The Book of Acts ~ Study Fifty-One

"Agree to Disagree"

Acts 15:36-41 (NLT) After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

Sharp disagreement among brothers of the faith? You bet! It's here in this passage that we see that Paul and Barnabas are indeed human. It's funny to think that there were those in Lystra, where a crippled man's feet were healed, that wanted to worship both men. How easy is it to put one on a pedestal and easier to see them topple. There is no one perfect and without sin except Jesus.

In the imperfect state of humanity, we all fall short of Christ's perfection. (See Romans 3:23)We are to strive for perfection like Jesus, but know that it is impossible when we rely on our own power and not the Holy Spirit's. I'll say it again ~ only Jesus is perfect and without sin.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Jesus "understands our weaknesses" that is why He died for us and His righteousness covers over our unrighteousness. Because of this we can fully and opening come to God, who is gracious beyond measure, and be renewed.

Have you ever witnessed or been a part of a "sharp disagreement" between strong believers? What was the result? How did you feel about the outcome?

I've been a part of and have been a witness to such heartbreaking disagreements. I've recently witnessed it between two men that I love dearly. It tore me up and I've been struggling with my emotions and don't know how to handle it on my own. It is only through my trust in Jesus and knowing that both these men truly love Jesus and want to serve Him, that I know it will all be ok and God will be glorified.

Paul and Barnabas sharply opposed one another. Barnabas wanted John Mark, his cousin, to have another chance to serve with them. Paul didn't agree so they parted ways. Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree and move on. We see from these two men that they didn't stop serving the Lord but went on in their ministries. They were still serving the same Lord. Later, we can see that they did reconcile but maintained their own ministries. Paul mentions Mark as being with him while he is in prison.

Colossians 4:10 (NLT) Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way.

What can we learn from this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas? First, Christians can disagree but shouldn't sin in their conflict. Second, we should continue bringing the Good News in every place that God leads us. Third, we should be reconciled to one another through Jesus.

Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT) “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

Let's pray for reconciliation between all ministries that proclaim the Good News of Christ Jesus. We are not at war against one another. We must remain united and support each other's ministries. Let's lay our sharp words and disagreements aside and serve Jesus as He wants us to.

Philippians 1:15-19 (NLT) It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.

Pure motives should prompt us to preach the Good News of Christ Jesus. But, even if someone we know is preaching out of jealousy or rivalry, just so long as they are truly preaching Christ' redemption for all, then that is cause to rejoice. However, we should all keep our motives in check and be honest about why we do what we do. Pray about your attitude and for reconciliation of all the Body of Christ. We need each other.