27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
02 Acts 13 04-12 THE MINISTRY IN CYPRUS 05 Acts 13 05 Experiencing the Holy Spirit in the ministry
📖 Acts 13:04-12
05 – Wed, 02 Apr 2025 – *Experiencing the Holy Spirit in the ministry* - _Acts 13:04-12_ – THE MINISTRY IN CYPRUS –
_Acts 13:5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. *They also had John as their assistant*._
John Mark had accompanied Barnabas and Saul when they had come to Jerusalem and returned to Antioch. _Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark._
John Mark had observed these mighty men of God at close range as they had come to fulfil the ministry that was entrusted to them by the church at Antioch. Their lives had a profound impact on young John Mark, and he was willing to accompany them to Antioch.
When they had come back to Antioch they ministered in the church.
John Mark was observing the ministry in the church in Antioch. He knew how the Lord had separated Barnabas and Paul for the ministry He had for them to accomplish. _Acts 13:1-3 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (2) As 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." (3) Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away._
John Mark, therefore, had a firsthand experience of the ways of the Lord in the church in Antioch and the way the Lord separated Barnabas and Paul for the ministry. In every way, John Mark was the right person to assist Barnabas and Paul in the ministry. _Acts 13:4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus._
At Perga, John Mark left these men of God and returned to Jerusalem. _Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and *John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem*._
The reason why John Mark left them is also known to us. _Acts 15:36-38 Then 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." (37) Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. (38) But 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*._
It was another matter that Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance in the ministry. Yet the fact that John Mark was not willing to go with Barnabas and Paul for the work was a reality. *John Mark operated out of the flesh*, even though he was privileged to witness the work of God through Barnabas and Paul, from close quarters.
Friends, this is an important lesson for us. The Lord gives each of us opportunities, relationships, exposures and experiences for us to move forward in the ministry. Each of these has happened to us by God’s design. They are not random encounters.
We must, therefore, operate in the Holy Spirit to embrace our experiences of life and convert the same into becoming part of the ongoing work of God. The flesh will tempt us to give up and give room to its ways. *John Mark gave room to the flesh though he was highly exposed to the ways of God*.
Praise the Lord, for He is the God of second chances. _Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. (19) He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea._
The Lord was merciful to John Mark, and he came back into the ministry. Just because God is gracious does it give us a license to continue in the ways of the flesh? _Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only *do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh*, but through love serve one another._
Not only was John Mark faithful to the Lord in his later years, he also was reconciled with Paul. _Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),_
This was a privilege for John Mark. In our experience, we know that this reconciliation with those with whom we have had a difference may not always happen. John Mark was privileged that he could reconcile with Paul.
Friend, have you reconciled with those with whom you have had differences because of the ways of the flesh? It is important to do this right away. We all know that life is fleeting. The ones whom we have with us today may not be with us tomorrow. I urge you to reunite with those with whom you may have fallen out because of the ways of the flesh. Do not delay.
Of what use is our ministry if we are not able to resolve our differences? We also know that this is possible in the Holy Spirit. We have no excuse whatsoever.