The Dispute between Paul and Barnabas.

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Mitchell Robertson
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1 Introduction: The Dispute between Paul and Barnabas. Tonight we are going to seek to gain a perspective on the contributing factors to the dispute that arose between Barnabas and Paul concerning taking Mark on the second missionary journey. A few background observations. First this dispute and eventual split occurs in the midst of a very fine church filled with gifted men. Second, this dispute and eventual split occurs between two very godly, and mature individuals. Third, this dispute and eventual split occurs between two individuals that had gone back a long way, had a mutual concern for each other, and had a wealth of significant events to bind them together. Four, this dispute and eventual split does not occur over doctrine. I. First we are going to get a perspective on the occasion that led to the dispute and eventual split between Paul and Barnabus. - Paul's decision to embark on a second missionary journey. A. God had clearly directed the efforts of Barnabas and Paul on the first missionary journey. Acts 13:2 (ESV) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. B. The second missionary journey seemed to come at Paul s own initiative. Acts 15:36 (ESV) 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. 1. This was an application and follow-up of the initial call. 2. It appears that Barnabas agreed with the idea. 1

2 C. The purpose of the second missionary trip was agreed upon. 1. The scope of the trip was agreed upon. Acts 15:36 (ESV) 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." 2. The purpose of the trip was agreed upon. Acts 15:36 (ESV) 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." D. The point of disagreement was over taking Mark with them on the trip. 1. Barnabas was adamant about taking Mark with them. Acts 15:37 (ESV) Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. Acts 15:37 (KJV 1900) And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 2. However, Paul disagreed with taking Mark. Acts 15:38 (ESV) 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. E. The dynamics of the dispute. 1. Initially, on the first missionary journey Barnabas was in charge. a. Barnabas had introduced Saul to the apostles. Acts 9:26 (ESV) And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. Acts 9:27 (ESV) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. b. Barnabas had been sent by the apostles to Antioch to assist 2

3 the new believers there. Acts 11:21 (ESV) And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. Acts 11:22 (ESV) The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. c. Barnabas then sought Saul to help him. Acts 11:25 (ESV) So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, Acts 11:26 (ESV) and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. d. Barnabas began as the leader on the first missionary journey. Acts 13:1 (ESV) Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Acts 13:7 (ESV) He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 2. However, a dramatic change takes place. a. Saul is for the first time called Paul and he retains that name. Acts 13:9 (ESV) But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him b. At this time Paul assumes the leadership of the group. Acts 13:13 (ESV) Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, c. It is also at this point that Mark goes home. 3

4 Acts 13:13 (ESV) Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, Acts 15:37 (KJV 1900) And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. (1) The scripture does not tell us why Mark left at this point? (2) Was it due to the change of leadership? We don t know. (3) However, we do know that Paul found fault with Mark s having left. Acts 15:38 (ESV) 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. F. Application: II. A Perspective on the issues surrounding the split between Barnabas and Paul. A. The main issue was whether to take Mark with them on the next trip. Acts 15:37 (ESV) Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. Acts 15:37 (KJV 1900) And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. B. The different personalities of Barnabas and Paul are very important to understand. 1. Barnabas is a real people person. Acts 4:36 (ESV) Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 2. Barnabas put relationships above principle. 4

5 Galatians 2:12 (ESV) For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. Galatians 2:13 (ESV) And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 3. Paul put principle above relationships. C. The issue at stake. Galatians 2:14 (ESV) But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews? 1. Paul wanted to do what was best for the churches. Acts 15:36 (ESV) 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." Acts 15:38 (ESV) 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. 2. Barnabas wanted to do what was best for Mark. Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. Mark was also a cousin to Barnabas and that might have been a factor as well. Colossians 4:10 (ESV).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), 3. We are not to see a hard and fast difference here. a. Paul certainly cared about people. b. Barnabas was concerned for the churches. c. But the emphasis was different for the two of them. 5

6 D. The disagreement became so intense that Paul and Barnabas split over it. 1. The dispute was intense. Acts 15:39 (ESV) And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 2. Barnabas and Paul split over the decision. Acts 15:39 (ESV) And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, III. Perspective on the outcome of the dispute. A. Who took the right position? 1. It is impossible for us to go back and litigate the positions. 2. There is not enough information for us to weigh the pros and cons of the two positions. 3. However, we do know whose side the church supported. 4. The church supported Paul s decision not to take Mark. Acts 15:40 (ESV) but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 5. Application: B. How did it turn out? 1. How did it turn out for Paul and the churches? We know that Paul had a successful trip. 2. How did it turn out for Barnabas Barnabas is not mentioned again. So we have no information concerning his ministry. 3. How did it turn out for Mark? 6

7 Mark goes on to be used of the Lord. Colossians 4:10 (ESV) 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), 4. What kind of relationship did Paul and Mark have after this? Paul appreciates Mark and they work together again. 2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV) Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. IV. Application and Conclusion: 7

Those who were scattered abroad during the time of persecution that arose at the death of Steven traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,

Acts 11:24 Those who were scattered abroad during the time of persecution that arose at the death of Steven traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they preached only to the Jews at first.