Second Miss. Journey: Preparation - Disagreement

After the Council of Jerusalem settled the issue of whether or not the Gentiles needed to be circumcised, Paul prepared to revisit the churches established on his first missionary trip. Barnabas desired to take John Mark along to assist them. Paul adamantly refused, citing John Mark's desertion from them on the first trip at Pamphylia. Paul did not see in the character of John Mark a suitable partner in the work. Barnabas, being the uncle of the young man and having a spirit of consolation, desired to give him a second chance. The disagreement was sharp. Many see Paul as being prideful and stubborn, sinning in the matter. After all, his was only human. Others see Barnabas as weak and compromising principle. Whatever side one takes, Paul appears to be a first class hypocrite because of his many appeals to the churches to live in harmony and peace (2 Tim. 2:24; Rom. 12:18, et al). A better interpretation would see Paul as principled and consistent.

G. Campbell Morgan has it right, “Perhaps his moral courage was stiffened by Paul's severity, and confirmed by the tenderness of Barnabas” (Commentary on Acts, pg. 370). The fact is that John Mark later becomes a valuable asset to Paul (2 Tim. 4:11).

Here we have a great example of the importance of bible confrontation.