Last week we emphasized the powerful impact Barnabas had on Saul’s ministry (“No Barnabas, no Saul!”) Perhaps it could also be said, “No Barnabas—no John Mark!”

It’s interesting to note that it was Barnabas’ spirit of encouragement with regards to John Mark that actually led to the separation of Paul and Barnabas. John Mark, who had started out with Paul and Barnabas on their first team mission, abandoned them part way through (Acts 13:13). When it came time for their next big trip, Paul had little patience for John Mark although Barnabas wanted to give him another chance. The disagreement was so strong that Paul and Barnabas went separate ways; Paul took Silas with him while Barnabas took John Mark (Acts 15:37-39).

Perhaps Paul forgot what Barnabas had done for him in getting him on an effective team and releasing his potential. At any rate, Paul’s vision got in the way and prevented John Mark from being developed on their team.

John Mark later went on to record what many believe is Peter’s story of Christ—the Gospel of Mark. (Thank-you Barnabas for never giving up on John Mark!)

And I believe Paul later came around to Barnabas’ way of thinking, confirmed in his own words (2 Timothy 4:11) near the end of his life: “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (Had it not been for Barnabas once again Paul would have been the loser!)

As a student of Barnabas, Paul encouraged the Galatians: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (6:2)

Taking on the mantle of Barnabas, he exhorted the Ephesians: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (4:29).

And due to Barnabas’ influence, Paul wrote to the Romans: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (1:11-12).