PAUL AND BARNABAS DISAGREE

Passage: Acts 15:36-41

Key verse: 40,41

NIV

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns(A) where we preached the word of the Lord(B) and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark,(C) with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them(D) in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas(E) and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.(F) 41 He went through Syria(G) and Cilicia,(H) strengthening the churches.(I)

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ESV

Paul and Barnabas Separate

36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit (A)the brothers (B)in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them (C)John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one (D)who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose (E)a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. (F)Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, (G)having been commended by (H)the brothers to (I)the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, (J)strengthening the churches.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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1. Let's go back and visit the brothers (36)

Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch as Bible teachers. There were many others there who also taught the Bible. Paul couldn't get the new converts in distant places off his mind. So he suggested to Barnabas that they make another trip to see how their sheep were doing.

2. Two servants of God part company (37-41)

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark in order to give his young cousin another chance. Paul did not think this wise, because Mark had deserted them on the previous journey. Barnabas' way was to encourage others and to bear with their weaknesses. Paul was adamant about not compromising. Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of God. Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus, his home territory. Both Paul's refusal to compromise and Barnabas' forgiving spirit helped Mark become a useful servant of God (2Ti 4:11).

Prayer: Lord, help me to be both forgiving and uncompromising--so that others may be built up in faith.

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