It means "all stretched out!"

It has a Latin background:  "con" (together) plus "tendere" (to stretch). 

Maybe "argument" is a better term.  It too is a Latin verb, "argure," meaning "to make clear" or just "to demonstrate!" 

Hence, to "argue" is for two people with opposite views to each prove he or she is right!  That of course is an impossibility! They both can't be right!

Why define these two words today?

They aptly describe a Passage of Scripture in Acts 15.

Paul and Barnabas, two of the New Testament's most mature Believers, are expressing disagreement ... with each other!

Here's Luke's account of the whole thing:

"And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."

This famous "disagreement" (Latin, "dis" = not + "ad" = to, toward + "gratum" = to be pleasing) occurred between "Paul" (whose name means "little," suggesting humility) and "Barnabas" (whose name means "son of rest" or "son of consolation")! 

Here they did not exactly live up to the meanings of their names, did they?

Truly in this Acts 15 display of anger, they acted like Dis-Paul (NOT little) and Un-Barnabas (NOT of child of rest and peace)!

I am quite sure there was a way to avoid this confrontation!  (That's Latin again where "con" means "together" and "frons" means "forehead!"  Heads together, face to face ... in anger!)

And Paul, who wrote "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men," certainly knew how to find that way!  The Scripture here is from Romans 12:18.

So did Barnabas, who is seen in Scripture several times encouraging others! For example: "And when Saul (soon to be called "Paul") was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.  And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem."  Had Barnabas not done this, Paul might have never had a post conversion Jerusalem ministry!  I've quoted Acts 9:26-28.

This "schism" (Greek now ... "schisma" = a split or rent) brought about a parting of the ways.

In fact, as far as I can tell, these two never worked together again!

In the flesh, arguments happen!

In the Spirit, they do not!

(Unless of course one is doing battle over the great issues of Scripture and matters of Doctrine!)

This reminds me of a verse we exegeted recently on these Bible Study pages, Ephesians 4:32.  It just says:  "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."  (To study that particular series of expositions ... just "click" HERE.)

Enough has been said!

Is someone reading these lines today involved in such a controversy?

Is it worth the fight ... with a Brother or Sister in Christ?

Maybe we has best close with a reminder that the "Fruit of the Spirit" includes "PEACE!"

And with Jesus' great words in Matthew 5:9 --- "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

Amen!

I'll guarantee you this ... if Paul and Barnabas, having now lived in Heaven for several centuries, could return to earth and face this "John Mark" situation again ... such a "fight" would NOT have happened!

                                                                            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

They had a great history!

Paul and Barnabas had together served the Lord for years.

In fact, without Barnabas' encouragement we might have never even heard of the Apostle Paul!

Shortly after the little Apostle's salvation, he made his first trip to Jerusalem.    "And when Saul (Paul) was come to Jerusalem ...."  Acts 9:26a

Upon his arrival in the Holy City, Paul was ignored by the Twelve Disciples! They were actually afraid of him!  They distrusted this former persecutor of saints!  "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple."  Acts 9:26

There's no doubt in my mind that Paul (still young in the faith) would soon have been discouraged at such a situation!

BUT a new friend appeared!  Barnabas!

Barnabas intervened!  Here's how Luke tells the story:  "But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."  Acts 9:27

That good word for Paul changed everything!

It probably changed his very ministry!

Without Barnabas' encouragement ... Paul may have even quit!

Next we see their association in Acts 11. 

Revival had come to the Church in Antioch.  (Syrian Antioch)  "And some of them ... preaching the Word ... when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.  And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."  Acts 11:20-21

Such a move of God was underway that the Jerusalem Church sent Barnabas to investigate its reality!  "Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch."  Acts 11:22

Barnabas, realizing that real revival was underway, helped them all he could ... "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."  Acts 11:23-24

Yet Barnabas realized that this young vibrant Church needed someone else, someone who could teach them further Bible truth!  Someone to help "ground" them in the faith!

He had Paul in mind!

But, where was Paul? 

For some reason ... back in Tarsus, his home town!

And he had apparently been there a few years!

"Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul."  Acts 11:25

He found him too!

Amazing!

Barnabas has again been a "booster" for Paul's ministry!

