Pastor's Sermon Notes: The Journeys Following the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:36-41)

The Journeys Following the Jerusalem Council

~ Or, The Further Adventures of Barnabas and Paul ~

Acts 15:36-41

³⁶ And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. ³⁷ And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. ³⁸ But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. ³⁹ And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; ⁴⁰ And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Introduction:

We have considered Acts 15 under the following headings or paragraph divisions:

The Occasion of for the Jerusalem Council (15:1-5)

The Proceedings of the Jerusalem Council (15:6-21)

The Results of the Jerusalem Council (15:22-35)

The Journeys following the Jerusalem Council (15:36-41)

Transition:  Ever since The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe (1719), stories of “The Further Adventures of…” someone or another have been popular. For example, many may not realize it but L. Frank Baum penned a sequel to The Wizard of Oz titled, The Land of Oz Being an account of the further adventures of the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman and also the strange experiences of the Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug, Jack Pumpkinhead, the Animated Saw-Horse and the Gump; the story being A Sequel to The Wizard of Oz (1904). Four years later Kenneth Grahame included a chapter on “The Further Adventures of Toad” in his classic The Wind in the Willows (London, Methuen, 1908). We sometimes see selections from Arthur Conan Doyle’s works republished under the title The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. There was also Huck and Tom, or, The Further Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Famous Players-Lasky Corp., Paramount Pictures, 1918). More recently we have seen the monthly comic series The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones (Marvel Comics, 1983-1986), [1] and Sholem Aleichem’s The Further Adventures of Menachem-Mendl: New York-Warsaw-Vienna-Yehupetz, trans. Aliza Shevrin, in Library of Modern Jewish Literature (Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 2001).

Following the delivery of the communication by letter and messenger from the Jerusalem Council we now learn in Luke’s narrative of what might be referred to as “The Further Adventures of Baranabas and Paul”.

Let us be very clear about something important at the outset.  This is not just history, or merely a historical narrative, but the inspired Word of God. It must be understood and treated as such. It is therefore for us to feed on and profit from. It has something righteous to teach us. There is reproof, correction, and instruction here which God has provided and preserved for our sanctification (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If we faithfully and humbly apply the words of this account to ourselves we  will be enabled us to mature as servants of God performing the good works that He has ordained for us to do (Eph. 2:8-10).

Outline:

I. Plan A Proposed (15:36)

II. Plan A Breaks Down (15:37-39)

III. Plan B Implemented (15:40-41)

I. Plan A Proposed (15:36)

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

1. The Idea for the Plan

2. The Extent of the Plan

3. The Purpose of the Plan

1. The Idea for the Plan

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren

“And some days after” - “The imprecise time expression is perhaps more significant as Luke’s way of marking a major new division in the narrative. A new division indeed does begin at this point—Paul’s second major mission.” [2]

“visit” - “Elsewhere in Luke-Acts, it typically refers to a saving intervention by God to rescue his people and judge his enemies: see Luke 1:68, 78; 7:16; Acts 7:23 (of Joseph visiting the Israelites in their afflictions); 15:14, 36 (of missionaries “visiting” churches previously planted).” [3]

Acts 15:14 - Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

2. The Extent of the Plan

in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord,

His intent was to retrace their steps in the first missionary journey which would include the cities of Cyprus (Salamis and Paphos), Pamphylia (Perga), Pisidian Antioch, and Lycaonia (Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe).

3. The Purpose of the Plan

and see how they do.

This is the vision, the burden, and the passion of the Apostle Paul. Here is his pastoral heart in action.  Despite the difficulties, the distance, and the danger, he must return so that he can tend to the flocks he led into the sheepfold.  He cannot just call them on the phone, or set up a video conference.  This calls for “boots on the ground”.

II. Plan A Breaks Down (15:37-39)

 ³⁷ And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. ³⁸ But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. ³⁹ And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

1. The Determination of Baranabas (15:37)

2. The Disagreement of Paul (15:38)

3. The Departure of Barnabas (15:39)

1. The Determination of Baranabas (15:37)

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Whoops!  This is a fly in the ointment of Paul’s plan! In other words, Barnabas’ well-intentioned amendment to Paul’s invitation would be a burr in the saddle, a monkey wrench in the works!

2. The Disagreement of Paul (15:38)

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

“No way, Jose!”

“That ain’t happenin’!”

“"If you doubt your ability to commit yourself to this life of selfless service, if you feel you might not strive to be beyond reproach in regards to your values... I want you to get up, resign your commission, and leave. I sincerely mean that. Think very hard about the life you are choosing. I'd rather lose half or more of you right now then to have leaders in the Division who aren't fully committed to the Army Values and a life of selfless service".

With this challenge to the gathered Second Lieutenants of the Iron Division, Brigadier General Gronski began the Iron Leader Orientation Seminar.” [4]

3. The Departure of Barnabas (15:39)

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

1) The Characterization of the Disagreement

And the contention was so sharp between them,

This was not something about which they could “agree to disagree”.

“Contention” - “sharp disagreement” in modern translations

2) The Consequence of the Disagreement

that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

NASB - And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. [5]

ESV - And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, [6]

HCSB - There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark  with him and sailed off to Cyprus. [7]

NIV - They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, [8]

NLT - Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. [9]

Options:

1) One of them was in the wrong;

2) They were both wrong;

3) They were both right.

Neither Barnabas nor John Mark (Marcus) are mentioned again in Acts. 

Barnabas is referred to later in three of Paul’s epistles: 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1, 9, 13; and Col. 4:10.

“Paul did eventually become reconciled to Mark and mentioned him as a coworker in several of his letters (cf. Col 4:10; Phlm 24; 2 Tim 4:11).” [10]

Col. 4:7-11 -  7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. 10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Phile. 23-24 -  23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

2 Tim. 4:11 - Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

1 Pet. 5:13 - The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

Mark as the author, or at least the amanuensis of the Synoptic Gospel that bears his name:

cp. Mk. 14:50-52 - 50 And they all forsook him, and fled. 51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Mark, whose home was where the saints gathered, and Peter came after being miraculously released from prison:

cp. Acts 12:12 - And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.)

III. Plan B Implemented (15:40-41)

 ⁴⁰ And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

1. The Members of the “A Team” (15:40a-b)

2. The Endorsement of the “A Team” (15:40c)

3. The Accomplishment of the “A Team” (15:41)

1. The Members of the “A Team” [11] (15:40a-b)

And Paul chose Silas, and departed,

2. The Endorsement of the “A Team” (15:40c)

being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

cp. 15:1, 3, 22, 32, 33, 36, 40 [12]

3. The Accomplishment of the “A Team” (15:41)

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Conclusion:

This is not just history, or merely a historical narrative, but the inspired Word of God. It must be understood and treated as such. It is therefore for us to feed on and profit from. It has something righteous to teach us. There is reproof, correction, and instruction here which God has provided and preserved for our sanctification (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If we faithfully and humbly apply the words of this account to ourselves we  will be enabled us to mature as servants of God performing the good works that He has ordained for us to do (Eph. 2:8-10).

I. Plan A Proposed (15:36)

1. The Idea for the Plan

2. The Extent of the Plan

3. The Purpose of the Plan

II. Plan A Breaks Down (15:37-39)

1. The Determination of Baranabas (15:37)

2. The Disagreement of Paul (15:38)

3. The Departure of Barnabas (15:39)

III. Plan B Implemented (15:40-41)

1. The Members of the “A Team” (15:40a-b)

2. The Endorsement of the “A Team” (15:40c)

3. The Accomplishment of the “A Team” (15:41)

 [Sermon preached 13 JUL 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources on Acts:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Paul Barnett, The Birth of Christianity: The First Twenty Years, After Jesus, Vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005).

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

Resources on Paul:

Kenneth E. Bailey, Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians  (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011).

F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977).

D. A. Carson, The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), pp. 496-501.

W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson, The Life, Times and Travels of St. Paul, 2 vols. in 1, unabridged American ed. (New York: E. B. Treat U Co., 1869); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=Bn1CAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Adolf Deissmann, Paul: A Study in Social and Religious History, 2nd ed., trans. William E. Wilson (New York: Harper Torchbooks, n.d.).

F. W. Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul (New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1889); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=RB2KeCSM6KsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Bruce N. Fisk, “Paul: Life and Letters”, in The Face of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent Research, ed. Scot McKnight and Grant R. Osborne (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004), pp. 283-325.

Richard B.Gaffin, Jr., "Acts and Paul", 46 lectures (MP3 format), WTS Resources Media Center on Westminster Theological Seminary at http://wts.edu/resources/media.html?paramType=audio&filterTopic=5&filterSpeaker=10&filterYear=2005 [accessed 20 MAR 2013].

