned in his Gospel, suggesting that he was close to Jesus at some point.

Mark and his early Christian environment.

About 11 years later during the persecution of Christians by Herod Agrippa, many disciples gathered to pray in the house of Mary, Mark's mother. This detail suggests that Mark grew up in a home that supported the Christian faith and that he was in close contact with the first disciples of Jesus, which had a positive influence on his life.

Mark grew up in a Christian home, as his mother Mary welcomed early disciples, such as Peter, for prayer and Christian meetings. His home was likely a source of positive spiritual influence for him.

Mark and his early missionary work.

Mark began working alongside his cousin Barnabas and Paul and accompanied them on their first missionary journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor, however for unknown reasons he returned to Jerusalem before completing the journey. Later due to an argument between Paul and Barnabas about Mark, the latter joined Barnabas in Cyprus to continue his missionary service. 

Mark worked closely with congregational overseers. His first assignment was to accompany his cousin Barnabas and Paul to Antioch in Syria. He later accompanied them on their first missionary journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor, although for unknown reasons he returned to Jerusalem.

Reconciliation and work with Paul.

Years later Mark reconciled with Paul and by the year 60 or 61, he was working with him in Rome where Paul was imprisoned. Paul even considered sending Mark as his representative to Colossae, which shows that the trust between them had been restored.

Mark caused an argument between Barnabas and Paul over his early return to Jerusalem. This led to Barnabas and Mark continuing together as missionaries in Cyprus. However, Mark was later reconciled with Paul, who considered him very useful for the ministry.

Collaboration with Peter: Mark worked with Peter in Babylon, and they became very good friends. Peter referred to Mark as “my son” in a spiritual sense, which shows the closeness of their relationship.

Collaboration with Pedro.

Between the years 62 and 64 Mark worked with Peter in Babylon where they developed a close friendship. Peter came to refer to Mark as my son, indicating a close and affectionate relationship between the two.

Marcos and his value in the Ministry.

Around the year 65 during Paul's second imprisonment in Rome, he asked Timothy to bring Mark describing him as useful in the Ministry, this highlights the respect and appreciation that Paul, Barnabas and Peter felt for Mark.

Marcos' greatest honor

The greatest honor Mark received was being inspired by Jehovah to write one of the gospels. It is possible that Peter provided him with much of the information since the account includes details from an eyewitness. Mark wrote the gospel possibly in Rome with a particular focus on the Gentiles using Latin expressions and explaining Hebrew terms to make the message accessible to them.

Jehovah granted Mark the privilege of writing one of the four Gospels. It is believed that he received much of his information from Peter, as his account includes details that only an eyewitness like Peter could have provided. His Gospel seems to be directed primarily to Gentiles, as it includes Latin expressions and explains Hebrew terms.