Here is the record of their work together at Antioch:  "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."  Acts 11:26

Now, let me ask you a question?

Where these two, Paul and Barnabas, friends?

Yes!

Good friends in the Lord!

And I have not even discussed with you their powerful missionary journey. You can read about it in Acts 13 and 14.

More proof of their friendship!

They together experienced God's great power as He worked in Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Derbe, Lystra and Perga.

They had traveled together, preached together, rejoiced together and even suffered together!

This is one of the closest friendship bonds in all of Scripture!

Could anything ever separate these two?

Yes!

One argument!

A few sharp words!

A moment of weakness!

Perhaps even a bit of stubbornness!

Here's how it happened:

"And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;  And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."  Acts 15:36-41

If those two could fight like that ... none of us is exempt!

How cunning is the devil!

Christian friends, let's do all we can to "love one another!"

Ephesians 4:2 takes it even further than that! We to live ... "Forbearing  one another!"  That means putting up with one another!  Tolerating one another! Being patient with one another!

Are YOU angry at anyone today?

If so, do something about it!

Don't lose a good friend in the Lord!

                                                                             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

They had completed that first great "Missionary Journey."  (Acts 13 and 14)

They had traveled together to Jerusalem and met with the Disciples of Jesus ... confirming the Truth that man is saved by God's Grace ... Grace alone!  (Acts 15)

Yet great opportunities still awaited them!

They were preparing to embark on their next Evangelistic Tour for our Lord.

Acts 15:36 records it like this:  "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do."

This new venture was to be a return trip to some of the Churches established earlier ... encouraging their further spiritual growth!

The verb "visit" in our verse is "episkeptomai" and means "to look over" or "to look upon."  The idea is "to oversee" someone's spiritual health!

Paul's custom was to return to his areas of labor ... "confirming" the souls of his new Believers in Christ!  Luke precisely tells us this in Acts 14:21-22.  "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

The verbs "confirm" ("episterizo" meaning to strengthen) and "exhort" ("parakaleo" meaning to encourage) explain Paul's pattern of "follow-up" work on those converts so young in the Faith.

Here's my point today ...

The Devil surely fought the initial trip of Paul and Barnabas, their "First Missionary Journey" as we call it.

Satan did not want to see souls saved like that!

BUT when it came to the return trip (the "Second Missionary Journey") the old devil hated that one even more!

He fought harder and more violently than ever to disrupt that mission ... the one designed to further strengthen and encourage those baby Churches!

That's when it happened?

What, Preacher Bagwell?

The fight!

The argument between Paul and Barnabas!

The contention that became so sharp they never worked together again!

Here's how it occurred:  "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other."   Acts 15:36-39

Did you ever stop to think that a lot of our petty fights and arguments over personality differences or other silly issues (NOT about the FUNDAMENTALS of the FAITH) could be hindering the work of God?

Our stubbornness could be hurting some other Believer in Christ!

The devil HATES for God's newly saved children to be nurtured and guided to maturity!

He hates it so much that he was somehow able to frustrate Paul and Barnabas! Sowing discord between them, Satan was able to provoke them into splitting their team, never preaching together again as far as we know!

When we Christian Brothers or Sisters needlessly fight with each another ... there's no telling how many others will learn about it  (think how many have learned about Paul's and Barnabas' disagreement here) ... and perhaps themselves fall into some "discouragement" trap of the devil too!

Lord, help us to learn "to love one another."

                                                                              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

And in Acts 15:37 it led to a lot of trouble!

Paul and Barnabas, two godly Preachers, felt led to pursue a second evangelistic tour together.

Their first campaign had been so blessed of God!  Souls were saved, Christians edified, and Churches established in a remarkably short amount of time.  The Lord had been with them mightily!

As they began to plan their mission ... "Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark."  Acts 15:37

According to Colossians 4:10 Mark was Barnabas' "sister's son," his nephew.

At first that sure makes Barnabas look good!  He is again (having already done so several times) helping develop and mature a young Christian to the Glory of God!

However, this verb "determined" was carefully chosen by the King James Bible's translators.  In English it indicates:  "de" (meaning "off") and "terminare," (a Latin verb meaning "to mark the end or boundary").  It basically is derived from the word "terminus" ... which is an "end" or "limit!"

