39The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40But Paul chose Silas and set out, the believers* commending him to the grace of the Lord. 41He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
The disagreement that's referenced in verse 39 was over who should accompany Paul and Barnabas -- Paul did not want to take someone who had abandoned them and not accompanied them in their work. We don't hear Barnabas' argument for bringing this person -- what redeemable qualities did he have? It's not uncommon for disagreements to happen -- today or in the early church.
We don't really get to know what happened with Barnabas and Mark (who was really named John), but we learn that Paul and Silas strengthened the church. I imagine that the other team did the same, even if their process and strategy differed. What can we do to strengthen the church (not just our local congregations) in the midst of disagreement?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
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