Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 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. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:37-41

God can use divisions for His purposes. Notice I did not say God likes division. Division among believers, especially when they are caused by “sharp” disagreements, is not a good thing. However, God can and does sometimes use it for the accomplishment of His purposes.

I say “sometimes” because usually divisions (especially in a church) result in bitterness, and in some dropping out of church altogether. Neither is ever good!

This separation was about whether to take Mark along on a second missionary journey. You may recall that Mark went on the first missionary journey but dropped out rather quickly, to return home. (See Acts 13:13, where Mark, formally “John Mark,” is referred to by the name of John.)

Sadly, Paul was convinced that the previous lack of commitment disqualified Mark. Barnabas (who was related to Mark) wanted to give the young man another opportunity to prove himself. The sharp disagreement over Mark caused a separation of these first two pioneer missionaries. A sad development indeed! But God used even this by creating two missionary teams, in effect doubling the effectiveness of the missionary enterprise.

Let us learn first to “endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” as Paul wrote to the Ephesians (4:3).

The second important lesson will be in the next post.