Topical Encyclopedia The account of strife between Paul and Barnabas is a significant event in the early Christian church, illustrating both the humanity of its leaders and the sovereignty of God in using even disagreements for His purposes. This incident is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 15:36-41.Background Paul and Barnabas were prominent figures in the early church, known for their missionary zeal and dedication to spreading the Gospel. They were initially brought together in Antioch, where Barnabas, known for his encouragement and generosity, introduced Paul to the apostles (Acts 9:27). Their partnership was solidified when the Holy Spirit set them apart for missionary work (Acts 13:2), leading to their first missionary journey, during which they established several churches and witnessed many conversions. The Dispute The strife between Paul and Barnabas arose after the Jerusalem Council, which addressed the issue of Gentile circumcision (Acts 15:1-35). Following this council, Paul proposed to Barnabas that they revisit the churches they had established to see how the believers were faring. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, his cousin, along with them. However, Paul disagreed, as John Mark had previously deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work (Acts 15:38). The Berean Standard Bible records this disagreement: "Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord" (Acts 15:39-40). This sharp contention led to the separation of these two great missionaries, with Barnabas taking John Mark to Cyprus and Paul choosing Silas as his new companion for the journey through Syria and Cilicia. Theological Implications The strife between Paul and Barnabas highlights several theological and practical lessons for the church. Firstly, it underscores the reality of human imperfection, even among the most dedicated servants of God. Disagreements and conflicts can arise, but they do not necessarily hinder God's work. In this case, the separation resulted in the multiplication of missionary efforts, as two teams were now spreading the Gospel instead of one. Secondly, the incident illustrates the importance of reconciliation and restoration. Although Paul and Barnabas parted ways, there is evidence of eventual reconciliation. Paul later speaks positively of Barnabas in his letters (1 Corinthians 9:6) and acknowledges John Mark's usefulness in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11), indicating that the rift was healed over time. Legacy The strife between Paul and Barnabas serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships within the body of Christ. It encourages believers to seek unity and reconciliation, trusting that God can work through disagreements to further His kingdom. The incident also highlights the importance of grace and forgiveness, as seen in the eventual restoration of relationships and the continued effectiveness of both Paul and Barnabas in their respective ministries. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 15:39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church. Sylvanus Paul a Prisoner The Council of Jerusalem. Sanctification. The Mystery of Iniquity Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence. Apostolic Labors of John. The General Epistle of James Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |