Paul & Barnabas

Acts 15:36-41 (NIV)

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

I heard a sermon on this passage yesterday. And though I'm familiar with the passage, I thought the pastor added some great insights...

Paul and Barnabas were good friends. Acts 9: 26-27 explains that Paul was shunned by Jesus' disciples until Barnabas welcomed him into the circle and explained that his conversion was legitimate. It was this friendship that was brought into conflict when Paul and Barnabas were picking a team for an upcoming mission. Barnabas wanted to include his cousin, John Mark, but Paul had been burned by John Mark when he deserted a team on a previous mission. He showed either some spiritual immaturity or possibly a lack of ability to handle the pressures of this kind of mission work. The division was so sharp that Paul and Barnabas agreed to disagree and built two separate teams.

PRINCIPLE #1: The MISSION is greater than the CONFLICT.

There may be a time to break relationship over principles and truth. BUT... you should make absolutely sure that they are BIBLICAL principles and truth. Too many times we let other things cloud our decision to break relationship - pride, for example. But, we need to also recognize that people can change. You may need them in the future and/or they may need you. We should make every attempt not to burn bridges.

PRINCIPLE #2: Even if you have to change a relationship, don't write people off.

I hadn't really considered it before, but reading Paul's words in II Timothy 4:11, "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." I appears that John Mark matured in his faith and became an asset to Paul in his ministry.

PRINCIPLE #3: What action will bring God the most glory?

Shouldn't this ALWAYS be the question in the forefront of our minds?!

Finally, whatever the conflict, choose...

Principle... Not Pride
Humility... Not Power
Unity... Not Independence
Peace... Not Turmoil (Rom 12:18)
Love... Not Accommodation