8th Jun 26 | 14:45
Studies by Book
Conviction leading to contention
📖 Acts 15:37-38
Acts 15 - Series 3/Episode 05 - Mon, 11th May 2026 - Conviction leading to contention - Acts 15:36-41 - THE SEPARATION OF PAUL AND BARNABAS - James 03:13-16
Acts 15:37-38 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. (38) But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
This is where we see the issue that caused the rift between Barnabas and Paul. We see here that Barnabas was determined, and Paul insisted. In what matters should we be determined and insist, and in what matters should we learn to relax and let go?
The theological issue that led to the Jerusalem Council required determination and insistence, which is precisely what Paul and Barnabas demonstrated. Acts 15:1-2 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." (2) Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
Whereas in other matters in the body of Christ, we need to have the mind of Christ. In lowliness of mind, we must esteem others better than ourselves. We must take the views and opinions of others wholeheartedly and recognise the benefits of their perspectives for the common good.
Philippians 2:3-8 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (4) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, whereas Paul held the position that John Mark should not accompany them. Both Paul and Barnabas held their ground on this matter. Each of them had the right to hold to their position strongly, but what we see happening here is that the matter became a contention, a strife or a quarrel. Acts 15:39 Then the contention *became so sharp* that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;
Paul and Barnabas were both right in conviction, but wrong in allowing the disagreement to escalate into contention. How can we ensure that we do not reach this place of contention?
Before we answer this question, let us take a step back and appreciate the Biblical narrative that does not hide the facts. Scripture does not sanitise its heroes. It shows people exactly as they were - their strengths, their failures, their conflicts, their humanity. This honesty is one of the great proofs of the Bible's authenticity.
- Scripture does not hide conflict.
- Scripture does not pretend its leaders were perfect.
- Scripture shows disagreements honestly.
- Scripture shows God's grace working through flawed people.
If even Paul and Barnabas could fall into contention, how much more must we guard our hearts?
Contention is a work of the flesh, whereas unity is the work of the Spirit of God. Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! What is expected of us is to love one another. Galatians 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
We must therefore always walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. What will be the evidence of the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
What causes contention is pride. Proverbs 13:10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. Let us be warned that allowing our differing opinions to lead to contention or conflict is opening the door and inviting the devil. James 3:13-16 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. (14) But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. (15) This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. (16) For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
The Lord in His grace watched over this contention between Paul and Barnabas and moved them on. Can we continue in contention because of His grace? No. Let us be His bondservants. I Peter 2:16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
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