Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 12 | Day 1
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Romans 5:1 says, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rest in that peace as you come to God in prayer. It’s a peace that has nothing to do with your actions, and all to do with Jesus and His actions.
Bible Reading: Acts 15:36-41
Read these verses three times slowly.
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Reflection & Questions
Paul and Barnabas have been a dynamic duo for the gospel. Since Acts chapter 13, they have been together, spreading the good news, strengthening and encouraging believers and making an incredible impact. Throughout these chapters they went everywhere together.
Then today’s reading happened. The dynamic duo divided. Luke tells us, “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” It was all to do with their opposing views on how to treat Mark who had deserted them. Barnabas wanted to show grace; Paul didn’t trust Mark anymore. We don’t know what went down exactly, but it was a “sharp disagreement” and led to a break in their close friendship.
This was a sad day for the gospel. Men of God, in division and distrust, went their separate ways. But it comes as a reminder that Paul, Barnabas, and all of us are human, are stained by sin. We’re not perfect. We disagree. Sometimes so sharply, we part ways. It’s a reminder that even the dynamic duo weren’t the heroes. They needed a Hero, too. And so do we.
- Are you in sharp disagreement with anyone right now? What is the Lord inviting you to do about it?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading, asking God to search your heart regarding any conflicts you might be facing and to speak to you about them.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
