Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:37-41 (HCSB) The contention between Paul and Barnabas arose over a difference of opinion concerning whether or not to take Mark with them as part of the mission team. Paul still remembered Mark leaving them on the previous journey. Paul remembered this as a desertion. Acts 13:13: “Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and went back to Jerusalem.” This disagreement cause two great men of God to form two teams, opening up two missionary endeavors instead of one. God works even through conflict and disagreements. These missionary trips began approximately three years after their first one ended. The two visited many of the cities covered on Paul’s first journey plus some new ones. This journey laid the ground work for the church in Greece. Silas had been involved in the Jerusalem council and had been one of the two men chosen to represent the Jerusalem church by taking the letter and decision back to Antioch. Paul, from the Antioch church, chose Silas, from the Jerusalem church, and they traveled together to many cities to spread the Good News. This teamwork demonstrated the church’s unity after the decision at the Jerusalem council. Unfortunately, painful divisions in the body of Christ do occur, but God can turn such things to good. In teams instead of one, the now went out and spread the gospel. Yes, God works through conflict and disagreements. Later, Mark became vital to Paul’s ministry. Colossians 4:10: “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him).” Christians do not always agree, but problems can be solved by allowing God to work His will.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 20:26:18 +0000
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