It suggests that "a final decision" has been made!  The "end" of negotiation time has been reached! 

Even the Greek verb used for determined, "bouleuo," means "to want, to desire, or be well intentioned" toward a thing!   Later it means to purpose, to be minded, or even to advise!  And some of the Greek scholars say it ultimately means "to be resolved!"

Barnabas seemed to be "set" in his decision!

John Mark was going with them!

However, Paul thought otherwise.  "But Paul thought not good to take him with them ...."  Acts 15:38a

Why?

Because John mark started with the team on their first missionary journey, and for some reason turned back and went home!  In Paul's eyes he had been a "quitter!"

John Mark ... "who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work."  Acts 15:38b

Now we have the heart of the issue!

Barnabas wanted to take his nephew, a young servant of God, along on this second trip!

Paul said "No!"

A simple little disagreement?

Apparently not!

The argument, not being solved, led to the break-up of the Paul-Barnabas ministry!  And, as far as we know, they labored separately for the rest of their lives!

Now, hear me ... someone should have conceded!

But no one did!

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."  Romans 12:10

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."  Colossian 3:12-13

Are YOU in an argument with anyone today?

Maybe even you husband or wife?

Someone at work?

Get it solved!

Don't spend you life arguing over little things!

"Let not the sun go down upon your wrath" says Scripture!  Ephesians 4:26

That would be a good verse for us all to practice week after week! 

After all, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God," said Jesus in Matthew 5:9.

Later our Lord adds, "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him."

Do NOT prolong those silly arguments with the people you love!

Someone should apologize!

                                                                           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

In fact, it’s a real test of one’s character.

This issue may have been at the heart of the Paul-Barnabas conflict that happened in Acts 15!

The one where “the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other!”  Acts 15:39

Let me try to explain.

In Acts 9:27 Barnabas is the obvious leader!  He takes Paul and brings him to the Disciples of our Lord, introducing him and recommending him to them!

In Acts 11:25 Barnabas is again the senior member of the team!  He went to search for Saul (Paul), bringing him to Antioch to help in the work of the Lord there.

In Acts 11:30, while taking a love offering to the needy Christians in Judea, it is BARNABAS and Saul who carry the money!  (Note that it is NOT Saul and Barnabas!)  Usually the leader is listed first in a series like this!

Yet again in Acts 12:25 Barnabas is named first!

And as plans are made for the great First Missionary Journey, “the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”  Acts 13:2  (Wow!)

And on that very successful preaching expedition, in the island of Cyprus, it’s still Barnabas and Saul who are summoned by a seeking sinner … wanting to be saved!

But … eventually … well into that great trip … we begin to read of “PAUL and Barnabas!”  See Acts 13:43 and 13:46 and 13:50! 

Then turn to Acts 14 and notice verse 12!  (However in 14:14 Luke puts BARNABAS first again!)

And even in the Acts 15 account of that critically important meeting in Jerusalem about the Grace of God … it is Paul and Barnabas (verse 2), then BARNABAS and Paul (verse 12), then Paul and Barnabas (verse 22), then BARNABAS and Paul (verse 25), and so forth!

THEN it comes!

The argument!

With Barnabas seeming to be the aggressor!

Could it be that Barnabas was having trouble submitting to Paul in so many details?

After all, He really did have "rank" on the upcoming little preacher!

This is what I have come to believe:  That John Mark issue … the one that “sparked” the controversy, was just “the straw that broke the camel’s back!”

It was the natural culmination of a whole series of little issues (with Paul increasingly being recognized as the new leader) … and Barnabas had experienced all he could take!

There may have been a little something in Barnabas that would today be called “self worth!”  Self acceptance!  A good (real good) self image!  An ego friendly disposition!  Or just plain assertiveness!

This attitude also can come dangerously close to PRIDE!

Thus, one of the biggest arguments of the whole New Testament, may be the result of hurt feelings over “who’s in charge!”

Whereas Paul, especially as he grew in the Lord, writes things like this:  “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”  1 Timothy 1:15  (Chief of sinners! What humility!)

