Acts 15:36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
I am so glad that this passage is in the Bible! The book of Acts, the early church, is chucked full of amazing recounts such as Pentecost and of Paul and Silas’ jail release via an earthquake. One gets the feeling that all was unity and spiritual exuberance, even in the face of trial and persecution. It’s honestly refreshing for me to read about a little conflict! After all, that’s part of being human.
The first time I really pondered on this scripture passage was after a sermon heard years ago. The speaker noted that after the missionary duo’s separation, Barnabas is only briefly mentioned in later scripture. This was interpreted as a “spiritual backslide” for Barnabas – that Barnabas shouldn’t have questioned Paul’s leadership. Poor Barnabas, I thought, he was just trying to give his fellow believer, John Mark, a second chance. The conclusion of this speaker left me squirmy.
Several months ago, Pastor Caroline also addressed this passage in scripture. She noted that the painful and heated conflict between Paul and Barnabas resulted in both of them choosing new missionary partners and embarking on separate avenues of ministry. The end result was not one united outreach, but two! It would appear from later references in Paul’s writing, that he reconciled with Barnabas and was truly thankful for this man’s ministry.
I like this interpretation better! It tells me that conflict among those we love and serve is inevitable. We don’t all see solutions in the same way – and that’s okay. Good can come out of disagreement. The challenge is to lovingly disagree.
I’m not sure about you, but for me emotions can get in the way. As in all of Christianity, love trumps everything. That is a very high bar! May my actions and words, even in disagreement, reflect the love of Christ. And, dear Lord, forgive me when I fall short!
Blessings,
Diana Kongkeattikul
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