May 18, 1911

Proclaiming the Truth Under Difficulties

EGW

“Sent forth by the Holy Ghost,” Paul and Barnabas, after their ordination by the brethren in Antioch, “departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.” Thus the apostles began their first missionary journey.RH May 18, 1911, par. 1

Cyprus was one of the places to which the believers had fled from Jerusalem because of the persecution following the death of Stephen. It was from Cyprus that certain men had journeyed to Antioch, “preaching the Lord Jesus.” Barnabas himself was “of the country of Cyprus;” and now he and his fellow worker, Paul, accompanied by John Mark, a nephew of Barnabas, visited this island field.RH May 18, 1911, par. 2

The mother of Mark was a convert to the Christian religion, and her home was an asylum for the disciples. There they were always sure of a welcome and a season of rest. It was during one of these visits of the apostles to his mother's home, that Mark proposed to Paul and Barnabas that he should accompany them on their missionary tour. He felt the favor of God in his heart, and longed to devote himself entirely to the work of the gospel ministry.RH May 18, 1911, par. 3

Arriving at Salamis, the apostles “preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.... And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.”RH May 18, 1911, par. 4

Not without a struggle does Satan allow the kingdom of God to be advanced in the earth. The forces of evil are engaged in an unceasing warfare against the agencies appointed for the spread of the gospel; and these powers of darkness are specially active at times when the truth is being proclaimed before men of repute and sterling integrity. Thus it was in the days of Paul and Barnabas, when Sergius Paulus, the deputy of Cyprus, was listening to the gospel message. The arch-enemy of souls, working through the sorcerer Elymas, sought by false reports and specious deceptions to prejudice the mind of the deputy against the gospel. The deputy had sent for the apostles, that he might be instructed in the message they had come to bear; and now the forces of evil sought with their baleful suggestions to thwart the purpose of God. Thus does the fallen foe ever work to keep in his ranks men of influence who, if converted, might be of great service to the cause of God.RH May 18, 1911, par. 5

But none need fear defeat at the hand of the enemy; for it is the privilege of the gospel worker to be endued with power from above sufficient to enable him to withstand every satanic influence. Thus it was with the workers who, during their visit to the isle of Cyprus, were brought into direct conflict with the powers of darkness. Although sorely beset by Satan in the person of Elymas the sorcerer, Paul nevertheless had the courage to rebuke the deceiver. “Filled with the Holy Ghost,” the apostle “set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”RH May 18, 1911, par. 6

The sorcerer had closed his eyes to the evidences of gospel truth; therefore the Lord, in righteous anger, caused his natural eyes to be closed, shutting out from him the light of day. This blindness was not permanent, but only for a season, to warn him to repent, and to seek pardon of the God whom he had so grievously offended. The confusion into which this man was brought, with all his boasted power, made of no effect his subtle arts against the doctrine of Christ. The fact of his being obliged to grope about in blindness, proved to all beholders that the miracles which the apostles had performed, and which Elymas had denounced as being produced by sleight of hand, were in reality wrought by the power of God. The deputy was convinced of the truth of the doctrine taught by the apostles, and embraced the gospel of Christ.RH May 18, 1911, par. 7

Elymas was not a man of education, yet he was peculiarly fitted to do the work of Satan. Those who preach the truth of God will be obliged to meet the wily foe in many different forms. Sometimes it is in the person of learned, more often of ignorant men, whom Satan has educated to be successful instruments in deceiving souls. It is the duty of the minister of Christ to stand faithfully at his post, in the fear of God and in the power of his might. Thus he may put to confusion the hosts of Satan, and triumph in the name of the Lord.RH May 18, 1911, par. 8

Paul and his company now continued their journey, going to Perga, in Pamphylia. Their way was toilsome; they encountered hardships and privations, and were beset with dangers on every side. As they advanced, they were compelled to face “perils of waters,” and “perils of robbers.” In the towns and cities through which they passed, they were still surrounded by dangers seen and unseen. But Paul and Barnabas had learned to trust in God's power to deliver. Their hearts were filled with fervent love for perishing souls. As faithful shepherds in search of the lost sheep, they had no thought of their own ease and convenience. Forgetful of self, they faltered not when weary, hungry, and cold. They had in view but one object,—the salvation of those who had wandered far from the fold of safety.RH May 18, 1911, par. 9

It was here that Mark was overwhelmed with fear and discouragement, and wavered for a time in his purpose to give himself whole-heartedly to the Lord's work. He had labored with success under favorable circumstances; but now, upon encountering the opposition and the perils that so often beset the pioneer worker, he failed to endure hardness as a good soldier of the cross. He had yet to learn to face danger and persecution and adversity with a brave heart. Unused to hardships, he was disheartened by the perils and privations of the way. As the apostles advanced, and still greater difficulties were apprehended, Mark was intimidated, and, losing all courage, refused to go farther, and returned to Jerusalem.RH May 18, 1911, par. 10

This desertion caused Paul to judge Mark unfavorably and severely for a long time. At a future period there was a sharp contention between Paul and Barnabas concerning Mark, who had again decided to devote himself to the work of the ministry. This contention caused Paul and Barnabas to separate, the latter following out his convictions, and taking Mark with him in his work. At that time, Paul was not inclined to excuse in any degree the weakness of Mark in deserting them and the work upon which they had entered, for the comforts and safety of home; and he urged that one with so little stamina was unprepared for taking up a work requiring patience, self-denial, bravery, devotion, and faith, with a willingness to sacrifice even life if need be.RH May 18, 1911, par. 11

Barnabas, on the other hand, was inclined to excuse his nephew, because of his inexperience. Barnabas felt anxious that Mark should not abandon the ministry; for he saw in him the qualifications of a useful worker for Christ. In after-years, his solicitude in Mark's behalf was richly rewarded; for Mark gave himself unreservedly to the Lord and to the work of proclaiming the gospel message in difficult fields. Under the blessing of God, and the wise training of Barnabas, he developed into a valuable worker.RH May 18, 1911, par. 12

Paul was afterward reconciled to Mark, and received him as a fellow laborer. He also recommended him to the Colossians as one who was a fellow worker “unto the kingdom of God,” and “a comfort unto me.” Again, not long prior to his own death, he spoke of Mark as profitable to him in the ministry.RH May 18, 1911, par. 13