Paul and Barnabas

Acts 15:36-41 Agreeing to go separate

ways

First Point

Hard Conversations do not always result

in reconciliation.

Acts 1536 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”

Acts 1537 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

Acts 1539 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,

Acts 1540 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Acts 1225 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Acts 1313 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem.

Colossians 4:1010a Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas…

Mark 1451 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

Second Point

Sharp disagreements can sharpen us… despite the

painful process.

Παροξυσμός/ ParoxūsmosActs 15:39 And there arose a sharp disagreement…

Pará = alongsideoxunó = to sharpen

Hebrews 10

24 And let us consider how to stir up (παροξυσμός) one another to love and good works,

Series Verse

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a

friend.Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

File vs. RaspFile Rasp

Third Point

Sometimes separation is strategically advantageous.

First Missionary

Journey

Paul and Barnabas planned

together to repeat this strategy for

a Second Journey

Second Missionary Journey

Barnabas and Mark

Paul and Silas

Two Different Teams

Paul and Silas•Roman citizens•Evangelists•Courageous

Barnabas and Mark•Jewish citizens•Encouragers•Buckle to pressure.

1 Corinthians 96 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?

2 Timothy 411 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

Colossians 4:1010 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),

Steps in a Healthy Separation

1.Don’t vilify your opponent or their work.

Steps in a Healthy Separation

1. Don’t vilify your opponent or their work.

2.Separate neatly and completely.

Steps in a Healthy Separation1. Don’t vilify your opponent or their

work.2.Separate neatly and completely.3.Separate cooperatively, not

competitively.