Sunday, March 1, 2026
“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).
Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….
Acts chapter 15 concludes with a rather dreadful exchange: “[35] Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. [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.”
Doubtless, the Bible tells the truth, even about its heroes. Paul and Barnabas entered into a severe argument about whether to take John Mark along with them on a second apostolic journey. Barnabas was in favor, but Paul was not. From Paul’s perspective, John Mark was a liability to the ministry for abandoning them a few years earlier on their first apostolic journey (Acts 13:13); the reason for his withdrawal is unclear, but seems to be trivial. Barnabas, however, apparently had an emotional attachment clouding his judgment about the matter. John Mark (also known as Marcus) was “sister’s son” (nephew) to Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), thus explaining why Barnabas would be inclined to defend John Mark and overlook his past negligence. It was here, one of the saddest and “hottest” passages of the whole Bible, that Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways. Barnabas commenced a voyage with John Mark, whereas Paul took a trip with Silas.
Emotions can create illusions and delusions, so it is again advisable not to let them run our lives….
333 Words of Grace 