Or … “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”  Now he is the least of all saints!  Ephesians 3:8

Then … “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”  (1 Corinthians 15:9)  See his self-resignation? 

Which attitude do we need today?

Self-assertiveness?

Or old-fashioned Holy Spirit produced lowliness?

The answer, my friend, is clear!

Let’s again just allow the Bible to speak:  “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”  Philippians 2:3

 That’s today's thought.

                                                                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Paul the Apostle was a kind man.

He, being filled with the Holy Spirit, certainly exhibited the right "fruit" in his life --- love and joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance!

However, there seems to have been one area in which Paul just had no tolerance at all!

He just couldn't be around a "quitter!"

Faithfulness and stability were the very trademarks of his ministry!

He's the one who wrote:  "Moreover it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful!"  1 Corinthians 4:2

He was constantly exhorting others to be "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."  1 Corinthians 15:58

Listen again:  "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  Galatians 6:9

So ... little wonder that when John Mark (the young nephew of Barnabas who accompanied Paul and his team on that great first missionary trip) QUIT and went back home, Paul made mental note of it!

Paul always recorded such defections!

"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica."  2 Timothy 4:10

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision."  Galatians 2:11

"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works."  1 Timothy 4:14

"Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."  1 Timothy 1:20

"At my first answer (trial) no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge."  2 Timothy 4:16

And the young John Mark ... "who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work."  Acts 15:38

It was this "John Mark" failure that caused such an uproar between Barnabas and Paul!

But ... I emphasize to you ... Paul had not changed tactics at all!

He was just refusing to be associated with quitters ... as he had always done!

He would have nothing to do with them.  At least not until they had been placed on "probation" and had proved themselves once again!

You see, Paul's greatest fear was becoming what he called a "castaway!"  He did not want to be "disapproved" of God!  "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."  1 Corinthians 9:27

Paul would only train faithful men!  He taught Timothy ... "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."  2 Timothy 2:2

And ... "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."  2 Timothy 2:3

Paul's number one life-long goal:  "neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."  Acts 20:24

And in case you're wondering ... yes, Paul DID die as a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ!  He himself said:  "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."  2 Timothy 4:6-8

Amen!

No wonder he had little tolerance for wishy-washy John Mark!

Our text says:  "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other!"   Acts 15:36-39

I hope we don't have to take sides here.  But, if we do, I'm going with Paul!

Folks, be faithful!

After all, we are promised:  "He (The Holy Spirit) which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ!"   Philippians 1:6

                                                                              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

It was over a young man named John Mark.

Mark, a nephew of Barnabas, had started on that first great preaching mission with the two heroic men.

But ... he "departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work."  Acts 15:38

Many through the years have felt that Paul was too harsh!

Here's a record of his response:  "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other."  Acts 15:36-39

These two men quit associating with each other!  They parted ways!

Over John Mark!

One "hint" to the seriousness of the young man's defection is the verb used in verse 38.  John Mark "departed" from them.

It means to stand away, to fall away, to step apart or to desert!  It is "aphistemi" in Greek.  "Apo" means away from ... and "histemi" means to stand!  (To stand away from!  Or ... NOT to stand with someone!)  This term gives us our English word apostasy!

It was serious business to Paul if someone was near apostasy!

Apostates made terribly insincere Preachers!

Paul could not tolerate such a thing!

Furthermore, I have been taught through the years that several unusual factors may have been involved in Mark's departure.

Some say that the area around Pamphylia was infested with thieves and murderers ... not a safe place to be!  Mark may have simply been scared!  Yet Paul forged ahead!  Was he fearful of nothing?

Others say that the place was also disease-ridden, an easy place to die!  Again though, sickly Paul preached right through all the district!

Then a few have suggested that maybe the young preacher just got "homesick."  We do not know his age precisely ... but his Mother (Mary) was a big part of his life.  See Acts 12:12.  However, when Paul got "homesick," it was for Heaven!  He had a "desire to depart and be with Christ!"  But he also knew it was better for the saints that stay around a while longer!  Philippians 1:23-24

Any of these ideas could present a reason to quit I guess.  BUT Paul was not looking for quitters.  In fact, he groomed his young preachers to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."  2 Timothy 2:3

Living for Jesus is NOT easy all the time!

