Level 1
Disagreement to Duplication – The Great Commission Multiplies Through Conflict
(Believers)
Paul suggests revisiting churches: 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 (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas wants John Mark; Paul refuses, recalling his desertion. Sharp disagreement leads to separation—Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus, Paul chooses Silas, commended by believers, traveling through Syria and Cilicia strengthening churches. They report back to Antioch, detailing God's open door to Gentiles. This split, though tense, doubles efforts, advancing The Great Commission despite friction. Relate it: Ever parted ways over differences? Like them, let God use it for more good. Act today—mend a rift or team up anew; expand your influence for the gospel.
God's Sovereignty in Diversifying Mission
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 15:36-41 describes a significant internal conflict within The Great Commission leadership. Paul proposes revisiting the churches, but a sharp disagreement arises with Barnabas over whether to take John Mark, who had deserted them earlier. Paul insists against it, while Barnabas wants to give him another chance. The dispute is so intense that they separate: Barnabas takes John Mark and sails to Cyprus, while Paul chooses Silas and departs through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. This pivotal disagreement, an example of Christianity Accepted and Opposed within the church, ultimately leads to The Great Commission expanding through two missionary teams instead of one, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to use even human friction to further His global plan.
Level 2
Parting for Purpose
Conflict Catalyzes the Great Commission's Growth
(Believers)
Paul, eager to nurture fledglings, proposes: 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' (Acts 15:36). Barnabas agrees but insists on John Mark: Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them (verse 37). Paul objects sharply—Mark deserted in Pamphylia, unreliable for work (verse 38).
Disagreement escalates: They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company (verse 39). Barnabas sails to Cyprus with Mark—his cousin, perhaps seeing potential for redemption. Paul selects Silas, a Jerusalem prophet, and departs, Commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (verses 40-41).
Return to Antioch closes the loop: On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples (verses 27-28, contextually). They detail journeys, disciple-making, God's faithfulness.
This rift, human and heated, multiplies ministry—two teams instead of one, covering more ground. The Great Commission benefits from duplication, turning tension into expansion. Subtle Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT: Mark's growth later praised by Paul (2 Timothy 4:11).
Storytelling resonates: Imagine the argument—voices raised, hearts heavy, yet God redirecting paths. Relatable: Disagreements divide teams; but surrendered, they diversify impact.
Actionable: First, propose check-ins: Revisit 'churches'—friends, groups—to encourage. Second, discern partners: Choose wisely, but allow redemptions like Barnabas. Third, part gracefully: If needed, separate without bitterness, commending to grace. Fourth, strengthen en route: Use travels to build faith. Fifth, report fully: Share stories to inspire senders. Conflict catalyzed growth; harness yours for mission!
Level 2: Expanded Insights
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 15:36-41 recounts one of the most candid and human passages in Acts: the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, which leads to their separation and the formation of two distinct missionary teams, ultimately serving to advance The Great Commission more broadly. This event immediately follows the triumphant Jerusalem Council, underscoring that even after major theological resolutions, human complexities can still arise within Christianity Accepted and Opposed from within.
The passage begins with Paul's proactive missional zeal: "After some days Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let's return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.'" This demonstrates Paul's consistent commitment to nurturing newly planted churches, emphasizing follow-up and discipleship in The Great Commission. He proposes revisiting the cities from their first journey (Acts 13-14) to "see how they are doing," indicating pastoral concern for new believers and the progress of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel.
However, this shared missional intent quickly leads to a profound disagreement over personnel: "Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also; but 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." John Mark, Barnabas's cousin (Colossians 4:10), had left them prematurely during their first journey (Acts 13:13). Barnabas, known as a "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36) and possessing a gracious, restorative spirit, desired to give Mark a second chance. Paul, however, driven by a pragmatic focus on the mission's demands and the potential for a repeat failure, insisted on excluding someone who had shown unreliability. This difference in opinion escalated into a "sharp disagreement" (paroxysmos, literally "a sharp contention" or "irritation"), leading to a personal and painful split between two highly respected apostolic leaders. This internal conflict is a stark reminder that even Spirit-filled leaders can have profound differences in judgment, highlighting the human element within The Great Commission and serving as a compelling example of Christianity Accepted and Opposed from within.
The disagreement culminates in their separation and the formation of two new missionary teams: "So that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and left, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord."
Barnabas and Mark: Barnabas returns to his homeland, Cyprus (Acts 4:36; 13:4), initiating a new missionary endeavor with John Mark. This provides Mark with a second chance, demonstrating Barnabas's restorative ministry. This journey, while not extensively detailed in Acts, still represents an advancement of The Great Commission. Later New Testament passages (2 Timothy 4:11; Colossians 4:10) suggest John Mark's eventual reconciliation with Paul and his valuable contribution to the ministry, providing crucial context for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT.
Paul and Silas: Paul chooses Silas (also called Silvanus), a leading man and prophet from Jerusalem (Acts 15:22, 32), as his new companion. Silas's presence provides a vital link to the Jerusalem church, carrying the authority of the recent council's decree and ensuring continued theological alignment for The Great Commission. Paul and Silas's departure, "being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord," signifies the Antioch church's affirmation and blessing on this new team, underscoring The Holy Spirit's Role in guiding the mission despite the human friction.
Paul's new journey begins with consolidating existing work: "And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." This strategic move to visit and strengthen churches in his home region (Tarsus is in Cilicia, Acts 9:30) highlights the importance of discipleship and foundational care in The Great Commission. This passage demonstrates that God can providentially use even human disagreement to expand His work, multiplying missionary efforts and diversifying approaches to reach more territories with Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel.
Level 3
Separation for Service – How Disagreement Doubles the Great Commission's Impact
(Believers)
Picture Antioch's church, still buzzing from the council's grace-affirming letter. Time passes; Paul turns to Barnabas: 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' (Acts 15:36). Vision clear—revisit Galatian churches like Iconium, Lystra, Derbe to strengthen, encourage amid trials.
Barnabas concurs but adds: Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them (verse 37). Kinship influences—Mark his cousin (Colossians 4:10), perhaps seeing chance for restoration after Perga's desertion (Acts 13:13).
Paul resists vehemently: 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 (verse 38). Trust broken; mission too vital for risks. Disagreement sharpens: They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company (verse 39). Greek 'paroxysm' implies intense emotion—heated words, pained hearts.
Paths diverge: Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus (verse 39b)—Barnabas's homeland, familiar ground for mentoring Mark. Paul chooses Silas: But Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord (verse 40). Silas, prophet from Jerusalem, brings council credibility. They traverse Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (verse 41)—expanding beyond prior routes.
Circuit completes in Antioch: On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples (verses 27-28). Full debrief—journeys recounted, hardships shared, Gentile doors celebrated—fuels the sending church.
This episode showcases The Great Commission's resilience—conflict doesn't derail; it duplicates efforts, covering Cyprus anew and Syrian churches. Human frailty meets divine providence, turning division into diffusion.
Storytelling vivid: Feel the tension—old friends clashing, packing separately, waves carrying Barnabas away, Paul's road stretching north. Yet God weaves good—Mark matures under Barnabas, later useful to Paul (2 Timothy 4:11), Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT in redemption arcs.
Inspirational: Disagreements, painful, can propel if surrendered. Barnabas's mercy, Paul's prudence—both needed for balance.
Relatable: Teams split over visions, personalities—work, church, family. Like them, part commending to grace, not grudge-holding.
Subtle Christianity Accepted and Opposed: Internal friction opposed unity, but resolution accepted expanded mission.
Actionable insights: First, initiate follow-up: Propose revisits to nurtured relationships. Second, evaluate partners prayerfully: Weigh past failures against potential, like Barnabas. Third, handle splits maturely: Separate without slander, seeking commendation. Fourth, strengthen systematically: En route, encourage perseverance. Fifth, report comprehensively: Detail God's doors, inspiring supporters.
This parting multiplied harvesters; apply to your conflicts—let God double impact. Facing a 'sharp disagreement'? Seek grace; the Commission advances through redirected paths!
God's Sovereignty in Diversifying Mission
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 15:36-41 records one of the most candid and human passages in the entire Book of Acts: the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over personnel, which unexpectedly leads to their separation and the formation of two distinct missionary teams. This pericope, while highlighting internal Christianity Accepted and Opposed, ultimately demonstrates God's sovereignty in using human friction to achieve a broader, diversified advance of The Great Commission. It offers profound insights into apostolic leadership, missional strategy, and the complexities of human relationships within divine service.
I. The Proposal for a Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36)
The passage begins with Paul's characteristic missional zeal and pastoral concern, immediately after the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35) and the subsequent period of teaching in Antioch (Acts 15:35).
Paul's Initiative: "After some days Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let's return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.'" Paul's proposal to revisit the churches they had planted during their first journey (Acts 13-14) demonstrates his deep commitment to discipleship and consolidation in The Great Commission. This was not merely evangelism but also apostolic pastoring—nurturing the young churches, strengthening new believers, and providing ongoing Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel. The phrase "see how they are doing" (pōs echousin) highlights genuine pastoral concern for their spiritual well-being amidst potential challenges and Christianity Accepted and Opposed. This proactive follow-up was crucial for the long-term sustainability of the mission.
II. The Sharp Disagreement Over John Mark (Acts 15:37-39a)
Paul's noble proposal immediately leads to a profound conflict over personnel, reflecting a clash of perspectives and priorities.
Barnabas's Advocacy for John Mark: "Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also." Barnabas, consistently portrayed as a man of encouragement and grace (Acts 4:36-37; 9:27; 11:23-24), desired to give John Mark a second chance. John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), had departed from the first missionary journey prematurely in Perga of Pamphylia (Acts 13:13). Barnabas's willingness to restore Mark aligns with a pastoral, restorative approach, prioritizing an individual's spiritual rehabilitation and potential future usefulness for The Great Commission.
Paul's Insistence Against John Mark: "but 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." Paul's stance, expressed by the strong Greek verb ēxiou (ἠξίου, "insisted" or "demanded"), was rooted in pragmatic concern for the mission's demands and a perceived lack of reliability. John Mark's previous "desertion" (apostanta ap' autōn) likely implied a failure to persevere under hardship, potentially jeopardizing the team's effectiveness and the mission's integrity. Paul's position emphasized the high stakes of The Great Commission and the need for unwavering commitment from all team members. This demonstrates a tension between restorative grace (Barnabas) and missional pragmatism (Paul).
