This one-part Bible study considers Paul, Barnabas and John Mark and relationships between friends.
1. Describe two of your best friends and the relationship you have with each of them.
  • If they know each other, describe the relationship your two friends have with each other.
2. Read the following Bible passages:
  • Acts 4:26-27
  • Acts 9:26-28
  • Acts 12:12 & 25
  • Acts 13:2-3
  • Acts 13:13
  • Acts 14:1-3, 8-15
  • Acts 15:12
  • Acts 15:35-41
  • Galatians 2:11-13
  • Colossians 4:10
  • 2 Timothy 4:11
  • Philemon 1:23-24
  • 1 Peter 5:13
3. From the list below pick five words you would use to describe Paul. Five words you would use to describe Barnabas. Five words you would use to describe John Mark. Explain your choices. (You can use the same word for more than one person.)
Understanding
Demanding
Tolerant
Forgiving
Growing
Wise
Nurturing
Intolerant
Encouraging
Patient
Confident
Critical
Easy-going
Immature
Experienced
Loyal
Judgmental
Soft-hearted
Task-oriented
Person-oriented
Supportive
4. From the list below pick three words you would use to describe Paul and Barnabas’ relationship. Three words you would use to describe Paul and John Mark’s relationship. Three words you would use to describe Barnabas and John Mark’s relationship. Three words you would use to describe Paul, Barnabas, John Mark’s relationship together. Explain your choices. (You can use the same words for more than one relationship.)
Strong
Shallow
Growing
Fluctuating
One-sided
Easy-going
Supportive
Multi-dimensional
Mentoring
Respectful
Disrespectful
Critical
Evolving
Heart-warming
Deteriorating
Affirming
Questionable
Nurturing
Forgiving
Self-centered
Other
5. With whom do you most identify: Paul? Barnabas? Or John Mark? Explain.
6. Brainstorm things we can learn from Paul, from Barnabas, and from John Mark regarding what to do and/or what not to do as we relate with each other as friends or as teammates?
7. Things to think about:
Watch what we say
Matthew 12:36-37
Ephesians 4:29
Colossians 4:6
James 1:26
Don’t judge–fogive–act gently
Matthew 7:1-2
Romans 2:1
Romans 15:1-2
Galatians 6:1-2
Encourage
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14
2 Thessalonians 2:17
2 Timothy 4:2
Hebrew 3:13
Hebrews 10:25
  • As you think about your friendships and/or teammates, which of the above verses are most meaningful for you at this time (pick no more than two). Explain.
  • As you think about your relationships, which three words from question #3 do you most want or need in a friend and/or teammate? Which tree are you best able to offer as a friend and/or as a teammate?
8. The Gospel: God’s Good News of His Empowerment
John 15:4-5
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Galatians 3:26-27
Galatians 5:22-23
Philippians 2:13
2 Timothy 1:67
  • As you think about being a friend and/or teammate, which of the above verses is most meaningful and empowering for you at this time (pick only one). Explain.

Published November 2009