Paul

November 21

Acts 13:13, 15:36-41

A disagreement

Some time after Paul’s first missionary trip, he said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back to the towns where we preached, and find out how the new believers are getting along.”

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, as they had done on their first missionary trip. But Paul felt it wouldn’t be right to take him because he had left them to go back home during their first mission trip.

Paul and Barnabas had a big disagreement about this, so each went their own way. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas to go with him and headed for Syria.

Should Christians always agree about everything?

Can you believe it? Paul and Barnabas arguing? Paul and Barnabas were best friends who were passionate about serving God. Yet, it was probably their enthusiasm that made them feel so strongly. The problem was that on their first missionary trip John Mark had decided that this was not for him (see Acts 13:13).

Paul didn’t want a half-hearted quitter tagging along. His goal was to serve the Lord! Paul wanted a helper who was dedicated to the Lord; not someone who would get him sidetracked.

Barnabas, on the other hand, always looked for the best in others. He was the one who helped Paul get started, and had also seen the potential in John Mark. Now John Mark was willing to try again, and Barnabas was willing to give him another chance.

God uses our different gifts and personalities to serve Him in different ways. Paul’s firm strength kept him focused, while Barnabas’ friendship brought out the best in others. It is not always wrong to disagree with someone, as long as we do what God wants and keep our relationships friendly.

Verse for today

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus… Colossians 3:17