Frank J. Goodwin, A Harmony of the Life of the St. Paul According to the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles (New York: American Tract Society, 1895); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=YgpEAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Richard N. Longenecker, The Ministry And Message Of Paul (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971).

Richard N. Longenecker, Paul, Apostle Of Liberty (New York: Harper & Row, 1964).

Richard N. Longenecker, ed., The Road From Damascus : The Impact Of Paul's Conversion On His Life, Thought, And Ministry (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).

Richard N. Longenecker, Studies In Paul, Exegetical And Theological (Sheffield : Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2004).

J. Gresham Machen, The Origin of Paul's Religion: The James Sprunt Lectures Delivered at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1925).

Leon Morris, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1955).

John Pollock, The Apostle: A Life of Paul, 3rd ed. (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1969, 2012); also published as The Man Who Shook the World (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1972; originally The Apostle: A Life of Paul, New York: Doubleday, 1969).

Stanley E. Porter, Paul in Acts, in Library of Pauline Studies, gen. ed. Stanley E. Porter (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1999; 2001 reprint of The Paul of Acts: Essays in Literary Criticism, Rhetoric and Theology, in Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 115, by Mohr Siebeck, Tubingen).

W. M. Ramsay, The Cities of St. Paul: Their Influence on his Life and Thought (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son; London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1908); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=JryEbmKool0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, Pauline and Other Studies in Early Christian History (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1906); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=-1ZJAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, 10th ed. (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1907); on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ramsay/paul_roman.html [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, The Teaching of Paul in terms of The Present Day: The Deems Lectures in New York University (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1914); on Internet Archive at http://ia600404.us.archive.org/2/items/teachingofpaulin00rams/teachingofpaulin00rams.pdf [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

A. T. Robertson, Epochs in the Life of Paul: A Study of Development in Paul's Character (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1974).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Paul The Missionary: Realities, Strategies And Methods (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008).

Udo Schnelle, Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology, trans. M. Eugene Boring (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003; trans. from Paulus: Leben und Denken, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co., n.d.).

Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001).

James Stalker, The Life of St. Paul, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1885; rev. ed. 2010 by Kessinger Publishing from 1912 ed.); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=vT0HAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 7 FEB 2013].

James Ironside Still, St. Paul on Trial (London: Student Christian Movement, 1923).

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[1] These were later published in a three volume set: Walter Simonson, John Byrne, Danny O’Neil, David Michelinie, Herb Trimpe, Larry Lieber, Linda Grant, et al., Indiana Jones Omnibus: Further Adventures, 3 vols. (Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse, 2009-2010).

[2] J. B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), pg. 341. “The expression μετὰ plus an expression of time in the accusative case was Luke’s usual manner of marking major divisions in the second half of Acts. Cf. 18:1; 21:15; 24:1; 25:1; 28:11, 17.” Polhill, op. cit., footnote 1.

[3] Dennis E. Johnson, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1997), pp. 23, and 30, note 15.

[4] 28th Infantry Division, Facebook post (12 JUL 2014), “Forging the Iron Division- 2LT Leadership Orientation”.

[5] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. 1995 (Ac 15:39). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ac 15:39). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

[7] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. 2009 (Ac 15:39). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

[8] The New International Version. 2011 (Ac 15:39). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

[9] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (Ac 15:39). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

[10] Polhill, op. cit., pg. 341.

[11] “The A-Team” (Stephen J. Cannell Productions, 1983-1987; Twentieth Century Fox, 2010). “The show's name comes from the "A-Teams", the nickname coined for U.S. Special Forces' Operational Detachments Alpha (ODA) during the Vietnam War…”

Note 10: “The US Army Special Forces still uses the term ODA for their 12-man direct operations teams.” Source: Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_A-Team [accessed 13 JUL 2014].

“The 12-man ODA (Operational Detachment Alpha) or "A-team," is largely made up of NCOs. Each man has a specific function, ranging from operations and intelligence, to weapons, engineering, medical and communications. The advanced training for each specialty can take six months or longer and includes small-unit tactics; languages; and survival, evasion, resistance and escape. The ODA itself may specialize in an infiltration skill or a particular mission-set, such as military freefall, combat diving, mountain warfare, maritime operations or urban operations.”

Source: www.army.mil, The Official Homepage of the U. S. Army at http://www.army.mil/article/29315/special-forces---shooters-and-thinkers/ [accessed 13 JUL 2014].

[12] On the appellation, “the brothers” in Acts see Johnson, op. cit., pp. 74-75, and 84, note 9.