“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him." (vs10)
Marcus (John Mark) was rejected by Paul, but over time, he saw how useful he was, and so it is with me and you. In youth or folly, we make a million mistakes, and older saints are apt to judge us too harshly (Acts 13:13; Acts 15:37-39). We are BOTH sinners, so one offends the brethren, and the brother, rather than being easily persuaded of our usefulness, must wait for time to pass, even years, before they receive us again. No matter. Repent of your youthful lusts and wickedness, and love the erring saints.
If we’re honest, we’ve done enough to be rejected by God SINCE we’ve known the gospel, and we still struggle with sin and failures aplenty. Therefore, be READY to forgive, quick to encourage, and remember yourself while rebuking others - “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted“ (Gal 6:1).
The grace of God changes Marcus from a wayward minister, giving up on his calling, to a faithful and useful man.
Paul thought some were GREAT, only to see them fall (Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:10). Here is one he thought unworthy and even fought against Barnabas, separating company, because they saw Marcus differently. Yet, God made Marcus to stand, and God made Paul to see it.
I want to live better, so that my brethren aren’t hurt by my unfaithfulness, and I want you to forgive and teach your erring brethren, rather than being quick to write one another off. Let men’s FAILURES promote our love and prayer, but not a self-righteous, “I would never do that” spirit.
Grace changes people, it conquers sins, and it should be our attitude with each other. If they reject the gospel and refuse to repent, then LET them be accursed, but give space for repentance and RECEIVE all who do (Rev 2-3).
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