Barnabas’s grace doesn’t stop with just Paul either he not only forgave John Mark for leaving, but trusted him enough so that he could redeem himself. In chapter 15 verse 36 of Acts Paul suggests that he and Barnabas go back and visit each city they had preached at, to check up on the believers. Barnabas agreed full heartily with Paul’s suggestion to revisit the churches. Which is no surprise it is a great idea because God desires more from His servants, His friends [John 15:15], than to simply tell people who He and His son Jesus are then never come back, never try to form a relationship with them. It is good to help others grow in their faith. However, Barnabas differed with Paul on who to invite (verses 37&38). Barnabas was ready to forgive John Mark and allow him to work on God’s mission with them again, but Paul was not. Paul was still hurt that John Mark abandoned them in Pamphylia, Barnabas and Paul's disagreement got so sharp that they split Barnabas took John Mark also known as Mark with him, and Paul took Silas (verses 39&40). This is a low point post salvation for Paul, even though he once prosecuted and killed Christians; he could not forgive Mark for leaving the missionary trip early. To clarify this would be an equally low point for any of the other apostles as well regardless their history, nobody's perfect except for God Himself. As the Lord says in his example of how to pray forgive and you will be forgiven (Matthew 6:12)
Praise the Lord He doesn’t leave us when we fall into judgment of others, condemning them for the same things God forgives and pours out grace on us for. God asks nothing of us that He Himself didn’t do thorough His son Jesus Christ. In fact I am really glad I found this in the bible because it goes to show you all will fall short of Gods glory (Romans 3:23). Including apostles of Christ and even the author of multiple letters in the bible. It can be easy to put the humans written about in the bible on a pedestal thinking of them as more than human, looking at their works as impossible to do anything near as great never the less surpass. When in reality through Jesus we are actually capable of so much more then even Jesus did on this earth when we stay in His will and have faith (John 14:11-13). The biblical heroes were just humans with flaws, but God still desired to use them. He had to teach them, encourage them, and constantly guided them. They were not immune to the disease of flesh like pride (Luke 9:46-48) and doubt (Judges 6:14-15).
Then if these people in the bible are not perfect why are they blessed enough to make it to the holy book? Why do they deserve the honor of being substance in the living water? In short they don’t through their weakness God is made strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). That was going to be it for the humanity of the apostles, but while making sure I did not take 2 Corinthians 12:9 and 10 out of context , the Lord open another door of His amazement. I zoomed out a little and first made sure I knew who was writing these words. 2 Corinthians was written by Paul and Timothy but these particularly verses (12:9-10) were written by Paul. I can say this confidently because starting just 10 verses back in chapter 11 verse 33 the writer writes that he “I” had to be lowered in a basket through the window, which happen to Paul (Acts 9:24-25).
Side note: if you ever are thinking how hard your life is and how God is treating you unfair you might want to read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33, it is a short summary of what Paul went through for God. Which by the way did not come as a shock to God that he would suffer for His name(Acts 9:16). Being a Christian doesn’t promise a life of rainbows made up of kittens and sunshine that gently kisses your check, don’t let anyone tell you different. Even Jesus was persecuted and warns us that truly following Him will naturally result in persecution (John 15:20). But, this is not a hopeless faith, it is one of peace joy and love. This is because we do not put our worth in things that will fade and have no eternal value instead we put it in Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2, John 16:33 John 15:9-13 *Luke 23:34 get context* John 3:16 Matthew 6:19-21) these verses are just a start of the the message of the love God has for us, presented in the bible. It is impossible to sum this message up completely and certainly deserve full devotion, not a branch off another train of thought. I suggest reading the gospel of John to try and grasp what Jesus is all about do it with pray and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions.
Back to the life of Paul, the reason he had to escape out the window is because he was boldly proclaiming the Lords name (Acts 9:22-23).
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