Some preachers just quit too soon!  They lack the stamina to stay faithful!

Over time if that attitude becomes a lifestyle ... I doubt they've ever been really called to preach!

The Holy Spirit gives "staying power" to His men!  I mean "fruit" like "longsuffering ... faithfulness ... and temperance (self-control)!"  Galatians 5:22-23

BUT ... this morning I saw one more reason John Mark might have left!

It's in the meaning of the name "Pamphylia," the place from which Mark fled!

One source says it means "every tribe" or "all peoples!"

That was Paul's goal wasn't it?  To preach the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike?  To every nation he could reach? 

If that prospect drove John Mark back home ... he would have been identifying with a pretty big crowd of folks!

Some to this day still get a bit disturbed if you start telling them that Jesus died for the folks of Pamphylia too!

Well, He did!

"And He (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."  1 John 2:2

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."  Hebrews 2:9

Thank God for the "whosoevers" of Scripture!

Friends, do not stumble over the vast scope of Calvary Love!

After all, it included YOU too!

                                                                                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

On it Paul and Barnabas traveled about 1400 miles!

It lasted nearly two years!

And Paul would have at least two more such tours, not counting his long voyage to Rome!

We call this great endeavor for the Lord Paul's "First Missionary Journey."

And what did Paul call it?

"The work!"

Or ..."the work of the Lord."

Here's where I'm getting Paul's precise words:  "But Paul thought not good to take him (John Mark) with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work."  Acts 15:38

Yes, there would be souls saved ... many of them, but it was still WORK!

Yes, Paul loved serving the Lord, but WORK remains the best word in describing it!

Yes, Paul was a Preacher, a great one, but still such expenditure of energy can only be called WORK!

Listen to Romans 16:12.  "Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who LABOUR in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which LABOURED MUCH in the Lord."

Or ... "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your LABOUR is not in vain in the Lord."  1 Corinthians 15:58

Next time you're thinking of your dear Pastor ... remember this.

He works hard, laboring in the Lord!

Preaching is physically demanding work!

Preparing sermons is work too!  "Much study is a weariness of the flesh" says Ecclesiastes 12:12.

Why, even the Holy Spirit called our Christian service WORK!  "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."  Acts 13:2

And Paul apparently trained his younger preacher associates to so WORK!  For example:  "Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do."  1 Corinthians 16:10

Helping Christians grow spiritually is work too!  Look at these three synonymous terms in Ephesians 4:12 --- "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ!"

Thank God for workers in the Lord's fields of service!

And, of course, Jesus was the Greatest Spiritual Worker Who ever lived!

Listen to Him in John 4:9 --- "I must work the works of him that sent me (the Father), while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

And WORK Jesus did!

Fully!

Listen once more near His time of Death ... "I have glorified thee (Father) on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."  John 17:4

Friend, are you WORKING today?

I mean ... working for Jesus?

                                                                             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Now, we are NOT to use their weaknesses here as an excuse to sin!  But we do need to examine this confrontation ... word for word.

"And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."    Acts 15:39-41

The word "contention" is critical here.

In Greek it is spelled "paroxusmos," which is a combination of "para" (meaning alongside or with) and "oxus" (whose root means "a sharp point").

The picture here is not a lovely one!

Two great Believers, each with sharply pointed words and cutting attitudes, are jabbing each other repeatedly!

"The contention was so sharp!"

Our word is only found in one other place in the Bible.  Hebrews 10:24 encourages us (in a good sense this time) "to provoke" each other to love and good works!

Goad each other, prod each other, motivate each other ... until we are all more and more vigorously loving one another in the Lord!

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together ...."  Hebrews 10:24-25

It's certainly better to "incite" goodness to each other ... rather than to "incite" anger and resentment!

The little verb "was" in "the contention WAS so sharp between them" is important too.

It is the first word in the verse in the Textus Receptus, the Greek manuscript from which the King James translators worked.  That fact alone gives it prominence in the sentence.  "Ginomai" means "to become" or "to happen" or "to take place."  It can even mean "to be born" or "created!"

Paul and Barnabas loved each other sincerely ... BEFORE this John Mark issue surfaced!

Then ... sharp contention was "born" in their lives!

The verb is in the aorist indicative form too.  The action being described was over (aorist) ... at least by the time Luke wrote about it.  Luke, a truthful commentator, is just telling us (indicative) the truth about a not-so-lovely situation!

Their anger eventually subsided, but their cooperation was never restored ... as far as we know.

Furthermore, this verb is also in the middle voice!  That means the subject is impacted and changed by the action.   The very nature of confrontation that day was altered ... as far as the New Testament is concerned!

Obviously both Paul and Barnabas felt strongly about the matter at hand!

So much so that they hereafter split into two teams rather than one!  As I've already observed, never again will they work together!

Now that's sharp contention!

Two peace loving men ... now antagonistic to each other!

And the Bible records it all!

Scenes like this one are NOT to be replicated in our lives!

Paul elsewhere very realistically taught us:  "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."  Romans 12:18

Are you sharply divided with someone today?

If it's over the Virgin Birth of Jesus ... STAND YOUR GROUND!

If it's over some personality difference ... (quoting Paul again) "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath."  Ephesians 4:26

Call someone now ... and apologize!

Don't split ways over anything less than a great  Fundamental of the Faith (like the Inspiration of the Bible) or a deeply-held Holy Spirit imparted conviction deep within your soul!

Amen!

                                                                                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

I mean where folks split up and never reconcile!

Zipporah, Moses' wife, left him and never returned ... after an argument over the circumcision of their son!  Exodus 4:25-27

Even earlier in the Bible record, Abraham and Lot parted ways over their contentious herdsmen.  Genesis 13:7-8

Judas' cheap kiss on Jesus' cheek ... was his very last connection with our dear Lord!  He was separated for ever!  Luke 22:47-48

Demas also left Paul, never to renew fellowship!  He loved the world so much that Paul "frustrated" his lifestyle.  2 Timothy 4:10

And now today we learn that even Paul and Barnabas suffered one of those permanent "rifts" in their relationship!

Acts 15:39 just says:  "They departed asunder one from the other."

That's astounding!

And by studying the rest of Paul's life ... it appears that they never worked together again!

Why?

Why such rifts in the Lord's family?

There must be a reason!

God is in control of everything, isn't He?

Doesn't Paul love the Lord?  Isn't he called according to God's purpose?  I have Romans 8:28 in mind here --- "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Yes!

Would "all things" include this argument?

Yes again!

While I cannot proclaim what good or harm this Paul/Barnabas "contention" may have generated, I can say this.

There's at least ONE Bible reason clearly given for such fussing and fighting among God's people!

Paul, later in his ministry, writes these words:  "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it."  He is speaking to the Corinthians concerning their Church fellowship!  1 Corinthians 11:18

That word "divisions" in Greek is "schisma" (our word "schism") and means a "tear" in a piece of cloth or a "rent" in a garment!  A "split!"  A big difference of opinion!

But the most astounding thing Paul says about such situations follows in verse nineteen.  "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you."

The noun "heresies" there is "hairesis" in Greek and means a smaller group of people within a larger group of people who will not yield to the will of the majority.  They are factious people.  They will always cause dissention.  Their own selfish ways are more important that the common good of the whole group!  Their way MUST prevail!

The verb "must" be" translates "dei" which indicates a necessity!  The Lord says these things not only will happen ... it is essential that they do!

Again I ask,  "Why?"

And again Paul says:  "That they which are approved may be made manifest among you."

Without some arguments in the crowd from time to time, we would never know on whose side some folks really stand!   (The Lord's side or the popular side, the world's side!)

Without such "heresies" the TRUTH might never be tested!

Without such upheavals, the preacher might never know who really loves him.

And without such disturbances ... the Church might never know who her faithful leaders really are!  (They are those who truly stand for the Lord and oppose the silly troublemakers!)

"That they which are approved may be made manifest among you."

The verb "approved" is "dokimos" and means genuine or real! 

Without a chance to "rebel" every now and then, a really LOYAL man might never surface!

Without a chance to "gossip" occasionally" a self controlled tongue might never become evident!

