ACTS 15:36–41
THE DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN PAUL AND BARNABAS AND THE CONTINUATION OF THE MISSION
Text – Acts 15:36–41
36 After some time, Paul said to Barnabas, “Come, let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”
37 Barnabas wanted to take with them also John, who was called Mark,
38 but Paul insisted that it was not advisable to take him along, since he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work.
39 So sharp was their disagreement that they separated. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.
40 Paul chose Silas and departed, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Historical and Jewish Context
Personal disagreements among leaders were not uncommon in ancient movements and did not necessarily imply doctrinal division. Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” shows pastoral concern for John Mark, likely his relative. Paul emphasizes reliability and perseverance in mission, shaped by the dangers of missionary travel. The geographical division leads to wider evangelization rather than fragmentation. Being “commended to the grace of the Lord” reflects early Christian practice of communal prayer and blessing before mission.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the humanity of apostolic leaders and the reality of conflict within the Church. Yet the mission of the Gospel is not hindered. God works even through disagreement, multiplying paths of evangelization. The Church remains united in faith and purpose, despite personal differences. The emphasis on strengthening the churches shows that pastoral care and perseverance are essential to missionary success. Unity in Christ does not eliminate diversity of temperament or judgment, but it does preserve communion and mission.
Parallels in Scripture
Proverbs 27:17 – Sharpening through conflict
Genesis 50:20 – God bringing good from difficulty
2 Timothy 4:11 – Mark later reconciled with Paul
1 Corinthians 1:10 – Call to unity in Christ
Acts 13:2–3 – Mission under God’s grace
Key Terms
Disagreement – Human limitation within leadership
Separated – Different paths, same mission
Commended to the grace of the Lord – Entrusting mission to God
Strengthening the churches – Pastoral responsibility
Cyprus / Syria and Cilicia – Expansion of mission fields
Grace – God’s sustaining power
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 15:36–41 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, reminding the faithful that God’s grace sustains the Church even amid human weakness and disagreement.
Conclusion
Acts 15:36–41 shows that conflict does not derail God’s mission. Through grace, perseverance, and trust in the Lord, the Gospel continues to spread, and the Church grows stronger despite human limitations.
Reflection
How do I respond to conflict within the Church?
Do I trust God to work even through difficult situations?
Am I committed to strengthening others in faith?
Prayer
Lord God, You bring good even from human weakness. Teach me humility in disagreement, perseverance in mission, and trust in Your grace, so that Your Gospel may continue to spread through my life and the life of Your Church. Amen.