In Acts 15,
Luke wrote about 2 disagreements between Christians,
and showed how the early church
resolved church debates on doctrine,
and personal disagreements over matters of ministry.
— Acts 15:1-31, Doctrine disagreement,
what is the truth in God’s word ?
1 Some men came down from Judea
and began teaching the brothers,
“Unless you are circumcised
according to the custom of Moses, the custom taught by Moses (NIV),
you cannot be saved.”
They emphasised a physical custom
based on the authority of Moses.
2 And after Paul and Barnabas
had a heated argument
and debate with them,
the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them
should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
concerning this issue. Acts 15:1, 2 (NASB)
Details of how this doctrinal conflict
was resolved are recorded in Acts 15.
— Acts 15:36-41, a sharp disagreement between brothers & sisters in Christ.
Opinion disagreement between Paul & Barnabas
on how best to serve the Lord ;
in this case, who should they take along,
and minister with them on their ministry journey.
In this post we’ll be looking at
— how a sharp disagreement
between Paul & Barnabas was peaceably resolved.
Jesus taught in the sermon on the mount,
7 “Blessed are the merciful,
for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
23 Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar,
and there you remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your offering there before the altar
and go;
first be reconciled to your brother,
and then come and present your offering. Matthew 5:7-9, 23, 24 (NASB)
Jesus also highlighted as a principle,
24 A kingdom that fights against itself
will not survive.
25 And a family that is divided
will not survive. Mark 3:24, 25 (ERV)
Let’s read Acts 15:36-41,
Acts 15:36-41 (NASB)
36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas,
“Let’s return and visit the brothers and sisters
in every city
in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord,
and see how they are.”
37 Barnabas wanted
to take John, called Mark,
along with them also.
38 But Paul was of the opinion
that they should not take along with them this man
who had deserted them in Pamphylia
and had not gone with them to the work.
39 Now it turned into such
a sharp disagreement a sharp clash of opinion (Phillips)
that they separated from one another,
and Barnabas took Mark with him
and sailed away to Cyprus.
40 But Paul chose Silas,
and left after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
The disagreement
was about who should go with them in ministry
— take Mark or forget about Mark ?
Paul’s opinion was to take
Silas — a proven prophet ministry (Acts 15:32)
to bless the churches they’re going to.
And, in Paul’s mind,
Mark failed to be faithful
— in Pamphylia, Mark had abandoned them.
But,
Barnabas still saw potential in Mark,
despite the failure in Mark’s first trip; deserting Barnabas & Saul.
Barnabas still saw an unpolished stone,
waiting … to reveal a gem;
let’s give Mark a second chance.
There was no personal gain,
no one-upmanship to outdo one another,
in either Paul’s or Barnabas’ opinion, preference.
Paul & Barnabas’ shared common objective
was how best to minister, serve the people
— love & serve the Lord.
Note also,
that in Luke’s written account in Acts,
Luke wisely reported
the plain facts of what happened.
Luke did not add oil to the fire,
— by not giving his personal judgement, analysis,
by not giving his opinion on who he thought was more right,
and not elaborating (or add gossip) — “he said, .. she said, .. they said,”.
Thereby, not letting this personal matter
spill into division within the church;
people taking sides with Paul or Barnabas.
Instead Luke highlighted the outcome:
Barnabas took Mark with him
and sailed away to Cyprus.
Paul chose Silas,
traveling through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches;
after being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord
And, the followers of Jesus
blessed their ministry journeys.
Recapping,
the goal, objective
of what Paul & Barnabas desired to achieve:
36 …“Let’s return
and visit the brothers and sisters
in every city
in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord,
and see how they are.”
Their objective was to
revisit the brothers & sisters in every city
in which Paul & Barnabas proclaimed the word of the Lord
(as recorded in Acts 13, 14),, and be of service to them.
Both Paul and Barnabas
were in agreement with the objective, goal
of the ministry journey.
