(*Note to readers: this article does not represent the views of the Men’s Ministry and is written solely based on the opinion of the writer)
Acts 15: 36-41Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in
all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are
doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did
not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had
not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that
they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose
Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went
through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Just imagine what would have happened if Paul were to bring Mark, instead of Silas, along with him for the rest of his ministry.
For the first time after years of Bible reading, I was deeply amazed to come across the above passage on a dispute between two spiritual brothers. At a glance, the two spiritual leaders just could not see eye to eye with each other, on the choice of their co-workers, to the point of breaking up company, abandoned their initial objective to returning to where they came from, and to go separate ways with their own chosen protégés.
Many would agree that it is unavoidable for us to rub shoulders and occasionally, have our toes stepped on by other people (or vice versa) in ministry or marketplace. Not sure if it is just me who were to think this way, but if such disputes are part and parcel of living, why should the above account of a disagreement deserve a place in the Bible?
Appointing a successor requires wisdom from God and clearly, Paul did exercise this wisdom (the other brother obviously lacked common sense). As I quickly browsed through the subsequent chapters of Acts, the rest of the Book was dedicated to Paul, Silas and their ministry.
I am not advocating my readers to look out for disputes so that God can bring blessings to them. But personally, this passage showed the blessings of God for Paul, empowering him for challenges ahead of him.
Are you now in disagreement with someone in your office(or anywhere) while reading this blog entry, I pray for God to deliver you away from it and to reveal the blessings behind it.
