SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE, 15 March 2026
Sermon Series: “The Acts of the Apostles” (#23)
Sermon Text: Acts 15:36-41
Main Points:
Introduction
I. A shared goal
II. A disputed concern
III. God at work
Conclusion: A time to move on
Last Sunday, we considered how the first ecumenical church council was held in Jerusalem in the history of the NT church, recorded in the book of Acts, ch. 15. The council had a single agenda – that is, the question of whether Gentile converts must follow the laws of the OT.
The conclusion was clear. The apostles and elders decided not to burden Gentile believers with those laws, because God’s way of saving sinners is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The significance of that decision was profound. It affirmed that the gospel is God’s message for all humanity and that Christ’s church is God’s international family. With that decision, the trouble that had weighed on the church in Antioch was resolved, and the church regained its doctrinal unity.
But, as Luke continues the narrative, he shifts our focus. From the doctrinal unity of the church, he brings us to a personal dispute. The church was enjoying the unity God had given. Two outstanding teachers were ministering together and strengthening God’s people with the Word. Yet, something unexpected happened – a sharp personal disagreement arose between Paul the Apostle and Barnabas.
One day, Paul suggested to Barnabas that they return and visit the churches they had planted during their first missionary journey. Barnabas likely welcomed the idea with joy. After all, the encouragement and strengthening of young believers was very much in keeping with Barnaba’s character.
But, although Paul and Barnabas fully agreed on the goal of visiting those churches, they disagreed about how to carry it out. Their disagreement was not a minor difference of opinion. Luke tells us that it became a sharp disagreement.
Luke records this episode in only a few verses. Compared with the lengthy discussion of the Jerusalem Council, it’s a brief account. However, this brief passage reveals something very real about serving God in His earthly church. As we look at this passage today, I pray that we’ll understand one thing – that is, the purpose of God in personal conflicts, and what He does even through disagreements like this.
I. A Shared Goal
The first thing to notice in this passage is that the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas did not begin with conflict. It began with something they deeply shared.
Before Luke shows us their disagreement, he shows us first their shared purpose. Their hearts were moving in the same direction. Their concern was not personal ambition, nor personal reputation, but the well-being of the churches God had established. They carried a deep love and longing for those churches.
So, when Paul suggested that they revisit the churches planted in their earlier mission trip, Luke does not record Barnabas’ response. But, in a sense, we do not need to hear it. Everything we know about Barnabas tells us that he’d gladly have agreed with the plan.
When two people are united by a single goal for Christ, it is a beautiful thing. And Paul and Barnabas were a remarkable example of that kind of unity.
And I can say that we see something similar in our own church as well. I can tell you with gratitude that the Session of our church is united in one accord. All five elders – including myself – pray together for the congregation and labour side by side for the well-being of the church. By God’s grace, I believe our Session is one of the best in the Presbyterian Church of Australia.
There is something beautiful about sitting together in a Session meeting. There’s something deeply moving about bowing our heads in prayer together as fellow elders, seeking the Lord’s wisdom for His people. And it is not only among the elders. When I see our Deacons caring for those in need among us, my heart is warmed. I believe many of you feel the same when you see fellow believers greeting one another with smiles, speaking words of encouragement, and showing genuine care.
We see the same beauty in our homes as well – when husbands and wives, parents and children grow together in faith, in the grace of the Lord. When we witness such things, our heart cannot help but give thanks to God, because these things are beautiful in the Lord. When such unity is seen among gospel workers in the church or in the mission field, it rises as a beautiful and fragrant aroma before God! In fact, this is the very purpose of our calling. Christ has called us to be united to one another, just as He has united us to our Heavenly Father. Therefore, it is both our duty and our privilege to live in unity with one another, and labour for the honour of Christ and the glorify of our Father. And so, it is time for us to move forward together in fulfilling this duty and privilege.
In this sense, Paul and Barnabas’ partnership was truly remarkable. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that their partnership was one of the most outstanding ministry partnerships we see in the Scriptures. As they worked together, their eyes were fixed on the same goal. Their hearts desired the same outcome. They walked side by side, labouring for the spread of the gospel.
II. A Disputed Concern
Although Paul and Barnabas shared the same goal, they differed on how that goal should be carried out. Their disagreement was not about the mission itself, but about the way to pursue it. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them on the journey. Paul objected, because Mark had previously left the team during the first missionary journey. What began as a difference of opinion soon became a sharp disagreement, and eventually the two servants went their separate ways.
Before asking who was right or wrong, it is helpful for us to understand the reasoning behind each side. First, consider Barnabas. Mark was Barnabas’ cousin, as Paul tells us in Col. 4:10. But Barnabas’ decision was likely shaped by more than family ties. Throughout the book of Acts, we see Barnabas’ character clearly. He is introduced as the ‘son of encouragement.’ In fact, that’s exactly what the name Barnabas means. When Saul first came to Jerusalem after his conversion, the believers were afraid of him. No one wanted to meet him. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and spoke on his behalf. He was trusting, gracious, and willing to stand up for others.
