On that now famous “First Missionary Journey” Paul had a young man accompany his team … John Mark by name … only to be disappointed when his youthful student “quit” mid trip! (Acts 13:13 … “Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John DEPARTING FROM THEM returned to Jerusalem.”)

Paul never enjoyed people who lacked faithfulness! (Years later John Mark somehow redeemed himself in the eyes of Paul, thankfully.)

In fact, Paul refused to take this unstable young man (John Mark) along as the “Second Missionary Journey” began. (Acts 15:38 … “Paul thought NOT GOOD to take him, with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.”)

Yet, watch this please. It’s important …

But, as God would have it, on that Second Journey Paul meet another young man, an outstanding believer it appears, named Timothy! (Acts 16:1 … “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named TIMOTHEUS, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek.”)

And things just “clicked” in Paul’s heart. Comradery at first sight! The Lord gave Paul a traveling companion who would never quit! As Acts 16:3 reports: “Him (Timothy) would Paul have to go forth with him.”

Thus began a relationship (which became almost a partnership) that lasted for the rest of Paul’s life! To the point that the older Preacher often called the younger Preacher “my son.” (2 Timothy 2:1 … “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”)

What’s the point of this, of today’s Lesson?

Personalities!

They seem to matter, even in God’s Work!

Some Christians can work with certain types of brothers or sisters in Christ … much better than they can with other types of saints.

Thus, Peter and John often were paired. (One loud, the other relatively quiet!)

Elijah and Elisha fit that same mold!

Even Jesus usually sent out His men “two by two.”

Paul and John Mark (and apparently Barnabas as well) could have never continued in harmonious service for the Lord. Though all three (separately at times) did great things for Jesus’ Sake!

I am writing today to some Preacher (or other Christian worker) who has recently had to “part ways” with a beloved servant of the Lord … who for some reason has lapsed a bit. (Or maybe has just forsaken you!)

Doctrine may be at the heart of the split, or Church policy … but often personality plays a role, at least that’s my observation.

James and John, “sons of thunder” Jesus called them! That’s strong personality, folks!

If you are “hurt” today over some recent misunderstanding … stay strong, stay faithful!

God just may give you, as He did Paul, a substitute brother in Christ … who will fulfil (and more) whatever lack you are suffering!

John Mark … gone.

Timothy … on the scene!

To God be the Glory!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

.