Bible Truth FAQs

PAUL AND BARNABAS DISAGREED?

The latter part of Acts 15 reveals a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. While at Antioch of Syria, Paul suggested that he and Barnabas revisit the cities where they had preached during their first journey (Acts 13-14) to see how the churches they established in those cities were doing. Barnabas determined to take his nephew John Mark, but Paul objected. Mark had accompanied them on their first journey as far as Perga of the province of Pamphylia where he departed from them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13).

Paul reasoned that since Mark turned back on the first journey that it would not be good to take him the second time. Luke records (Acts 15:39-41) that the contention was so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the other. Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cyprus, and Paul took with him Silas and went through Syria and Silicia.

Note that this was not a physical battle but only a difference of opinion. It is not wrong to have a differing opinion in matters of opinion. However, where God has spoken through his written word, no one has a right to his own opinion. If he did, there would be no need for God's word. In doctrinal matters, opinions are unnecessary. God's authority settles it!

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