June 5

Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. — Acts 13:2

The live church is always a missionary church. It is not content to have the gospel only for itself, but wants others to have it, too. The church at Antioch was prosperous.

The people showed their love for Christ by sending money to Christians in Palestine who were suffering from famine. They showed it further by sending missionaries. Barnabas and Saul were chosen for this mission. The Spirit named the missionaries, and then the church ordained them and sent them out.

We have in this chapter a sad story of a young missionary helper who belonged to the party sent out from Antioch. For a time he was faithful, while there was no danger and while they were in a civilized country. But when they passed over into a wild region, among rough people, John Mark left the missionaries and returned home.

We should never abandon any work we begin for our Master. When it begins to cost, we should begin to rejoice.