As I mentioned in our last visit, Paul penned a principle in 2 Timothy 2:2, that I believe he learned from Barnabas: “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”
I also believe Barnabas learned this principle from what he knew about the life of Jesus Christ. Before you can reproduce yourself you need to find some “reliable men.” Sometimes you need to see the potential of someone to become reliable.
Mark had not proven to be reliable when he deserted the team on their first trip. But Barnabas saw his potential and was willing first to work on helping him become reliable. Then he began entrusting to him what he needed to know to be qualified to teach others. Eventually Barnabas’s efforts paid off.
Mark became the Apostle Peter’s assistant. Serving under Peter he learned all about Peter’s experience while serving with Jesus during His three year public ministry. This he recorded in the Gospel of Mark. By the time Paul was facing death he wrote in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”
What an affirmation of Barnabas by Paul. What an affirmation of Mark who had been the cause of the split between Paul and Barnabas. And what an affirmation of Paul’s maturity and humility by speaking of Mark as helpful to him in his ministry.
Look for the potential in others. Help them become reliable. Then teach them to reproduce themselves. You will be in good company if you do this.
