“PAUL AND BARNABAS PART WAYS”
Season: Book of Acts
Episode 20: “Paul and Barnabas Part Ways”
Today’s Bible Bite: Acts 15:36-41
Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL4P1T3ealY (Lego Bible – Acts 15-16)
“Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement was so sharp that they separated.” (Acts 15:39a, NLT)
After having settled the question as to what was required of new believers to follow Jesus, Paul suggested to his friend Barnabas that they revisit all the places that they had planted churches in. Barnabas thought this was a great idea and quickly agreed; he told Paul that he thought they should take John Mark along with them. Paul didn’t like that idea at all. John Mark was a young man who had been travelling with them, but had left before they had gotten the job done. Paul didn’t think that John Mark would be able to complete the trip—after all, hadn’t he deserted them the last time? But, Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance. Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement turned into an argument and they decided to go separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus, and Paul ended up with a new partner named Silas and traveled to Syria and Cilicia.
It was unfortunate that they couldn’t agree and parted ways, however, we do know that more people were able to hear about Jesus because of their decision. When Paul found himself in prison some years later, it is obvious that he came to respect John Mark. He saw that his friend Barnabas had helped John Mark become stronger in his faith and ability to serve God. He had just needed a second chance after all.
Think about it...
• Paul and Barnabas were good friends and made a great team. What one thing did they disagree about?
• Barnabas wanted to give John Mark another chance, but Paul didn’t trust him. What decision did they make?
• Barnabas decided to take John Mark as a partner. Why do you think he did that?
• Paul decided to continue working with a new partner. What was Paul’s new partner’s name?
Prayer: Thank you, God, that even though Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement, that didn’t mean they couldn’t still work for you. Thank you for their dedication to serve you. Help me to remember that, even when I don’t always agree with my friends, I can still work to serve you.