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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | why did paul and barnabas fall out | Acts 15:38 | Rowdy | 123107 | ||
Why indeed? Why would there a "falling out" between any two men of God? Apparently Paul was at a different stage in his life and had a very dedicated focus. He knew exactly what he had to do and I think he had an idea he had a relatively short time to do it in. Mark on the other hand was young and could expect a longer lifetime. He didn't have the drive or the Holy Spirit urging him toward the same urgent (almost obsessive) goal as his mentor Paul. Instead of emphasizing that this parting of the ways happened, I rejoice in the fact that God's Word recorded it for us as an example that christians can choose to go our separate ways when we determine it's best while both (or all of us) can and must obey God, even when we choose to obey Him with our own distinctive personalities. I'm NOT saying that we can dictate terms to our Lord. I am saying that the particular way we execute that obedience can take us in many different directions. I think the Lord has a special set of goals distinctive to each of us but we're united in following the same Master, right? This also makes sense since He gives us each our own distinctive set of talents to serve Him. I also rejoice in the fact that late in Paul's life, he and Mark had re-established their closeness as brethren for the Lord as cited in 2 Tim 4:11. Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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2 | why did paul and barnabas fall out | Acts 15:38 | JCrichton | 123136 | ||
"I think the Lord has a special set of goals distinctive to each of us" Hi, Rowdy! This is so true: There are many different forms of activity, but in everybody it is the same God who is at work in them all. (1 Corinthians 12:6) I also find that the early Church was put through the "ringer" not only to test the Apostles' and disciples' mettle but also in order to bring the Word to the gentiles. While Satan saught to extinguish Faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit directed, guided, and strengthened the believers and equipped with the various gifts that were needed to promulgate the Truth. I see Paul, more spiriturally mature then Barnabas and Mark, having a clear conviction and eager to continue the mission; while Mark, younger in the Faith, may have had doubts and fears that caused him to be ambivalent. Since God makes good things happen... the Holy Spirit would not allow a schism to destroy the Church; instead of animosity building a barrier amonst Paul and Barnabas, two teams were formed, where once there was just one, and each team continued to bring the Word of God to the world! The difference between Paul's and Barnabas's disagreement and the Church's various schisms is that they were lead by the Holy Spirit and were able to place their ego back on the Cross, while we seek to be obedient only when our ego is satisfied--which in truth is not obedience at all! God Bless! Angel |
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