The contention

Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. – Acts 15.37-41

With all of the amazing things going on here it is interesting that we see a real life situation that reminds us that these men we real people with the same weaknesses and foibles that we have today.

Paul and Barnabas were partners. We have seen them together since they first met. Barnabas was the one who supported Paul when no one else would.  They had lived and journeyed and worked together. They had been through all kinds of struggles and tribulations. Their lives had been threatened. They wee as close as a team could be.

But then something happened.

Barnabas wanted to add John Mark to the missionary team. Paul said no because John Mark had quit on them when they were in Pamphylia. They simply cold not agree. The word 'contention' seems to imply that they had an angry dispute over the matter. The disagreement was so severe that they 'parted from one another.' .

Those are really sad words. These two men, who have struggled together for so long and through so much, parted company.  

It is indeed a sad event, but the end of the story comes later near the end of Paul’s life. At that point he will write, ‘Bring Mark, for he is profitable for the ministry,’ but more on that later.

There is something for us here. Though it took an unfortunate break of the team God used it in His way. Barnabas indeed took Mark and set out on his own ministry. Paul took Silas and they too set out on their own.

The wonderful truth is that God can use even sad events like this and turn them into good. One team became two, and each was used by God to carry His message.