Paul and Barnabas had already experienced much violent opposition during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:6; Acts 13:45-51; Acts 14:5, Acts 14:13-15; Acts 14:19; 2 Timothy 3:11).  When they returned to their ‘sending church’ in Syrian Antioch, they reported on how many Jews and Gentiles had believed the gospel.  Then they spent much time teaching the church and clarifying the basis for gospel ministry (Acts 14:26-28), before they believed that the Lord was calling them to go back to encourage and teach the new churches.  They would be returning to the same  cities where they had been rejected or almost killed.

Paul and Barnabas were far more concerned for the spiritual well-being of the new believers, than their own safety.  Their pastoral hearts felt responsible to nurture and encourage the churches they had planted.  They knew that the new believers would be under pressure to move away from the truth, through persecution or false teaching.  It would not be an easy assignment.  Their first missionary journey proved that the gospel of Jesus either produced conversions or antagonism.  The challenge was huge.  They would need fresh courage and much godly wisdom.

Barnabas wanted to take his cousin, John Mark, who had started with them on the first journey.  But it seems that he did not have the personal resilience to continue, described here as ‘deserting’ the missionary team to go back home (Acts 13:13).  Paul was rightly concerned that he could be a liability to himself and the team, diverting them from their ministry.  Although Barnabas wanted to encourage his young relative, Paul considered that it was unwise to put him in a situation he could not cope with, potentially causing the mission trip to be abandoned at a critical point.

There are many ways in which we can work with the Holy Spirit in Christ-centred ministry.  God gives gifts to enable what we say, and do, to have divine impact in people's lives (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).  We also have our own temperaments, health issues, and track record of how we have persevered under pressure.  Godly wisdom will lead to the appointment of people who have proved their suitability and effectiveness in ministry in the past … as well as their passion and desire to grow in faith as they serve.  It is usually foolish to select ungifted people, who have given up previously, for critical team roles; however much others want to encourage them (1 Timothy 5:22).  It is not easy to make the right appointments, or include all the right people, in a ministry team.  Pray that you will know how God wants you to serve and that He will guide in the appointment of people you know (Acts 6:2-7).