But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; vv.38-39
Read chapter 15
Fights and arguments happen among believers too, some so strong it ruins friendships. We've seen Paul and Barnabas inseparable for so many years being missionaries together and then don't see them together again in scripture. It's unclear who's "at fault" or "wrong" and scripture doesnt seem to side with either Paul or Barnabas. It seems based on Mark's immaturity of abandoning when the going got tough, that Paul wasnt ready to continue with him yet, but Barnabas seems quick to forgive, forget and desire to keep him with them. The result is breaking up this team and going separate ways in ministry. Did they ever reconcile? Can one go out preaching the gospel and forgiveness of sins when they don't in their own lives? It's encouraging to see Paul and Mark together again later in ministry (Col. 4:10, 1 Peter 5:13, 2 Tim. 4:11), this rekindled friendship resulting in awesome ministry for the Lord. What friendships need rekindling in your life after an argument that may have never been resolved?
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