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

Acts 15:37-38

They were a good team – Paul and Barnabas – and the Holy Spirit put them together as the first missionary team (Acts 13:2). Ideally, nothing should have separated them. But it happened. On the issue of taking John Mark with them on their second Missionary journey, the two disagreed vehemently (15:37-40). Paul didn’t want a deserter on the team, but Barnabas saw beyond that. He saw a young man full of potential and love for God yet struggled when persecution arose and bailed out. He reasoned that a little encouragement would strengthen Mark’s chin for the tough fight in the arena of the gospel outreach. On the other hand, Paul may have considered how Mark ran away naked at Gethsemane (Mk. 14:51-52) and thought they couldn’t risk another disappointment when it mattered most.  You see why perspectives matter?

Passions heated up and tempers rose; so, they parted company. “Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord” (Acts 15:39-40).

Inherently, disagreement is not a bad thing. How we handle it is the critical issue. It’s a blessing to agree on issues, but we cannot expect it all the time. Accepting this may help us work through issues in relationships like marriages and church fellowships.

The two disagreeing parties may separate, but separation is not necessarily an ill omen. There are times when separation is a necessary facilitator for personal growth and maturity that could foster a stronger bond when reconciliation occurs. It allows both parties to reconsider the events that led to their separation, their reactions, and the worth of each other. This is ultimately healthy for building relationships, and that is what finally happened with Paul and John Mark.

Though Paul and Barnabas separated, they didn’t become enemies. They recognized that they had a common goal and mandate from the Lord, so they chose to glorify Him in their mission. They worked together from apart for the common good of the Gospel. Paul later saw the result of Barnabas’ ministry in Mark and loved it: “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).  

It’s helpful to recognize the peculiar personalities of Paul and Barnabas in this matter and how they affected their reactions and decisions. Barnabas was the gentle one who always encouraged and brought people together (Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:25-26). While Paul was confrontational and a little abrasive. No wonder they clashed on John Mark. Recognizing the importance of our temperaments in relationships, we would do well by making conscious efforts to factor them in all conflicts.

So, let’s embrace disagreements in our relationships and allow them to hone us for God’s greater glory. And, may you not be dismayed if separation happens. Rather, use it to grow and never close the door on reconciliation. You allow God to better work on you from apart when you open yourself to resolution. Finally, consider your temperament and accept your weaknesses as a Holy Spirit project in your life.