Division

Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 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 15.36-41

I lke the way the words of God shows they flaws of God’s people. There is no doubt that they are real people just like you and me with weaknesses and opinions and even a little pride at times. Paul and Barnabas were a lot like this. I find it kind of comforting that even men like Paul and Barnabas had issues. It lets me know that if I have issues God can still use me.

Here the contention was over the next mission trip to visit the churches theyhad started. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but at some point John Mark had left them in the middle of the work. Paul had had enough or Mark and refused to take him, reminding Barnabas of how Mark had let them down. Barnabas persisted and so did Saul, but neither would budge. There was only one solution, they had to separate. Barnabas took Mark and went on his to Cyprus and Paul took Silas and went on the originally planned journey. It looks like Paul was the one supported by the church.

Who was right and who was wrong. I can see Barnabas’ wanting to give Mark one more chance. It must work because later we read that Paul want mark to come and help again because he was a benefit to the ministry.

Even though this God was honoured. At the end of the day we now have not one, but two missionary teams our doing God’s work.

God can work all things to His glory – even a division among the brethren.