Acts 13:2-3
²As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
Our Opening text is religiously used at a time of separation between one and another, alike with Lot at separation with Abraham we see a separation (Genesis 13:5-9).
Paul and Barnabas were made Holy(appointed) for a purpose, we however see Mark as their assistant. Was Mark too appointed!!, we know He served under purpose.
Acts 13:4-5
⁴So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. ⁵And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.
We are introduced to Silas at this point, the rift that arose was based on commitment in the journey, but many separations in the now churches are based on things outside the bible-(offense being one). But however we note that there appears to be unmentioned support for the two separated ones.
【Matthew 11:6
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.】
Acts 15:36-41
³⁶Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” ³⁷Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. ³⁸But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. ³⁹Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; ⁴⁰but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. ⁴¹And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Separation from each other is not separation from God, but however the reason for which You separate is relevant in a reunion. We see that much earlier the Son of consolation being Barnabas introduced Paul to the Apostles. (Acts 9:27), this being a much needed help. There was no true conflict between these two people but the confusion of an excited, learning, zealous 3rd party that jumped ship and possibly Paul’s impatience!
True relationship will sustain Men in ministry, have You become a Family or has zeal said that without You, the church of Christ will crumble!
Luke 5:3
And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
The professional fishermen had no draught(fish harvest) but the true Helper Jesus sat in Peter’s boat and issued instructions and alas Peter a Man that toiled needed other fishermen to catch the great harvest.
Prophetic Utterance:
I hear and follow God’s instruction.
I know how to mend my net,
I know my Helper and Helpers,
I catch fish and know how to mend my nets.
I catch with with Gold in their belly.
My boat does not sink, i multiply everything that’s with me.
I am a good Steward, also a fisher of Men.
Guiding text:
Psalms 121:1-3
¹I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. ²My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. ³He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.