Strength in Diversity
Acts 15:36–41 (NASB95)
36After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. 41And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Hi Church Family! In this brief passage, we encounter a striking example of how God works through differences among His servants. After having nurtured the church in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas faced a sharp divergence over the future of their missionary work. Barnabas, ever the encourager, wished to give John Mark another chance, while Paul recalled previous setbacks and felt a new companion was needed. This disagreement led to a respectful, albeit painful, separation: Barnabas took John Mark on one journey, while Paul chose Silas as his new traveling partner. Although a split in leadership might appear divisive on the surface, it actually doubled the missionary effort, allowing the Gospel to reach a broader audience. The early church’s experience reminds us that healthy differences in vision, rooted in sincere concern for God’s work, can result in complementary ministries rather than conflict.
In our modern context, disagreements over ministry direction, strategic partnerships, or personnel choices are inevitable. The example of Paul and Barnabas challenges us to approach such differences with humility and trust in God’s guidance. Rather than viewing divergent views as a setback, we can see them as opportunities for God’s purposes to expand in unexpected ways. By respectfully listening to one another, praying for wisdom, and committing to unity in Christ, our church can harness diverse perspectives to better serve our community and spread the transformative message of Jesus. Let us remember that when disagreements are handled in the light of God’s love, they can lead to new avenues of ministry and strengthen the overall witness of the body of Christ.