40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

I find Silas to be my most interesting character in these lessons. Why? Because I see the character of Silas so much within our churches today. No so much in verse 40 as I do earlier in the chapter.

34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

Jonas and Silas had operated in Antioch as prophets and served that community well. Over time their service was no longer required and they were released to return to the apostles. Silas was pleased to stay put in Antioch.

Comfortable surroundings, loving people, a sense of accomplishment and now Silas was ready to sit down and rest. How that desire must have pleased the devil. One more affective worker for Christ sitting on the sidelines enjoying comfort and tranquility. The devil will leave you alone and stop hounding you because you are no longer a threat to Satan’s domain.

Your usefulness to God in this life will end after you have taken your last breath. We do not get to retire from being His nor does His purpose in us end just because we are satisfied. My best example for this is our retired pastor. He no long shepherds this flock. His ministry has moved on to serve veterans in a capacity in which he has a love for both the men and the ministry. He may not impact as many lives in the eyes of some but I will guarantee you his impact of love to the individual is more profound and needful for those who participate.

Silas got tapped into service with Paul with a proven record. He met Paul’s needs and their deeds are written the book of Acts. Silas’ second act was more impactful than his first. It would have been sad for all of us to think of Silas as staying on in Antioch, pleased with himself and content in that which he had already done.

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

We saw in the purposes of Paul that John Mark had failed Paul and therefore was rejected by Paul for further service on his mission trip. Rejection is a hard pill to swallow, especially when it is done in the open, in front of those you respect.

In John Mark I see a man who had not yet matured in Christ. He might have thought he was ready to serve with Paul. John Mark might not have been mature enough to understand what was going to be expected of him. This is a common dilemma of service, in that the desire to serve can come before one is prepared to serve.

Rejection does not mean you have failed Christ. Those men who failed the pastor example in the telling of Paul’s purpose have all moved on to serve the Lord faithfully having matured. This includes myself. I too was a John Mark as one time. It would have been really helpful to have a Barnabas to disciple me on my journey. This is why I disciple others. I know how important discipleship is in personal growth in Christ.

Two issues I find encouraging about John Mark’s purpose. One is that he tried to serve Paul and stretching out to do more is not a wrong thing. It was Peter who called out from the boat, “If that be you Lord, ask me to do that which I cannot do in my own strength.” The second is that John Mark went with Barnabas and did not let his past failures prevent him from growing in Christ.

In the end John Mark proved himself and was found useful to Paul and applauded by Paul in the growth John Mark had shown. Mistakes do not make you a failure, giving up does.