39 And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. Acts 15:39-40
This is a sad account. Two men at the spearhead of the first missionary tour for many months, finishing each other’s sentences, part ways over a young man for whom Barnabas wanted to extend a second chance. No doubt John Mark had received excellent counseling from Peter and other pillars of the faith in Jerusalem. Whatever was defective was replaced with a new perspective and motivation. Yet Paul stubbornly held the line. Both apostles were true to their core values at the expense of the ministry. You can get your way but it can cost you dearly. Here the partnership was severed, each going in a different direction. It is interesting to note that only Paul and Silas were committed “to the grace of the Lord” by the brethren, with Barnabas heading home to Cyprus with Mark.
I don’t blame Barnabas or Paul. It’s one of those things that happens that is used by God in a multitude of ways, perhaps at first blush to divide and conquer. Another plus was to engage budding Silas in a greater work. I do see the need to finally establish Paul as “the man.” Perhaps Barnabas did not have the same point of view that John the Baptist had, the reality that “he must increase, and I must decrease.”
But we don’t hear another word about Barnabas in the New Testament (except in Colossians 4:10), but we do of Mark, who in the end returned to Paul’s side being described as “useful,” “welcomed,” and “a fellow worker.”
Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 2 Timothy 4:11
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him). Colossians 4:10
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. Philemon 23–24
As someone who could be perceived with mixed emotions, at least in my mind with regard to past pursuits, I’m most impressed with Mark, who soldiered through it all to do great things for cause of Christ, albeit in an apparent supporting role. And it is likely, given his encouraging personality, Barnabas’ anger towards Paul was quickly extinguished by the Spirit, and he poured into his disciple worthwhile insights regarding the psyche of his former firebrand of a partner, to the side of whom Mark would eventually return in “good graces.”
This whole matter proves Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to his purpose.”
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