However,
even though both Paul and Barnabas followed Jesus,
prayed, read the word of God, and were led by the Holy Spirit,
they had a difference in opinion, preference
on who should minister alongside them.
We’re all human.
The cities that they ministered in their first ministry journey
were:
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit,
they went down to Seleucia
and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 When they reached Salamis,
they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews;
and they also had John as their helper.
6 When they had gone through the whole island
as far as Paphos, … Acts 13:5, 6 (NASB)
13 Now Paul and his companions
put out to sea from Paphos
and came to Perga in Pamphylia;
but John
left them and returned to Jerusalem.
John Mark left them
at the end of their ministry in Cyprus.
Luke wisely reported
the plain facts of what happened.
Luke did not record Mark’s reason,
or Paul & Barnabas’ analyses, opinions.
Luke also did not judge Mark’s action.
(we’re all a work in progress)
14 But going on from Perga,
they arrived at Pisidian Antioch,
and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue
.. 44 The next Sabbath nearly all the city assembled to hear the word of the Lord. Acts 13:13, 14, 44 (NASB)
1 In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together,
and spoke in such a way
that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. Acts 15:1 (NASB)
8 In Lystra …
21 … The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
21 And after they had preached the gospel to that city
and had made a good number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra, to Iconium,
and to Antioch of Pisidia (NLT),
22 strengthening the souls of the disciples,
encouraging them to continue in the faith,
and saying, “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.”
23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church,
having prayed with fasting,
they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
24 They passed through Pisidia
and came into Pamphylia.
25 When they had spoken the word in Perga,
they went down to Attalia.
26 From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.
In Acts 15,
after Paul & Barnabas’ disagreement,
39… Barnabas took Mark with him
and sailed away to Cyprus.
40 But Paul chose Silas,
… 41 … traveling through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
They did not get stuck,
mulling or sulking over the disagreement.
Instead, they moved forward into God’s work,
get the job done!
Barnabas and Mark went to the island — Cyprus,
and Paul and Silas ministered in the mainland — Syria and Cilicia.
Hence, despite their sharp disagreement over opinions,
they amicably, peacefully resolved their disagreement
in an orderly manner
with an agreeable solution
— by neatly dividing their objective/goal between them
with a thoughtful win-win outcome.
Thus, productively achieving their goal,
and also, respecting one’s another’s opinion,
honoring one another’s preference
for the common good.
They resolved the disagreement between the two of them.
They found a win-win fruitful bridge
over their disagreement.
(eg. instead of, ending in an adversarial, tug-of-wills deadlock)
The result showed
that they both listened to each other’s views,
and respected each other’s opinion, preference.
They chose what was best for ministry in the kingdom of God
— serving others.
It was not about
who won the argument, debate,
whose opinion, preference was better.
Not controlling, not domineering,
not hindering one another; no bad-mouthing.
Barnabas went to minister in his homeland Cyprus,
and Paul also the regions around his homeland (Tarsus is a city in Syria).
Each team went to where they could serve best.
No duplication of effort, no adversarial competition, no hard feelings.
Furthermore, previously,
Paul & Barnabas had ministered in the whole island of Cyprus with Mark.
Since Mark did complete the Cyprus leg
in his first missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas,
it was wise of Barnabas to take Mark to Cyprus.
Mark was re-visiting something familiar to him,
instead of something unfamiliar.
(another thoughtful win-win outcome)
Leaving behind their disagreement over opinions, preferences,
both Barnabas and Paul
moved forward with the Lord,
they focused on serving the Lord,
sharing the love of Jesus,
— Barnabas and Mark in Cyprus,
and Paul and Silas in Syria and Cilicia.
Quite a large region that both teams covered.
They moved forward
with what’s best for the kingdom of God.
They chose to be agents of God’s grace & mercy,
humble God’s servants.
“Disagreements don’t cause disunity,
a lack of forgiveness does.”
— Loren Cunningham
9 Forgive someone,
and you will strengthen your friendship.
Keep reminding them, dwell on disputes (NRSVA)
and you will destroy it. Proverbs 17:9 (ERV)
Don’t hold it against them, don’t hold a grudge,
let it go.
John wrote,
21 And this commandment we have from Him,
that the one who loves God
must also love his brother and sister. John 4:21 (NASB)
And, Paul wrote,
13 Be tolerant with each other
and, if someone has a complaint against anyone,
forgive each other.
As the Lord forgave you,
so also forgive each other.
14 And over all these things
put on love,
which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:13, 14 (CEB)
Paul wrote,
4 Love is patient and kind; …
5 … It does not insist on its own way;
It is not irritable
or resentful; bear a grudge (NTFE)
6 … (love) rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (ESV)
[when right and truth prevail] (AMP)
Their shared focus and unity
was on serving the Lord,
living out the truth in God’s word,
loving & serving each other, and others.
Christian love is backed up
by living in truth, speaking the truth in love
— honesty, integrity, sincerity,
and apologising, admitting areas where we did not get it right, need improvement.
In the end, God’s plans and purposes were accomplished,
God blessed their ministry service
— people were ministered, healed, set free,
and drew close to the Lord.
Despite their differences in opinion, preferences,
Paul and Barnabas continued to love each other,
respected each other’s opinions,
reconciled with each other with a win-win outcome,
before
they went
to share the love of Jesus with others,
leading others to be reconciled to the Lord.
18 Now all these things are from God,
who reconciled us to Himself through Christ
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,
… 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ,
as though God were making an appeal through us;
we beg you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God. .2 Corinthians 5:18 ,20 (NASB)
They resolved the issue, the disagreement, (no falling-out)
they kept their friendship, & fellowship in the Lord.
They stayed true to their objective
— being a blessing, ministry to others,
serving the Lord;
move forward
with what’s best for the kingdom of God.
After so many years serving the Lord together,
one sharp disagreement
was not going to end their friendship,
love & respect for one another.
By faithfully walking the talk,
Paul could honestly counsel
with a clear conscience
9 Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil;
cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9, 10 (NIV)
3 … be humble toward one another,
always considering others better than yourselves.
4 And look out
for one another’s interests,
not just for your own. Philippians 2:3, 4 (NIV)
13 … Live in peace with one another.
Try to get along with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 (NIV, CEV
By walking the talk in real life situations,
putting God’s word into practice in everyday life,
Paul could sincerely advise & help others,
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche
to agree in the Lord.
iron out their differences and make up
have the attitude the Lord wants them to have.
live in harmony in the Lord
3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women … Philippians 4:2 (HCSB, MSG, NKJV, NASB)
Reconciliation
— iron out our differences and make up,
agree, treat one another with the attitude shown by the Lord,
live in harmony in the Lord.
Ephesians 4:2, 3 (CEV)
2 Always be humble and gentle.
Patiently put up with each other
and love each other.
3 Try your best make every effort (NIV)
to let God’s Spirit
keep your hearts united.
Do this
by living at peace. (with one another)
through the bond of peace (NIV)
Besides the cities in their first missionary journey,
Paul and Silas ministered further afield
and blessed many in Troas, Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Cenchrae, Ephesus, and Caesarea (Acts 16-18).
Years later,
Paul wrote to the Colossian church,
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus
sends you his greetings,
as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.
(You have received instructions about him;
if he comes to you,
welcome him (Mark). ) Colossians 4:10 (NIV)
Mark was with Paul and Aristarchus.
Also, Paul wrote to Timothy,
11 … Get Mark
and bring him with you,
because he (Mark)
is helpful
to me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV)
Over time, Mark changed and matured in the Lord,
grew to persevere, be faithful,
with his uncle Barnabas’ patient guidance,
prayers,
and mentorship by example.
Even Paul spoke well of Mark,
— he is helpful.
and, Peter also acknowledged,
13 … my son Mark 1 Peter 5:13 (NIV)
Paul acknowledged Mark as a colleague in the Lord,
24 … Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke,
my fellow workers. co-workers Philemon 1:24 (NIV, NLT)
Praise God!
another win-win outcome!
And in time, Mark wrote the good news gospel of Mark
about the One he loves — Jesus.
Barnabas was Mark’s uncle.
Though, Barnabas ministered to people far and wide, and in distant cities,
to large crowds,
he never forgot about those close to him,
he also spent time to be a blessing to them too,
serving them,
one on one.
Though Mark had abandoned them in Pamphylia,
Barnabas didn’t abandon Mark,
Barnabas forgave Mark,
trusted Mark again,
prayed for Mark,
and Barnabas encouraged Mark to press on,
by giving him another chance in ministry,
to be helped by Barnabas, discipled by Barnabas’ example.
What an encouragement to Mark!
Relationships matter in the Lord.
Relationships are an objective; … win-win outcomes, humble service to others.
15 Let the peace that Christ gives
rule in your hearts. control your thinking (NCV)
As parts of one body,
you were appointed to live in peace.
And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NIRV)
Jesus taught by His word and example,
26 … the one who is the greatest among
you must become like the youngest,
and
the leader like the servant.
27 … I am among you
as the one who serves. Luke 22:26, 27 (NASB)
Handling disagreements & Unity in Christ
From Paul and Barnabas example
on how they handled & resolved
their sharp disagreement over opinions, preferences & issues
— their unity was in Christ Jesus
and following Jesus word & example,
in truth.
Instead of whose opinion, preference is right
— how can we respect each other’s opinion, preference
and achieve a win-win outcome.
Instead of who is right or more right
— is this true, truth
from examining the one and only whole Bible
and following
what Jesus taught and Jesus life example ?
(i.e. not based on selected facts, or lies mixed with truth)
Thus, in sharp disagreements over opinions, preferences & issues,
it’s wise to consider,
– Is this key to our daily relationship with Jesus, honoring Jesus in everyday life?
– Is this key in serving the purposes of Christ in our everyday life?
– Is this true, truth? Or, a half-truth. What is the authority/yardstick of truth used?
– Is this key to loving & serving each other, and serving & loving other people we meet?
– How can we be agents of God’s grace & mercy, humble God’s servants?
— How can we serve one another?
— How does this help us draw close to Jesus,
trusting and following Jesus?
Paul highlighted,
5 The purpose of my instruction (eg. Paul’s epistles)
is that all believers would be
filled with love
that comes from a pure heart,
a clear conscience,
and genuine faith 1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)
1 Corinthians 13:5, 6 (NIV)
5 It (love)
does not dishonor others, never rude (NCB)
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs. thinks no evil (NKJV)
6 Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
Ephesians 4:16, 25 (NCV)
15 … Speaking the truth with love,
we will grow up in every way into Christ, who is the head.
16 The whole body depends on Christ,
and all the parts of the body are joined and held together.
Each part does its own work
to
make the whole body
grow and be strong with love.
25 So stop telling lies.
Let us
tell our neighbors the truth, (Zechariah 8:16, 17)
for we are all parts of the same body.
Imagine, …
if we could make an effort to
debate, disagree
without being disagreeable
without generating more heat than light,
without getting personal,
— seeking the the truth together in prayer,
from the same one Bible from God,
staying true to the truth,
staying true to the Lord,
simply focus on the issue at hand,
seeing both sides of the same coin,
without being rude, without dishonoring others,
without being self-seeking,
not easily angered,
not thinking evil of the other person,
open to care fully listen to each part, without judging one another,
open to care fully read God’s word together, seek God’s point of view together,
honestly clarify queries, answer doubts,
and humbly admit gaps in our understanding (not a know-it-all),
… wouldn’t we be able to achieve better outcomes,
win-win relationships, walk in the truth,
following Jesus together, dependent on Christ,
growing strong with love,
… what kind of people, church we can become?
wouldn’t more people want to join
a respectful, inclusive community
that is willing to listen, and open to resolve disagreements/conflicts with win-win outcomes
— a kind, supportive and loving family of God that delights in the truth, integrity, honesty, sincerity ?
6 Love does not delight in evil injustice (AMP),
but
rejoices with the truth. in the truth (NKJV)
1 Let love
be your highest goal ! … 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT)
In God’s creation, there’s huge diversity, variety,
forming interdependent ecosystems to support life,
instead of conformity, uniformity (eg. leaves of different shades and shapes).
No two fingerprints
are exactly the same (even for identical twins).
Paul described the church as a body
made up of many, many different parts,
20 But now [as things really are]
there are many parts [different limbs and organs],
but a single body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand,
“I have no need of you,” … 1 Corinthians 14:20, 21 (AMP)
Differences are not to be avoided. excluded,
but welcomed.
(the hand is totally different from the eye in every way)
Jesus taught,
19 “Again I say to you, that
if two of you agree on earth
about anything that they may ask,
it shall be done for them by My Father
who is in heaven.
20 For where two or three have gathered together
in My name,
I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)
The Greek word for ‘agree‘ in this verse is συμφωνέω symphōneō,
to be harmonious (Strong),
from which the English word ‘symphony’ is derived from,
Hence, multiple, different voices, melodies complementing each other,
together in harmony;
agreeing harmoniously thru listening to one another,
win-win outcomes.
Amongst Jesus 12 disciples
Jesus chose Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector,
from opposite sides of the political spectrum with opposing opinions
— a Hebrew supporting the Hebrew state and resisting the colonial powers,
and another Hebrew working for the colonial powers, the Romans, collecting taxes from his own people.
Then, there were the ‘sons of thunder’, James and John who aspired to be the greatest (Mark 3:17, 10:35-37).
And also, Judas Iscariot.
Jesus was certainly fine
with differences, diversity, and inclusion in His church;
living with them, guiding them to the Lord’s truth,
to follow Jesus example.
Thus, unity in Christ
is not about uniformity and conformity
— where everyone agrees on everything (eg. thru indoctrination),
It’s how we work thru our points of disagreement
respecting & honoring one another in love and humble service,
seeking the truth together,
and achieving win-win outcomes with integrity, sincerity
for the glory of God,
be a blessing to others,
honoring the Lord
and His word in truth
(written in God’s one book – the Bible)
Just before Jesus gave His life on the cross
for all of us, (from whatever background, opinions, preferences)
Jesus taught His disciples,
35 By this all people will know
that you are
My disciples:
if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (NASB)
And, Jesus prayed for His disciples,
17 Sanctify them in the truth;
Your word is truth.
22 … that they may be one,
just as We are one;
23 I in them and You in Me,
that they may be perfected in unity,
so that
the world may know
that You sent Me,
and You loved them, just as You loved Me. John 17:17, 22, 23 (NASB)
In love, grace, joy & peace,
loving the Lord, loving one another,
in unity of purpose,
with the Lord,
Paul & Barnabas went out to Cyprus, Syria and Cilicia,
to demonstrate & share with the world the truth
— Jesus, God’s kingdom and God’s love, agape.
“In essentials, unity ;
in non-essentials, liberty ;
in all things, charity”
— attributed to St Augustine
Endnote – confrontational conflict, breakups, persecution
Disagreements are common, … perhaps even inevitable,
because we’re all different, see the world differently,
come from various backgrounds.
However, when disagreements
move into confrontational conflict, or worse relationship breakdown
— with one (or both) side forcing their agenda or power on the other,
one side (or both) trying to vilify the other
(trying to show they’re more righteous than they really are) —
then it can become ugly, deeply polarising.
Perhaps, confrontational conflict, persecution arise
when one group of people
try to force, or enforce
their will, opinions, preferences, values, worldviews, ethos, doctrines, etc
upon another
to fully agree, yield, submit
without listening to the other side, without honestly weighing the differing views.
(eg. the persecutions recorded in the Gospels & Acts)