"Sharp Disagreement" (paroxysmos): "And there arose a sharp disagreement so that they separated from one another." The Greek term paroxysmos (παροξυσμός), literally meaning "a sharp contention," "irritation," or "exacerbation," indicates a fervent and intense dispute. This candid portrayal of apostolic disagreement underscores the very human dimension of the early church and serves as a powerful example of Christianity Accepted and Opposed occurring within the leadership. It disabuses any notion of a perfect, conflict-free early church and emphasizes that even Spirit-filled leaders can have profound differences in judgment and strategy.
III. The Separation and Formation of New Missionary Teams (Acts 15:39b-41)
The disagreement, rather than paralyzing the mission, leads to an unexpected multiplication of missionary efforts.
Barnabas and John Mark to Cyprus: "and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus." Barnabas returns to his homeland, Cyprus (Acts 4:36; 13:4), initiating a new missionary endeavor with John Mark. While not extensively detailed in Acts, this journey represents a continued advancement of The Great Commission. It validates Barnabas's restorative ministry and provides John Mark with a crucial second chance, which he evidently seized (cf. Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11, indicating his eventual valuable contribution to Paul's ministry). This also subtly highlights that mission can be conducted in various styles and team compositions.
Paul and Silas to Syria and Cilicia: "but Paul chose Silas and left, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord." Paul selects Silas (also called Silvanus in Pauline epistles like 1 Thessalonians 1:1), a leading man and prophet from Jerusalem who had recently been instrumental in delivering the Jerusalem Council's decree (Acts 15:22, 32). Silas's presence provides a vital theological and relational link to the mother church in Jerusalem, ensuring continued alignment with the council's decision (Gentile freedom from Law) and lending authority to Paul's ministry. The phrase "being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord" (paradotheis tē chariti Kyriou hypo tōn adelphōn) signifies the Antioch church's affirmation and blessing on Paul's new team, underscoring The Holy Spirit's Role in guiding the mission despite the human friction. This commendation implies a spiritual endorsement and prayerful support for their journey.
Strengthening the Churches: "And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." (Acts 15:41). Paul and Silas immediately embark on their journey, strategically revisiting and strengthening existing churches in Paul's home region (Tarsus is in Cilicia, Acts 9:30). This highlights the importance of discipleship, consolidation, and foundational care in The Great Commission. Their ministry here (epistērizōn tas ekklēsias) involves fortifying believers in their faith, providing ongoing Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, and ensuring the long-term health and growth of the new congregations. This is a crucial aspect of establishing sustainable missionary fruit.
IV. Theological and Missiological Implications:
Acts 15:36-41, despite its portrayal of human disagreement, offers profound theological and missiological insights into the nature and advancement of The Great Commission.
God's Sovereignty in Diversifying Mission: The most significant theological implication is that God sovereignly uses even human disagreement and personal friction to further His redemptive purposes. What seemed like a setback—the split of a divinely commissioned team—paradoxically results in the multiplication of missionary effort, now proceeding along two distinct geographical routes. This demonstrates God's ability to extract greater good from human complexities, ensuring The Great Commission expands more widely and perhaps more effectively than if only one team had continued.
Complexity of Apostolic Leadership: The passage candidly reveals the real-life human complexities, personal convictions, and strong personalities within apostolic leadership. Even Spirit-filled apostles were not immune to disagreements, and these conflicts, while challenging, ultimately contributed to the mission's scope. It provides a realistic model for Christianity Accepted and Opposed in the church's internal dynamics.
The Cost of Mission and Resilience: Paul's steadfast commitment to the mission's demands, even at the cost of personal relationships, underscores the high stakes of The Great Commission. His immediate resumption of ministry (Acts 15:41) despite the prior stoning (Acts 14:19) and recent disagreement exemplifies remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication. This provides a model for enduring challenges for Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel.
John Mark's Redemption Arc: The disagreement, though painful, sets the stage for John Mark's personal redemption and future usefulness. His inclusion with Barnabas allows him to mature in ministry, eventually leading to his reconciliation with Paul and his valuable contribution to the ministry (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11), and his authorship of the Gospel of Mark. This provides crucial biographical detail for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT.
Strategic Importance of Follow-Up and Discipleship: Paul's emphasis on revisiting and strengthening churches highlights the critical importance of post-conversion discipleship and the establishment of local leadership for the sustainability of The Great Commission. Initial evangelism must be followed by robust nurturing.
Silas's Role and Future Journeys: Silas's selection marks the beginning of Paul's new missionary partnership, which will define the second and third missionary journeys and lead to the writing of many Pauline epistles. This is a crucial link for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT.
Acts 15:36-41, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to the intricate and sometimes messy reality of God's work through human agents. It highlights that The Great Commission is an unstoppable force, capable of leveraging even internal discord to multiply its reach, all under the sovereign guidance of The Holy Spirit's Role.
