Paul and Barnabas Separate

Paul and Barnabas Separate
Acts 15:36 - 16:5
We often look back to the past with rose-coloured glasses and miss the flaws and difficulties that happened along the way. This is entirely our fault, not the Bible's. The Bible is good at telling the errors and flaws of great men. However, just because these men are not perfect does not mean we cannot look up to them in their journey in the Lord.
A. Pastoral concern (v.36)
The disciples are setting out on their second missionary journey. It starts with a pastoral concern as opposed to the first mission of which planting churches is the purpose. The pastoral concern is to go back to those churches and see how they are going as most of them are planted during troubled times.
The Book of Acts knows nothing of a missionary approach that takes no responsibility for the churches that are planted as opposed to most crusades that we see happen today. Paul recognises his fatherly responsibilities over these churches, keen to see it strengthened and established. He has a special jealousy for the church because he, together with other apostles, has betrothed them to Christ.
B. Personal disagreement
What we see here is the most startling and shocking moment in the Book of Acts - two men who have loved each other, suffered and worked alongside each other, have a sharp disagreement. The tension is caused not by petty differences in opinion. They separate over this young man, John Mark, who have once turned his back to them.
Who might be right between them? Why are we being told about these disagreement?
Probably, the point is that life is complicated and that there are simply two people who have reached different conclusions.
C. Providential outcome
The Lord is famous for turning our worst moments into the best ones.
Benefits of these separation:
- two missionary teams as opposed to one
- Paul taking Silas - another man commissioned into the ministry (a Jew and Roman citizen)
- Paul finds someone who will prove to be so much important to him, Timothy - the one who will become like a son to him, who will go with him in both sufferings and joys
- a more effective future for John Mark (goes on to write the gospel of Mark)
***Timothy facts:
- likely a teenager at this point
- has a phenomenal reputation - well-spoken of
- willing to go with Paul away from the church that loved and supported him
- willing to go despite the danger
- willing to get circumsised that he might go on his mission trip with Paul evangelising the Jews with minimal barrier
You probably have experienced setbacks and disappointments in life, don't give up. Serve the Lord. If not at the same place, then in another where you can serve effectively. The Lord takes failures just like you and me and changes the world through them.
Praise the Lord!