Chapter 15 - Paul and Barnabas

The last six verses of the 15th Chapter of Acts give an account of a disagreement and a separation of Paul and Barnabas. These two friends and co-workers in the gospel wind up going separate ways. The incident the occasions the division is a disagreement over a third person named Mark. Mark had earlier “abandoned the work”. Now Barnabas wanted to welcome Mark back for the next journey and Paul did not see that as the thing to do. The text says that the disagreement was “sharp” and that it led to Paul and Barnabas parting ways. 
This is an interesting and sobering story within the midst of the mission and work in the book of Acts. The presence of the Spirit does not mean the absence of disagreement. It is painful to see a friendship like this face such change and even dissolution. Willie Jennings, in his commentary on Acts, mentions that Barnabas always seemed to be going ahead of Paul. Barnabas had been first to show Paul what it meant to give away possessions. Barnabas had demonstrated the acceptance of Paul when other believers were still wary of doing so. Barnabas had shown Paul a way forward in Antioch in relation to Gentiles. Now Barnabas was showing Paul what grace meant to someone who had earlier abandoned the work. We don’t hear much about Barnabas after this, but his influence would remain strong in Paul’s life and work. 

Dear God,  
How much have we seen friendships change and even end? In all of our lives there are people with whom we worked and lived closely who are now not key present parts of our life. Give us grace. Show us what it means to accept that relationships change and even end. But show us your presence in the midst of this. Thank you for those who have been our friends and show us the way of love. 
In Jesus’ name. Amen.