Strengthening the Church
God Works Through Imperfect People
SCRIPTURE:
Acts 15:41 NLT - Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
OBSERVATION:
Why does God allow disputes, contentions, and sharp disagreements while at the same time strengthening the Church? Because He chooses to use flawed men to carry on His work.
At the end of Acts chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas argue. It was a sharp contention (NKJV), a strong disagreement (NLT). We may never know who was right and who was wrong, we may never know. Yet God still used it—and uses us—flawed individuals.
Acts 15:41 NLT - Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
OBSERVATION:
Why does God allow disputes, contentions, and sharp disagreements while at the same time strengthening the Church? Because He chooses to use flawed men to carry on His work.
At the end of Acts chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas argue. It was a sharp contention (NKJV), a strong disagreement (NLT). We may never know who was right and who was wrong, we may never know. Yet God still used it—and uses us—flawed individuals.
It is never good when personal disputes flare up among those serving in the ministry… Wherever there is sharp contention, someone is wrong, and usually, there is wrong on both sides. There could be no way that both Paul and Barnabas were each walking in the Spirit on this issue – David Guzik.
What makes this “initially” so tragic is that there had already been a sharp contention within the church over whether Gentiles should convert to Judaism, be circumcised, and follow the law. Legalism tried to trump the grace of God, but grace won the day.
You would think that such a trivial dispute, compared with what had just happened, would be easy to resolve. Yet we see Paul and Barnabas part ways.
Paul was not pleased with John Mark because he believed Mark had abandoned them without cause (Acts 13:13). This did not sit well with Paul. Barnabas, as John Mark's cousin and constant encourager, felt it was important to give John Mark another chance to join the missionary work.
This disagreement was not about doctrine, legalism versus grace, circumcision, or church management. It was about an individual.
You would think that such a trivial dispute, compared with what had just happened, would be easy to resolve. Yet we see Paul and Barnabas part ways.
Paul was not pleased with John Mark because he believed Mark had abandoned them without cause (Acts 13:13). This did not sit well with Paul. Barnabas, as John Mark's cousin and constant encourager, felt it was important to give John Mark another chance to join the missionary work.
This disagreement was not about doctrine, legalism versus grace, circumcision, or church management. It was about an individual.
It is always wrong to step over people in the name of ministry, and when it happens, it must be made right. – David Guzik
At some point, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark reunited.
2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV - Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV - Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
We don’t know if it was Mark who changed or Paul who changed. Probably God had a work to do in both of them! – David Guzik
What matters is that they allowed God to work, heal, and change everyone involved, including Barnabas. Don’t let disagreements keep you from growing and encouraging.
This could have stopped the most important thing—a growing church—but division and contention never foster healthy growth.
APPLICATION:
This contention between Paul and Barnabas could cause us to overlook one important truth about this passage:
Acts 15:41 NLT - Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
God had plans for all four men—Paul, Silas, Barnabas, and John Mark—for evangelism and for strengthening the Church. We do not always understand why God moves people around, and we should never treat disagreements as final. God uses these moments for His glory, working in the hearts of those involved to bring restoration.
“God chooses to use crooked sticks to draw straight lines,” as one of my spiritual mentors often says. He’s right.
Don’t let frustration with others derail the mission God has called us to: evangelism, encouragement, and strengthening the Church.
Who should you reach out to today to make things right? There is work to do, and everyone is important—God uses even the John Marks and Pauls of life to accomplish His purposes.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me see the value of every person in ministry. All have a place, and though I may not always agree with them, remind me that You use me—a crooked stick—to draw straight lines. You use me despite who I am and choose to allow me to be part of Your Church, ministry, and work.
This could have stopped the most important thing—a growing church—but division and contention never foster healthy growth.
APPLICATION:
This contention between Paul and Barnabas could cause us to overlook one important truth about this passage:
Acts 15:41 NLT - Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
God had plans for all four men—Paul, Silas, Barnabas, and John Mark—for evangelism and for strengthening the Church. We do not always understand why God moves people around, and we should never treat disagreements as final. God uses these moments for His glory, working in the hearts of those involved to bring restoration.
“God chooses to use crooked sticks to draw straight lines,” as one of my spiritual mentors often says. He’s right.
Don’t let frustration with others derail the mission God has called us to: evangelism, encouragement, and strengthening the Church.
Who should you reach out to today to make things right? There is work to do, and everyone is important—God uses even the John Marks and Pauls of life to accomplish His purposes.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me see the value of every person in ministry. All have a place, and though I may not always agree with them, remind me that You use me—a crooked stick—to draw straight lines. You use me despite who I am and choose to allow me to be part of Your Church, ministry, and work.
God is always at work—believe it, join Him, and watch Him move.
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