Acts 15 “Resolve Contentions”
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 (v.39).
In our
passage today, we read about a disagreement that has lived on in history. This
one was between two missionaries: Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15). Barnabas wanted
to take Mark with them on a trip to check on some churches they had helped
previously (v.37). But Paul did not trust Mark because of an earlier incident
(v.38). Paul and Barnabas disagreed so sharply that they parted ways (v.39).
We still
read about this argument 2,000 years later. What's important is not that it
lived on in history, but that it didn't leave permanent relationship scars.
Paul apparently reconciled with Barnabas, and in his final days asked for Mark
to be with him because "he is useful to me for ministry" (2 Tim.
4:11)
Arguments
happen. But let's make sure they are resolved. Grudges are a burden too heavy
to carry.
The Truth
"A
brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like
the bars of a castle." (Proverbs 18:19)
