Daily Bread

1. Let's go back and visit the brothers (36)

Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch as Bible teachers. There were many others there who also taught the Bible. Paul couldn't get the new converts in distant places off his mind. So he suggested to Barnabas that they make another trip to see how their sheep were doing.

2. Two servants of God part company (37-41)

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark in order to give his young cousin another chance. Paul did not think this wise, because Mark had deserted them on the previous journey. Barnabas' way was to encourage others and to bear with their weaknesses. Paul was adamant about not compromising. Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of God. Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus, his home territory. Both Paul's refusal to compromise and Barnabas' forgiving spirit helped Mark become a useful servant of God (2Ti 4:11).


Prayer: Lord, help me to be both forgiving and uncompromising--so that others may be built up in faith.

One Word: The Sovereign God trains men