Bible Study October 10, 2023
Acts 15:37 – 39 (ESV)
“Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,”
We have a constitution and Bill of Rights that allow for free speech. It is a guarantee in the first amendment. That means we have a right to our opinion even if it is in opposition to someone else. Everyone should be able to say what they believe without hurting someone or being criticized for what they say. As an example I support Israel in their war with Hamas, there is a Palestinian flag flying in our neighborhood. I disagree with them but I am not going to their house and destroy their flag. However, if they were to ask me how I felt I would gladly tell them my feelings and why I believe the way I do.
But if we disagree how do we handle it? No one should be so offended with an opposite point of view that they refuse to be civil. No one should take their ball and go home because of a disagreement. I remember on several occasions in the business world introducing things I disagreed with that became new procedures. I would discuss them with my Sales Manager or Regional Manager then go about doing me job never telling someone who reported to me how I felt.
In the case of Paul and Barnabas they had a true disagreement. They had discussions but came to the point they could not go on together so Paul left Barnabas to do his own thing. There is nothing contained in scripture that says their disagreement alienated them as friends.
How do we handle disagreements? With grace and understanding or with anger and bitterness? Should someone be forced to accept my way of thinking? What will be our witness if we cannot handle conflict?
It’s okay to disagree but do it gracefully.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 