Acts 15:36-41 A Sharp Disagreement. Is your heart bitter?
Second Missionary Journey
36After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. 41And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
“Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
This is important! When we bring people to the Lord we need to check in with them from time to time to see how they are holding up. Are they still in the word? Have they been led astray? Do they need prayer?
37Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.
Acts 12:12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
Cross References
Acts 13:13 Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
"39And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another,".
Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
Mark (John) was Barnabas' cousin. Paul evidently was perturbed with him. Did Paul pray about Mark? Did He seek the Lords guidance? I don't know but I do know Mark was used by the Lord.
Psalm 106:33 for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips.
Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
40But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas split up. They had a disagreement and went their own way.
Did you ever have a disagreement with someone? Did you part ways?
Colossians 4:10 Cross References: Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),
2 Timothy 4:11 Cross References: Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is useful to me for ministering.
Philemon 1:24 Cross References: and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.
So we can see by the references that they patched up their disagreement.
You can read commentary here;
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/19/2011
Have you taken the first step as Paul did and patched up your disagreement or is your heart still bitter?
Remember this important biblical fact; If you being forgiven by the grace of God, cannot forgive a transgression then how can the Father forgive you?
Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
When you forgive the bitterness in your heart leaves you, and you will be set free!
Blessings David
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