David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 12:18-25

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. ²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

I’m not sure exactly when or how it was that I came to realize it. Maybe it was when we were praying  for each other as we sat around the table at a staff meeting. Could have been when I met with a group of parents to revamp the confirmation program. Perhaps it was in the midst of a contentious elders meeting at a church I served previous to these other examples. But I believe wholeheartedly that we’re better together. I love it when people come together in unity of spirit and the bond of peace. It encourages my soul to see people united and aligned in pursuit of God’s mission.

In the midst of recounting the conflict, persecution, and even death surrounding the early church believers, Luke makes a remarkable observation and what seems almost an offhand comment. He writes, “the word of God increased and multiplied.” And he tells us that “Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.” 

These two comments are not obviously connected, but they are not unrelated. God’s word grows even in spite of persecution and resistance. Because of that persecution God’s people are made more aware of their need for each other. Persecution requires the balm of Christian consolation and conversation. Christian fellowship strengthens us to face all manner of challenges.

The work of God never rests on just one person. There are key people who advance the cause of Christ’s kingdom more obviously than the many. But for every key servant of God there is a cadre of many who support and encourage the main player. And in this case the most significant and futurely impactful such servant is listed second. Barnabas and Saul go get John Mark in preparation and anticipation of what will prove to be one of the most significant missionary movements of all.

Saul will take the name Paul as he begins work among the Greek speaking gentiles. But this great man of faith and mission will not go alone. Barnabas, Silas, Luke, John Mark will be his companions throughout his remarkable missionary career. Then will come Timothy, TItus, Onesimus, and a whole list of others (see Romans 16 for that list).

Elijah had Elisha. David had Jonathan. Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two. Even Jesus himself had Peter, James, and John; John being especially close. Do you have a partner in mission? Is there someone who is allied with you in sharing the message of Jesus, living under Christ in his kingdom, loving God and neighbor to the fullest? You are blessed if you do. If you don’t you can make that a matter of your personal prayer, and make an intentional effort to find that person of peace; that partner in mission. How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity.