When the Godly Disagree
To the ends of the earth - Acts 15:36-41 (ESV) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
ROMANS 12:8
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
John Lennon and Paul McCartney. What a dynamic duo. The Beatles were one of the most successful bands ever, until personal tensions and creative differences led to their breakup. Think of all the music that could have been written.
At the end of Acts 15 we read about an even more surprising separation. Paul and Barnabas were long-time friends and colleagues. Godly men who’d been in the trenches of ministry together. They’d faced physical dangers, come under spiritual attack, evaded attempts on their lives, and on one occasion nearly been beaten to death.
But these godly men now disagreed. They didn’t disagree over doctrine, nor had one of them sinned against the other. They disagreed over the application of biblical principles. Barnabas was an encouraging mentor and wished to give a young, perhaps immature, John Mark another chance. Paul was a pioneering missionary, and John Mark had shown himself to be ill-prepared for the rigors of frontier ministry. Paul would not sacrifice the integrity of the mission by bringing John Mark with them.
Godly people sometimes disagree because our present knowledge is limited and our spiritual formation is not yet complete. Paul himself would later admit that he had not yet obtained perfection but was straining forward, constantly learning and growing. In fact, all who think they are mature should have this same attitude. If there is any inconsistency or inadequacy in a person’s perspective, and there always is, God will reveal that too.
We are not told who was right, only the ultimate result of their separation. Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement resulted in two missionary teams instead of just one. So too, we can trust God and allow Him to use disagreements for good.
