To Develop

Pete Kersker - Sep 02, 2026

Barnabas and Saul were called by the Holy Spirit to go on a journey. They started in Antioch, went down to the sea port and sailed to Cyprus, and, after traversing the island, sailed on to Perga. John Mark traveled with them for this first leg of the trip.

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13 NIV).

John Mark returned home, which is not an unreasonable request. They had just visited Barnabas' home of Cyprus and Saul (Paul) had spent some time after his conversion in his home town of Tarsus. Paul didn't see it as reasonable, though. Paul thought John Mark had deserted them.

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work (Acts 15:37-38 NIV).

Barnabas, however, saw an opportunity to develop another servant leader just as he had done with Saul. Barnabas worked with Saul immediately after his conversion and brought him to the church in Jerusalem. Barnabas went to Tarsus to get Saul and worked by his side for a year in the new and growing church in Antioch. Barnabas went on this journey with Saul and, by the time they left Cyprus, let Saul take the lead as Paul. Barnabas worked with Saul every step of the way, developing him into the evangelist Paul became. Now, Barnabas was ready to work with a new protege in John Mark.

Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord (Acts 15:39b-40).

Can you think of any Barnabas-like people who built into you,
teaching you to be a Christ-like servant leader?

Do you build a life of faith and service into anyone else? How?