Summer Devotional:
​No Other Name - A Devotional on the Book of Acts

Day 31 – July 7th, 2021
Read Acts 15:22-40

Helpful Background
John Mark was a young man in the early church in Jerusalem. According to Church history, the “Last Supper” that Jesus had with His disciples was held in the home of John Mark and Mary his mother. He was the cousin of Barnabas, who had a close ministry partnership with the apostle Paul. John Mark was chosen by Paul and Barnabas to accompany them on the First Missionary journey, but apparently abandoned the team and went home midway (Acts 13:13). Paul did not appreciate this decision, and later refused to take Mark on the Second Missionary Journey. Barnabas and Paul disagreed sharply about John Mark, and decided to end their missionary partnership (Acts 15:36). Paul went off in a new direction, while Barnabas continued to do ministry with John Mark. But God changed John Mark, and grew him into a trustworthy, Godly man. Years later he worked closely with the apostle Peter, serving as translator, ministry assistant, and secretary (1 Peter 5:13). Assisted by Peter, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mark wrote the gospel that shares his name. To show that it’s never too late and also that God has a GREAT sense of humor, Mark became a “help” to the ministry of Paul in the apostle’s last days in Rome (2 Tim. 4).

Question - Who parted company (15:39)? Why? (15:37-40)

Grab your journal or use the notes section on your phone.
Respond to the Scripture reading with your thoughts, questions, and/or prayer response to today’s Bible verses.​

Who was instrumental in your life in helping you to meet and/or follow Jesus? 
​
Many people in our Centenary family have helped me to know and follow Jesus over the years: I have great memories of joining the youth group in high school and studying with Matt R. and Steve C. on Sunday mornings. Later on, I attended the young adult group with Matt as well as Ben and Kristen A., where I formed lasting friendships and kept in touch with other church members my age. Listening to Pastor Bob’s sermons had a huge impact on my understanding of the Bible and helped me to comprehend that God really forgives me. Lastly, my parents began teaching me about Jesus at a young age and have led by example, showing me how we are supposed to live day-to-day as believers.
 
– Shared by Randall R.

For more background information & study questions on the Book of Acts, check out Brian Ralston's handouts here.