The First Church Split?

Paul and Barnabus disagree so strongly over their old traveling companion, John Mark, that they can’t see eye to eye and so go their separate ways. God uses a bitter split to multiply his church.

Read: Acts 15:36-16:5 (NLT)

Explore the Theme: Conflict occurs in this passage - - a personality conflict and a disagreement. A parting of ways takes place dividing one team into two. How does God work something good in the midst of disagreements?

A decision is made and Paul and Barnabas get back to the focus of the work set before them, rather than staying stuck in a disagreement. Imagine that you are in their place. How hard is it to move on and get back to work?

Ask God: Think about either a current conflict or one in the past; ask God to show you what you need to learn from that conflict. Ask him to shed light on areas where you might be tempted to stay in the muck. Do you tend to let side issues bog you down and drain your energy and time? How hard is it for you to deal with a difference of opinion and set the focus back to the matter at hand?

In the future, how can you rely upon God for solutions to differences of opinion so that, as much as depends on you, you can live at peace with all (Romans 12:18)?

Live it Out: There are constant things happening in our lives that try to get us off course with what God has called us to expend our energies. Paul and Barnabus parted ways, peaceably, because that was the best solution for the problem, then went back to the task at hand with laser focus. As conflicts big and small crop up in your week, intentionally look for solutions that work, that honor God, and that keep you busy about God’s purposes for your life.