Without a carnal member passing through a church from time to time, the other worldly folks would be harder to detect!  (They attract one another like honey and bees!)

"Approved" is a word used by the ancients to indicate a coin that had been tested and was genuine!

Or a runner who had stood the test of a race ... and finished it!

"Manifest" is "phaneros" and means "made visible!"  Made to shine!  Revealed!

Why certainly such "arguments," bad as they are, do serve at least one good purpose!

They will help folks show their "true colors!"

You will after such dissention KNOW where people really stand!

That's what Paul is saying!  "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you."

The Paul Barnabas confrontation proved to the Church at Antioch certain things (all of which we will never know until we reach Heaven) ... and then that good Church "recommended" Paul and his new companion Silas "unto the Grace of God."  Acts 15:40

The verb "recommended" is "paradidomai" and means "to give or commit" ("didomai") + "alongside or with" ("para") someone! 

For some reason the Church "stood" with Paul on the issue at hand ... and commissioned his great second missionary journey.

That was the great preaching trip that started immediately after the split-up of these two old friends!

The next time (if there is one) you observe such a "disagreement" among spiritual (to varying degrees) people, study the situation carefully.

I will guarantee you this:  some will surface from the "contention" having proved themselves faithful ... and others will have shown themselves to be "castaways" in the Lord's work!  Castaways ("adokimos") means disapproved ones!

There you have it!

One reason, anyway!

                                                                                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

That's a term used in some of the world's financial markets to describe a lucrative occurrence for any investor!  Instead of maybe owning just ten shares of stock, he now has twenty!

Some folks today are wealthy because of such happenings.

Well, in Acts 15 the Lord has described for us another kind of "two-for-one" split!

This time, however, it is not all that good!

Two Preachers have had a heated argument!

The contention was so "sharp" that they parted ways ... never to work together again!

Who are they?

Paul!

And Barnabas!

But ...

The results of that ugly separation may have ultimately benefited the work of God anyway!

Yes, God can take a "less than ideal" situation and still use it for His Glory!

Here's what I mean.

"And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches." Acts 15:39-41

These two godly men, having been one team during that first great preaching tour in Acts (known as Paul's First Missionary Journey) ... now will go forth as two teams, each having an assistant!

A "two-for-one" division ... in a spiritual sense!

Now, do not misunderstand me!

I am not advocating an argument!

I am not encouraging division!

I am just saying that often when we fail ... God can bring something useful out of that blotched situation!

In a sense here, "Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."  Romans 5:20

Barnabas and John Mark sailed off to Cyprus, preaching the Word!  By the way, the younger Preacher here DID LEARN from his mistakes and later became quite useful to Paul!  He perhaps just needed an opportunity to further grow in the Lord ... and some encouragement, both of which Barnabas gladly provided! Listen to Paul years afterward as he instructs Timothy:  "Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."  2 Timothy 4:11

And Paul, choosing Silas, set out for the regions beyond as well!  "And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."  Acts 15:40-41

The work of God goes forward!

Even when His workers don't behave just right!

Praise His Good Name!

                                                                                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Helping them grow in the Lord!

That's all any Believer wants to do for his brothers or sisters in Christ!

And in Acts 15 ... even though they had violently disagreed ... both Paul and Barnabas continued to encourage and edify others!

You might remember that they had "split" ways.  The big argument was over a traveling companion for the Second Preaching Tour they were about to make.

Barnabas insisted that they take John Mark, his nephew.

Paul absolutely refused to do so!

The outcome?

For Barnabas ... "and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus."  Acts 15:39

And for Paul ... "and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."   Acts 15:40-41

Let's examine both these new "missions" for the Lord.

First let me say that both men were successful in their work!

Barnabas' partner, young John Mark, had been characterized by Paul as a "quitter!"  However, by the time Barnabas (who was quite an exhorter) finished with him ... he was a very faithful preacher of Jesus Christ!  Let's allow the now aged Paul to tell us:  Bring Mark ... "for he is profitable to me in the ministry."  2 Timothy 4:11

Paul's trip was blessed of God too!  He, along with Silas, journeyed to Philippi, Thessalonica and Corinth.  I need not tell you that Churches were born in each of those cities due to their labors!

