Expressions of Faith. Acts Ch 15. Trouble!
Trouble!
37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 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. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
Acts 15:37-39
Today’s title could be misleading.
Jail terms, stonings, and executions experienced by the early Christian community were all trouble.
Luke reports the first episode of internal strife severe enough to change leadership’s plans in the early church.
Barnabas, known for his encouraging nature, and Paul, the emerging leader, cannot agree on the fate of John Mark.
Paul prevails.
Silas becomes his traveling companion.
To his credit, Barnabas chooses to accept Paul’s decision and heads out on a mission trip of his own with Mark.
Too often in today’s church disagreements like this one, or even of lesser importance drag congregations into episodes of defamation or character assassination.
Why?
I’m convinced that Paul and Barnabas both presented valid points in their discussion.
In retrospect, it seems like Paul’s position was more closely aligned with God’s will at that moment.
However, the lesson here isn’t about right or wrong in terms of the decision.
The lesson to take away focuses on
- Paul’s neither demeaning nor defaming Barnabas.
- Barnabas not sniping at Paul as time passed.
When was the last time you disagreed with someone to the extent that Paul and Barnabas disagreed?
What was the issue?
Did you move on like Paul and Barnabas or did you harbor ill will for a time . . . maybe even until now?
Notice that there is no mention of praying for guidance by either Paul or Barnabas during this disagreement.
That’s not like the early church.
If you’ve never had a situation like this, pray a prayer of thanks to God.
If you need to move on from a situation like this, pray and ask God for grace and forgiveness.
Don’t let one time of trouble derail your ministry!
The next Expressions of Faith is Doing What's Best
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