8-19-18 Sermon Notes
“Parting Company”
Acts 15:36-41
This is the last week of our thirteen-week series, “All In – The Early Church” from the book of Acts. The goal of the series is to inform us of the principles of the early church and to apply them to today’s church.
Introduction
Last week we discovered that there was a dispute among the members in the church at Antioch that required Barnabas and Paul to travel to the Jerusalem church to settle it. The dispute arose over whether or not you had to be circumcised in order to be a Christian. The church leaders in Jerusalem decided (really it was more the Holy Spirit decision) that this outward sign was not necessary – essentially as Peter put it before the Council that Jew and Gentile were equal in God’s sight. Now we will conclude our series, “All In” by looking at the two main characters in the series having a ‘falling out.’
Read Acts 15:36-41
Paul and Barnabas Part Company – continuing in chapter 15
36 “After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”
Message
This week’s passage begins with both Paul and Barnabas united in a common goal – going back to visit the churches that they founded and see how they were doing.
However, a ‘sharp’ disagreement took place because Barnabas wanted John Mark (his cousin) to accompany them. Paul would not have it because he considered Mark to have deserted them on their first missionary trip – therefore being untrustworthy. Paul knew that this return trip (where they had been physically threatened and even stoned in Paul’s case) was fraught with danger.
The upshot of the two deciding to part company was that Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus. And Paul chose Silas (who was recommended by the Jerusalem Council) to accompany him on his return trip. There are those who believe that this actually was a blessing because Paul had someone from the Jerusalem church to back up Paul’s teachings.
It doesn’t appear that Paul and Barnabas were actually angry with each other. After all, they were unified in their desire to spread the Gospel and they had suffered dangers and hardships together.
An added note – Paul evidently saw Mark in a different light as time went by because he wrote to Timothy to have Mark come and visit him while in prison in Rome.
Concluding Thoughts and Application
At times, strong disagreements will occur among believers who truly love the Lord and one another. When these cannot be settled (often because of personalities, viewpoints, or past experiences), it is best to agree to disagree and let God teach and work His will in the lives of all concerned. Differences in opinions that lead to separation, as in the case of Paul and Barnabas, must never involve a lingering bitterness, resentment, or hostility. Both Paul and Barnabas continued their work for God with His blessing and power.