Overview:
Does the poison from an unresolved wound or conflict still plague you today? You might be surprised to learn that two godly missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, actually parted ways over an argument about their former co-laborer, John Mark. Listen to Pastor Chuck Swindoll teach on the conflict found in Acts 15. He presents key principles from Paul and Barnabas’ example for working out disagreements, and he challenges you to be humble and forgiving in the process. In your conflicts, determine to see the other’s point of view, seek wise compromises, reconcile, and graciously disagree.
Message Summary:
In “The Day Two Missionaries Duked It Out,” Chuck Swindoll explores the “paroxysm”—the sharp, jarring contention—that arose between Paul and Barnabas as they planned their second missionary journey. The central issue was John Mark, who had deserted them on their first trip. Swindoll contrasts the two distinct leadership styles at play: Paul’s high-standards approach that prioritized the integrity of the mission, and Barnabas’s relational approach that prioritized the restoration of the individual. This message highlights that while conflict is painful and real, it does not signify a lack of godliness. Instead, it demonstrates that God can use unresolved human disagreements to expand His work, ultimately resulting in two missionary teams instead of one.
Message Key Facts:
- The Nature of the “Paroxysm”: The Greek word used for their disagreement suggests a sharp, violent fit or a “provocation,” indicating that this was not a mild debate but a heated, emotional collision between two strong wills.
- Paul’s Perspective (Mission First): Paul, the man of “grit,” believed that the rigors of the mission required proven reliability. He viewed John Mark’s previous desertion as a disqualification for the current task.
- Barnabas’s Perspective (Grace First): Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” saw the potential for growth through failure. He was willing to risk the mission for the sake of mentoring a young man who had stumbled.
- The Sovereign Multiplication: God did not take sides in the split. Instead, He blessed both efforts—Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas into Syria and Cilicia—doubling the missionary force in the field.
- The Beauty of Reconciliation: Swindoll points out that the story doesn’t end in bitterness; later in life, Paul would ask for Mark, noting that he had become “useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Message References:
- The Proposal for a Second Journey
- Paul suggests returning to the cities they visited previously to see how the brethren are faring.
- Scripture: Acts 15:36 (Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren”).
- The Source of Contention
- The introduction of John Mark as the catalyst for the disagreement and the reminder of his previous departure.
- Scripture: Acts 15:37–38 (Barnabas wanted to take John… but Paul kept insisting that they should not).
- The Sharp Disagreement and Parting of Ways
- The description of the intense conflict and the resulting separation into two teams.
- Scripture: Acts 15:39–41 (And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another).
- Lessons on Handling Disagreements
- Swindoll’s practical takeaways:
- Determine to see the other person’s point of view.
- Seek wise compromises when possible.
- Be willing to graciously disagree when necessary.
- Scripture: Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:10 (Later evidence of Mark’s inclusion).
- Swindoll’s practical takeaways:
