Contention
Rubato 1 said:
If 'only by pride cometh contention' who was right in the conflict sustained by Paul and Barnabas over the young John Mark?
Was Barnabas right, shown by the future ministry of JM?
Was Paul right, shown by the future ministry of Paul and Silas along with the 'increased coverage' of the Barnabas/JM team?
Were both right? and if so, whose was the pride that caused the contention?
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Yes, both Paul and Barnabas were wrong, but the lesson goes deeper than that. If one looks closely at the scripture we can determine why.
(Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.) According to Paul, the writer of Acts (Luke) records that John Mark “went not with them to the work”, insinuating a failure to continue to be faithful in that work. Later John Mark rejoined the Paul and Barnabas ministry journey and the following ensued.
Acts 15:36 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.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention (Only by pride cometh contention) was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
No where in this passage does it state or imply in any way of either Paul or Barnabas consulting the Lord together or independently. The only actions mentioned are,
1. Barnabas was determined to, 2. Paul thought not good., 3. They departed asunder one from the other.,
4. Barnabas took Mark, 5. Paul chose Silas.
Paul / Barnabas, Paul / Barnabas, Paul / Barnabas / They. No mention of seeking the will of the Lord is present.
This is major mistake of a majority of the church today. It leads to many disputes as well as rips apart whole congregations. All power struggles, arguments, “sharp” disagreements that escalate into verbal confrontations, and all differences of opinion that lead to conflicts are not of God. The means by which we should settle these situations is before they arise, PRAY TOGETHER OVER THEM THEN, be in agreement with each other to put it to a vote. The majority rules, and the decision will be accepted by the minority. If you find yourself in the minority this time, understand and acknowledge that will not always be the case. Work together, even through things you are not in agreement with, provided they do not contradict The Word.
God can make good come from our mistakes if we recognize them as such and turn it back over to him. That is why both Paul and Barnabas were later each successful in their ministries independently although it was not God’s will for them to separate from one another.
Paul had to learn this lesson the Hard Way. We have no direct information concerning Paul’s thoughts toward John Mark, but it is clear (at best) he thought him not ready, not fully prepared, or even a quitter as he had left the work once before and returned to Jerusalem. That attitude by Paul would change later on in his life. He does not apologize for his actions of that day, but he does give the recognition that John Mark had redeemed himself in the eyes of Paul due to his faithfulness after this event. He writes to Timothy,
2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee:
for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention:
but with the well advised is wisdom.
Being well advised of God and seeking his guidance and his will, results in wisdom.
These lessons actually fall with the subject of trespass. When we (each of us) from time to time, whether intentionally or accidentally offend our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Matthew 18:15
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Luke 17:3-4
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Matthew 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
When there is contention between us as children of God, both are at fault. One for trespass, the other for not forgiving the trespasser.
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