Parting
with Peace and Blessing
We cannot know the exact
details of what caused the contention to be so sharp between Paul and Barnabus,
but we can at least note a few parts of the picture:
- Barnabus
and Mark were cousins (
- Barnabus was notably merciful with a strong gift of encouragement
- Barnabus had particular concern and care for individual people in ministry
- Paul consistently kept the “big picture” in the forefront of his thinking
- Paul was willing to pay any price for the sake of the gospel, and expected this of others
John Mark had begun with Paul and Barnabus (12:35, 13:13)
but then for some reason, departed from them and returned to Jerusalem .
We are not told why this came about.
It appears that here is a quandary which continues to present itself
even in our current ministries and mission.
Which should take priority: the
needs and growth of an individual, or the needs and growth of the mission or
work as a whole?
The difference between Paul and Barnabus was not resolved to
the extent that they decide to continue on together. Instead, two parties departed, each with the
mission of continuing to preach the gospel.
Apparently there were no long-standing hard feelings since later on Paul
extols the work of Barnabus and John Mark.
I wonder if sometimes we too, need to be okay with
“separating for the sake of peace”. Are we willing to refrain from hindering
someone else in their ministry, even if they are going about it differently
that we ourselves would? Can we, in a
God-honoring way, disagree and yet each continue to preach the Gospel? It seems that Paul and Barnabus were able,
and I believe that implies that by God’s grace, we too are able.
Read and Pray: Titus 3:1-11, Hebrews 12:14-15, James
3:13-18
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