Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers 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 believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

“People in process” do not always agree on the best path forward. In this case, two men who both loved God and served together could not see eye-to-eye on including John Mark.

What do we do when we cannot see eye-to-eye with someone in our church; or closer to home — our parents or our spouse?

I love it that Acts includes these disagreements and some of the church challenges it does. It makes it relatable and real. I was thinking about obituaries today, or memorial services. While it is great to recognize the positive impacts of a person’s life, we can leave feeling like parts of their life were missing. They also had real struggles, arguments, challenges, etc.

Paul and Barnabas were both followers of Jesus and they were both sinners saved by grace. They did not see this inclusion of John Mark the same.

First, we must discern if the disagreement involves the truth of God’s word. Is it over something core to the gospel of Jesus Christ? In this case it was not. It was a tactical decision that involved who to send into the field of ministry.

Paul likely thought John Mark’s desertion meant he needed to mature more and learn to become more solid in his faith. He could have felt that taking him into the heat of the battle was not wise for him or the ministry. There may have been some forgiveness wounds that needed to be healed too. Who knows?

Barnabas, being an encourager, might have wanted Paul to show grace and forgiveness to John Mark, and thought that his heart had healed enough and he could work with him as they were ministering. Both men felt strongly and could not compromise.

What do we learn from this? Maybe that sometimes a compromise is good. Could they have “tested” John Mark out more in some local ministry first, then sent for him? Could he have joined them in only one city and sent him back? Could they have more narrowly defined his ministry to allow him to grow into being a spiritual “road warrior”?

I also learn here that simply having a disagreement does not mean one person is 100% right and the other 100% wrong. The church blessed Paul being sent with Silas, and John Mark went with Barnabas to Cyprus. Down the road, I think we shall find that spiritual growth happens as a result.

The most important thing is to follow God in doing the work of the ministry. Agreement with other ministers is sought but not always achieved. Sometimes different approaches are effective in different ways and both can serve God.

Lord, teach me to be gracious with others, stay passionate about your call on my heart, and at times, be good with disagreements that do not resolve immediately.