I guess conflicts and disagreements are inevitable when two or more minds gather but what really matters would be how these conflicts and disagreements are handled and resolved. For Paul and Barnabas, their resolution was to part ways in continuing their work for God’s kingdom. It’s somewhat surprising that we don’t read about one giving in or yielding to the other but that their disagreement was so sharp that they parted ways. It’s also surprising because Barnabas was the one who welcomed Paul into the church. It seems that Barnabas was still in the ministry of giving‘second chances’. Mark who had disappointed Paul in the past was now under Barnabas’ care and protection though it meant for Barnabas that he would no longer serve with Paul.
I guess this is a story of two very strong but very different convictions. I can’t say who was in the right or wrong but that each followed the conviction of his heart and continued to serve the Lord-Paul in strengthening the church at large and Barnabas ministering and encouraging a brother by giving him another chance.
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1 comment:
thanks lynn for a most insightful reflection. you really made me see this passage in a new way--particularly the possibility that paul and barnabas had to part ways in order to continue the work of God's kingdom.
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