Paul and Barnabas

Acts 15:36-41

“36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 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, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

Paul and Barnabas began their second missionary journey with an argument.  Barnabas wanted to include Mark, who was with them on the first part of their first journey, but Paul did not want Mark to travel with them because he left them midway through their journey.

Barnabas was the disciple who saw something in Paul (then called Saul) in the beginning of Paul’s conversion. Had it not been for Barnabas and his insight into Paul’s character and abilities, Paul might have lived out the remainder of  his Christian life in Tarsus.  Now, Barnabas had this same insight into the character and abilities of Mark. 

Paul did not see these qualities at that time and they had a “sharp disagreement”. Because of this Paul and Barnabas parted ways.

Paul, who later wrote to the churches under his care asking them to heal their divisions, to strive for unity and fellowship and peace with one another, may have remembered his split from Barnabas and regretted it.

The disagreements that we have with one another arise because we are imperfect human beings.  These things can either destroy us or they can cause us to grow as Christians.  

Later, in Paul’s letters, we find that Mark is working for Paul, and Paul commends him as a “fellow worker”  (Philemon 1:24) and saw him as “useful..in ministry”(2 Timothy 4:11).

If we truly allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, then we will find love and forgiveness.

And divisions will heal.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)