Acts 15:36-41 (ESV): 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:36-41 portrays a significant disagreement between Paul and Barnabas regarding their missionary journey. This passage offers insights into handling disagreements among believers and the importance of reconciliation. By examining Acts 15:36-41 verse by verse, we can glean valuable lessons applicable to our relationships and ministries today.
Verse by Verse Exegesis:
Acts 15:36-38 (ESV):
“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.”
Paul proposes to Barnabas revisiting the cities they had previously preached in, but Barnabas suggests bringing John Mark along. However, Paul disagrees, citing Mark’s previous departure during their missionary journey. Is this an act of unforiveness or proper church disciple? I have struggled to answer this question many times when studying this event. John Mark, had deserted the mission earlier and certainly deservered consequences. Paul was not ready to restore Mark to the work, yet Barnabas was. I believe both Paul and Barnabas were right. They agreed to disagree. Barnabas seems to have a very forgiving and encouraging perspective while Paul is applying discipline. The key to understanding this passage is the result. The mission continues, Mark is re-engaged but not without consequences for his actions and the Gospel continues to be preached. We do not have to agree on everything! The message can not be hindered when we don’t agree on something.
Scriptural Support:
– Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Additional Insight:
In Colossians 4:10, Paul refers to Mark as a comfort and later requests that he be sent to him in 2 Timothy 4:11, indicating a reconciliation and restoration of their relationship.
Acts 15:39 (ESV):
“And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,”
The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas escalates to the point of separation. Barnabas chooses to take Mark and sails to Cyprus, while Paul continues his ministry with a different companion.
Scriptural Support:
– Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Acts 15:40-41 (ESV):
“But Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”
Paul selects Silas as his new companion and receives the blessing of the brothers before embarking on his journey. He travels through Syria and Cilicia, continuing his ministry of strengthening the churches.
Scriptural Support:
– Romans 12:18: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Acts 15:36-41 offers valuable insights into handling disagreements and conflicts among believers. While Paul and Barnabas experienced a sharp disagreement that led to their separation, they continued their respective ministries, each with a new companion. As we navigate disagreements in our relationships and ministries, may we strive for reconciliation, maintain humility, and prioritize the advancement of the Gospel above personal preferences. But, never allow a disagreement to disrupt the preaching of the gospel. Sometimes we must agree to disagree and move on. B