An ugly "fight!"

Sharp "contention!"

Two separate ways!

Yet both men were fruitful in their new ministries!

Only our great God could have done this!

Now, notice this little fact.

Barnabas in his work helped just one young man ... John Mark.

Paul and his team helped groups ... dozens and dozens of people!

Does that fact not summarize the work of the Lord?

Some Christians are best working one-on-one with individuals!

Others are gifted in helping whole classes or families or congregations!

Are you a one-on-one person?

Barnabas was.

Or ... are you a "people" person, doing your best work in groups?

Paul was.

Either way ... the work of the Lord advanced and Christ was glorified and people helped!

Christian friend, however God crafted you ... be a helper to your brethren!

Again I say, "Praise His Name!"

                                                                               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

At least that's the way He wanted His Church to function!

To be more precise, in 1 Corinthians 14:40 Paul taught the Believers in Greece to ... "Let all things be done decently and in order."

Our Lord also conducts His Work in a manner some have called "authoritarian."

Always God places a dedicated leader among His people.  A "shepherd" to guide the flock!

And He asks us saved folks to follow our leader!

While the Chief Shepherd of the Church (The Lord Jesus) is in Heaven at the Father's Right Hand, He places an "under-shepherd" or a Pastor in each true Biblical congregation on earth.

This is just God's "chain-of-command" way of doing things.

Additionally, on evangelistic teams (like those of Paul and Barnabas or Peter and John or even Elijah and Elisha) there clearly seems to have been a "leader" and a "follower."

Verses like these prove my point:

"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." Hebrews 13:7

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."  Hebrews 7:17

Always there's a leader.

Well, that's what made the Paul-Barnabas confrontation so interesting!

Barnabas had apparently been saved longer than Paul, yet it appears that Paul was the God-appointed leader of the team.

Early in their work together, Barnabas' name was always mentioned first ... a fact usually indicating seniority.

Then the Bible began mixing the order of their names.  Barnabas still first ... then Paul first ... then back to Barnabas ... then finally to Paul ... and things stayed that way ... Paul was given prominence! 

Even the lost men of Asia Minor could see leadership traits just oozing from the Apostle Paul!  "And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker."  Acts 14:12

Yes, the man who wrote 14 Books of the New Testament would have been the leader I believe.  (Paul is mentioned 157 times in the Bible ... Barnabas 29 times!)

Yet ... when it came to decision-making at the beginning of their second preaching tour ... Barnabas for some crazy reason wanted to direct the work! He wanted to choose the team ... and John Mark, his questionable nephew just HAD to be on it!  Barnabas insisted!

Paul said "no" ... and the battle was "on!"

Now IF Paul was the God-appointed leader, and you'll never convince me that he wasn't ... Barnabas was out of order to rebel at his leader's advice and counsel!

On a team ... even a two or three man team ... someone has to take the final authority!

That's the problem in our churches today ... too many people are trying to be the leader!  That won't work!  Many congregations stay in a state of utter rebellion with a bunch of deacons or a woman or two or the teens (youth program) calling all the shots!  It is a sin against heaven!  God ordained that Pastor be the spiritual leader of the Church to which he is called!  If God's plan is not followed ... the results are nothing more than human effort, fruitless activity, and outright disobedience!

Paul said John Mark COULD NOT go on this new trip!

Barnabas rejected this decision ... and permanently split from Paul that sad day!

I sincerely believe he disobeyed his leader!

Some of you think that's not important.

Well, read this verse: "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."  Samuel said that straight to the disobedient Old Testament King Saul!  1 Samuel 15:23

Once Barnabas rebelled on Paul ... taking John Mark and sailing out into the sea, he practically stepped into oblivion!  He is, for all purposes, ending his ministry!  We seldom hear his name mentioned again in Scripture!

Whereas Paul, the home Church at Antioch strongly standing with him (a key factor I might add) ... took a new co-worker (Silas) and began his second "Missionary Journey."  And, by the way, that trip was blessed with tremendous success!

Here's Luke's account one more time:  "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.   And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."  Acts 15:36-41

I have some advice for you today ... obey your spiritual leader!

Even if your nephew is involved!

                                                                                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell