Paul and Barnabas' Disagreement - Acts 13:13

37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:37-41

After our discussion on "Figuring out the Figurative" we focused our attention on the above passage.

The Greek word for contention is informative at this point. In the Greek it has the idea of stirring up, irritation (being an irritant), or sharp disagreement. At this point Paul and Barnabas were borderline arguing.

Why the disagreement? John Mark had previously abandoned them (see Acts. 13:13) while the pressure was great. We all know how it is to be let down and this is why Paul did not want to bring John Mark.

What are we to make out of this incident? Here are some options:

1. Believers can and will disagree
2. Paul was not willing to extend grace to John Mark
3. Barnabas was willing to extend grace
4. John Mark should have followed through and helped out
5. Regardless of what happens when believers are divided ministry will continue

Which of the above is true? All of them. When we are discussing application on a personal level they all apply. If we are talking interpretation, there is ONLY one meaning. But within the one meaning flows several applications as can be seen in our options listed.

What is the one meaning? Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed regarding taking John Mark with them to visit the cities they use to preach at. They split up (Barnabas taking John Mark and Paul taking Silas) and went their ways to strengthen the churches.

How can you use this passage practically speaking?

1. You can remind believers that they will not always see eye to eye

2. Within the church there are people who are like Paul wanting 100% commitment. They get things done and are the "movers" in the ministry. If you slack off they'll write you off. When sufficient time has passed (see 2 Timothy 4:11) they'll extend grace and give you another opportunity to serve. Those not akin to Paul's approach can be shown in this passage that they still are still a vital part of the ministry.

3. There are those who identify more with Barnabas in that they are always willing to extend grace when a person has dropped the ball. Those not akin to Barnabas can be shown in this passage that they are still a vital part of the ministry.

4. Those who are like John Mark should be challenged and shown how their behavior can cause a riff among the brethren. They should be reminded to be a man/woman of integrity.

5. Ministry must continue regardless of the division within the church as clearly seen in this passage.

You can listen to the entire session on your mp3 player or computer.

Hermeneutics Class (the Figurative).mp3