Day 1176: When friends fall out – Acts 15 vs 30 - 41

30-32 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 33-35 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. (Some manuscripts add that 'it seemed good for Silas to remain there'.)

36-38 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39-41 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:30-41 English Standard Version

Can you imagine the joy felt by the gentile believers when Paul and Barnabas returned and the letter from the Church at Jerusalem was read to the congregation. The painful threat of division over circumcision and law keeping was put to rest, and they were greatly encouraged. Not only that, Judas and Silas who'd come with them from Jerusalem stayed for a period of time and strengthened and encouraged the Church..

We're told that Judas and Silas were prophets. Writing to Christians at Rome Paul said: “We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith. If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. If it is to encourage, then give encouragement.” (Romans 12:6-8) The early Church was given many gifts to establish it in the world before the word of God was fully written.

Christians differ on whether 'the gift' of prophecy is still for today. Jude vs 3 speaks of “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”, and Ephesians 4:11-12 says: “Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” The GotQuestions website says: “The spiritual gift of prophecy, in the sense of receiving new revelations from God, ceased with the completion of the Bible.”

Sadly, after a season of such great unity we read of the situation of good friends falling out. Paul and Barnabas had stayed on at Antioch to teach and preach the word of the Lord. When Paul wanted to go back to Churches they'd previously established to see how they were getting on, Barnabas wanted to take his cousin, John Mark, with them. Paul objected, and we read there was a sharp disagreement, and they 'separated from each other'. Barnabas went to Cyprus, and we hear no more of this great encourager. Paul chose Silas as his new co-worker, and we read much of their labours in the following Chapters of the book of Acts.

Who knows whether Paul or Barnabas were 'right'? There's surely a lesson to be learned! Two godly men who were dear to the churches and filled with the Spirit, and who were enjoying an effective ministry, yet they ‘separated from each other’. We see that even the best and most faithful among God’s people can fall into quarrels and make mistakes.

But God doesn't make mistakes. He turned the situation into something good, and two pairs of missionaries were now in active service in the field! Years later Paul wrote: “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions - if he comes to you, welcome him!”