S. Acts 15:37-41 (NIV)
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.
O. Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp diagreement about the ministry, that they parted ways with each other. Sometimes in serving the Lord we find that we are in disagreement with others to the extent that we go our separate ways. Despite the disagreement, their desire to serve the Lord is clear as they each continued in productive ministry - just not with each other.
However, years later they would reconcile and come together. (For further study review the following references: Acts 9:27; 11:23-26; 12:12-13, 25; 13:5, 13; Col. 4:10; Phil. 24; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Peter 4:13.)
A. I do not like it when, as believers, we have such disagreement that we part ways. That’s my human frailty. Yet, I’ve been reminded by God’s Word and by other Christian leaders, this is God’s church and He may well be working in and through these situations for His greater good and glory (i.e., He can use our human frailties and failures to bring about good things for His work.)
P. Thank your Father for your Word today. Thank you that at the end of the day, it is your church and you can take our difficulties and bring good things from them. Holy Spirit continue to fill me and guide me. Give me wisdom to see God’s hand in His larger picture of service in His church. May Jesus ultimately and always receive the praise, honor and glory.
Extra note: There’s an insightful deeper study on this topic that is a good read and be a helpful resource for those particularly in a leadership setting. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ministry-meltdown-revisiting-paul-barnabas-dispute-over-mark-barnard/?trk=articles_director
