Paul and Barnabas had already experience much violent opposition during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:6; 13:45-51; 14:5, 14:13-15; 14:19 and 2 Timothy 3:11). After quite some time back at their missionary base in Syrian Antioch reporting on how many people had believed the gospel, teaching the church and clarifying the basis for gospel ministry (Acts 14:26-28), the men believed that they should go back. They intended visiting the cities where they had been rejected or almost killed.

Paul and Barnabas were very concerned for the spiritual well-being of the new believers, and not for their own safety. They felt responsible to nurture and encourage the churches they had planted: especially as the believers were under pressure to move back from the truth, through persecution or false teaching. But it would not be an easy assignment. Their first missionary journey proved that the gospel of Jesus either produced conversions or antagonism. So 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 he did not have the personal resilience to continue. Paul was rightly concerned that he would 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).