Sharp disagreement

“Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 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.” (1) During the preparation for the second missionary journey, a difference of opinion emerged between Barnabas and Paul. It was good that this difference became clear before the journey started. While they shared the same understanding of the gospel, they had differing views on how to put it into practice. (2) Barnabas intended to bring his cousin Mark (Col. 4:10) along as an assistant, just as he had during the first missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to give Mark a chance to redeem himself and overcome the stigma from his earlier departure. This episode reveals Barnabas’ kindness and compassion. (3) Paul opposed taking Mark along. During the first missionary journey, Mark had left the group in Pamphylia. Paul judged that Mark was not yet ready for the demands of a missionary journey. This episode reflects Paul’s strict and disciplined nature. “Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.” (1) Paul and Barnabas ended their long-standing partnership. Both were partially right and partially wrong in their evaluation of Mark. However, each chose to follow the path they felt convinced of. This disagreement ultimately led to the formation of two missionary teams (God’s sovereignty was at work behind the scenes). (2) Barnabas sailed to Cyprus. (a) Barnabas returned to his homeland to continue his missionary work. (b) After verse 39, both Barnabas and Mark disappear from the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles. (c) This account of their disagreement demonstrates the authenticity and honesty of Luke’s recording. He did not shy away from mentioning conflicts, even between key figures in the early church.

The outcome afterward

(1) Although Paul ended his partnership with Barnabas, their friendship remained intact. Barnabas is mentioned later in 1 Corinthians 9:5-6: “Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I have no right to refrain from working?” This passage shows that Paul still respected Barnabas and acknowledged his ministry. (2) Paul’s relationship with Mark was also restored. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul writes, “Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.” This shows that Mark had proven himself, and Paul recognized his value in ministry. Let’s believe that people are able to change.