Acts 15:36-41
Yesterday we saw how Paul and Barnabas handled and worked through controversy and disagreement over the Jewish law concerning circumcision. Today we have another disagreement, but this one isn't over the law; it has to do with a personal difference of opinion about whether John (aka Mark) should join Paul and Barnabas as they travel. Apparently Mark had bowed out of working with them on an earlier occasion. Paul took issue/offense with Mark's leaving and Barnabas did not. Verses 39-40 tell us "And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him ... but Paul chose Silas and departed..."
Disagreement doesn't always end with everyone coming together with one mind or one way of thinking. But as this passage shows us, sometimes that's ok.
So what does Acts 15:36-41 show us about working with other believers? What does it show us about not letting disagreements interfere with, and get us off track in, doing God's work? Tami W.
Could Mark be Peter's son? It would fit.
My Bible says Mark was a contemporary of Peter's. He actually was a cousin of Barnabas'.
Acts 15:36-41 reveals that we are fallen human beings, flawed in our opinions. These sinful flaws can negatively effect our interaction with others and result in disagreements. However, despite our selfish views and opinions we need to put effort in being committed to God's ways, work, and plans. God is our anchor and our global positioning system. Without God in the driver's seat of our lives we will go astray with our personal views, and be taken captive by the ways of the world, flesh, and devil.
In application, we need to make a sustained concious moment to moment effort to stay mindful of Christ. Easy to say; can't be done on our own effort.