It’s not difficult, then, to see why Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance. All of us know how important second chances are. All of us, in one way or another, have needed them. Without them, none of us would be where we are today. Barnabas believed Mark should have another opportunity to recommit himself to the service of Christ.
And in time, that hope proved well founded. Later in his life, Paul himself speaks warmly of Mark, calling him “very useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). Even the Apostle Peter refers to Mark affectionately as his ‘son’ in 1 Pet. 5:13. In God’s providence, the one who once faltered became a faithful servant of Christ, and the church later received from him the Gospel of Mark, likely recording the testimony of the Apostle Peter about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Yet, Paul’s concern was also understandable. The mission ahead would again lead them through difficult and dangerous places. The work demanded endurance and reliability. From Paul’s perspective, someone who had once abandoned the mission might not yet be ready to bear that responsibility again.
Someone might say that Paul seemed unwilling to forgive. But that’s definitely not the case. Forgiveness is one thing, and readiness for demanding ministry is another. A person may be forgiven, yet still need time to demonstrate renewed faithfulness. Paul seems to have been looking for that kind of evidence before entrusting Mark with such demanding work again.
And so, a shard disagreement arose. Sometimes, disputes like this lead Christians to end their united effort and go their separate ways. But, when such divisions are not caused by doctrinal error, the fundamental goal often remains the same. Both sides still desire to serve Christ. That’s what we see here. Barnabas sailed with Mark to Cyprus, while Paul took Silas and travelled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
III. God At Work
When we look at this whole account, one clear and powerful truth stands out – that is, God was at work, even in the midst of a sharp disagreement that led to separation. Let me briefly highlight the evidence that shows God’s mighty hand at work!
First, the churches in the regions of Syria and Cilicia were strengthened. God’s word was preached, and the believers were fed with spiritual nourishment – what a joyful picture! God continued to nurture His church through His faithful servants, like Paul.
Second, the same happened in Cyprus through Barnabas and Mark. Though Barnabas is no longer mentioned after this passage in Acts, we know he remained faithful, continually serving the Lord and His church. Paul refers to him several times in his letters to churches in Galatia, Corinth and Colossae, showing that God’s work through Barnabas continued steadily.
Third, Mark grew to maturity in service. We’re not told whether Paul’s refusal prompted Mark to reflect on his earlier failure, or whether that moment became a turning point in his life. But the final outcome is undeniable: Mark became a faithful servant of Christ – useful to Paul and dearly loved by Peter. Our God who perseveres is gracious!
Fourth, Paul continued to boldly proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, fulfilling his Christ-given calling as the apostle to the Gentiles. In this missionary journey, he travelled even farther, reaching Macedonia – what we now call Greece – and moving closer to the heart of the Roman Empire, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. What a joy for the peoples in sin’s darkness!
Fifth, God brought a new companion to Paul, one who would strengthen the mission and bring greater synergy – that is, Silas, also called Silvanus. The book of Acts shows Silas as Paul’s loyal companion in preaching, teaching, and even suffering. Barnabas had been a great companion, but God provided another faithful coworker, proving once again that His work cannot be hindered by human disagreement.
So, as God proved that He was at work despite a sharp disagreement and division, so is He in the life of church and mission – He is always at work in His wisdom and power! Even though human beings in sin disagree, divide, and go their own ways, God never slows down His purpose, He never let His name be tarnished. Instead, His kingdom expands, no matter what – He’s always at work!
Conclusion: A Time To Move On
So, the lesson for us to take to heart is this: when disputes or disagreements arise among believers, we must first remember our common goal – that is, to honour Christ and glorify God. How we carry that goal may differ from person to person. When the ‘how’ seems impossible to reconcile, we must stop insisting on our own way, and turn to prayer. We should examine whether our words and actions reflect humility, love, and integrity in the Lord. In other words, we should try to see the matter from another’s perspective – just as Paul considered Barnabas’ desire to give Mark a second chance, and Barnabas understood Paul’s concern for responsibility and trustworthiness. And through all this, we must remain faithful first to God’s word, and second, to one another in love.
But what if all efforts at faithfulness and love fail, and division becomes evident? What if each goes their own way? Then, it’s a time to move on. Leave it in God’s hands, continue abiding in His Word, and love one another in Christ. Perhaps, God intended the separation; perhaps, He is using it to accomplish even greater purposes. Whatever happens, we can be confident: God is at work, and His purposes are always accomplished!
Our God is great, gracious, and faithful. He works all things for His glory and for the good of those who remain faithful to His Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord! ***
St Columba's Presbyterian Church 