Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas Separate

Paul's desire to visit the churches he had planted with Barnabas was met with an obstacle. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with him and Paul did not like the idea of taking someone who had quit during the missionary journey (Acts 13). Why did John Mark leave? The answer to that question would be complete speculation because there is no evidence to explain his reasons. All we know is that he cut the trip really short and went back to the church of Antioch.

Regardless of John Mark's reasons for leaving, the fact is that he decided to abandon the work with Saul and Barnabas. Paul most certainly did not approve of his leaving since he holds it against him and does not desire to bring him along during this second trip he is planning. Barnabas on the other hand doesn't seem to make much of John Mark's leaving them and is more than willing to partner with him a second time. The issue became a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas as to merit a separation. Barnabas took John Mark and went his way. Paul took Silas and went his way.

An important factor in this disagreement is that Paul and Barnabas are blessed by the leadership and were "commended to the grace of God." Whatever the disagreements were, it did not interfere with their ability to remain in harmony as to continue the work in the kingdom. It disrupted the relationship enough not to be able to team up, but they could continue the work independently. Paul's disapproval of John Mark here did not prevent him from seeing the growth in him later on (2Tim.4:11; Col.4:10).

I think it is important to keep the harmony and teamwork in ministry and if for any reason I am not willing or able to keep that harmony, I should not engage with that team. Unity through the bond of peace is an essential element for the success of any team effort and I would do well in not overlooking it.  Let's team up with people whom we can live in harmony and avoid the arguments and bickering that come as a result of our teaming up with people we have issues with. It is a disservice to the kingdom and to ourselves. So separation from each other to be more effective in the kingdom is a good strategy to handle sharp disagreements.

Father, I pray you instill in me the desire to work with others. Help me to be a good team player, open to diversity, and willing to lead with all my heart. Help me handle sharp disagreements with grace and always honor you in the process. Give me discernment to judge who to team up with in the work of your kingdom. Amen.