Daily Devotions
Mark
Day 3
Text: Mark 1
"But the word of God grew and multiplied." Acts 12:24
GREAT CO-LABOURERS
The apostles Peter and John worked very well together. They were frequently seen in ministry together (Cf. Acts 3:1; 4:19). Another outstanding pair who worked well together were Paul and Barnabas. Luke described their partnership in ministry in the following text.
“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem
when they had fulfilled their ministry,
and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.”ACTS 12:25
MINISTRY IN JERUSALEM
In the first century Church, there were people who were given a special prophetic ministry. The following text describes their ministry.
“And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Then one of them, name Agabus, stood up and showed
by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine
throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of
Claudius Caesar.
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to
send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did,
and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”ACTS 11:27-30
1. Revelation from the Spirit of God
The Spirit of God gave warning through the prophets that a great famine would hurt many in Judea.
2. Responding to the needs at hand
The disciples of Antioch proved themselves worthy. They determined to help their brethren in Judea. They collected funds and sent Barnabas and Saul to present theirs gifts to the ruling elders of the church in Jerusalem. After completing this Relief Mission, Barnabas and Saul decided that it was time to return to their ministry in Antioch.
JOHN MARK IN THE COMPANY OF BARNABAS AND SAUL
On their journey back to Antioch, John Mark was invited to travel with Barnabas and Saul. We may make the following assumptions quite safely.
1. Mark was impressed with the work of Barnabas and Saul.
2. He had a heart for ministry and thus decided to see the ministry at Antioch.
3. He was quite a promising disciple, hence he was invited to Antioch.