This month's memory verse

Colossians 1:28

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

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Why did Paul and Barnabas disagree?

Key Verse | Acts 15:37-38

Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

Acts 15:36-41

Paul and Barnabas Separate

36After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

Footnotes

Conflict happens, now what?

Imagine you’re playing a game of pretend with a friend. In the game, your characters are getting ready to get on a spaceship and you want them to go to Mars. Your friend, though, says “I want them to go to the Moon!” You get really frustrated because you really wanted the game to be about going to Mars, so you try to convince your friend to play the way you want but instead end up arguing with your friend. What should you do next? How do you and your friend move on from there?

Today’s story is similar. Two friends, Paul and Barnabas, who have been traveling and telling others about Jesus together, get into an argument. But why were they arguing? How did they resolve it? Let’s look at today’s passage to find out.

Read Acts 15:36-41

As you read, look for the answers to these questions:

  • Who were Paul and Barnabas disagreeing over?
  • What was the disagreement about?
  • Where were Paul and Barnabas when they had the disagreement? Where were they heading?
  • Why did Paul and Barnabas disagree?
  • How did their conflict end?

Reflect

  1. Who have you had disagreements with recently?
  2. What were you disagreeing over?
  3. Why did you disagree?
  4. How did the disagreement end? Did it resolve well or not?

Pray

  • Ask God to help you show his love in the midst of disagreements.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be a peacemaker with those around you.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a heart of forgiveness the way Christ forgives you.

Every week, pick a day to pray for people around the world who haven't heard about Jesus yet. The Joshua Project website posts a new unreached people group every day—pull it up at dinner, before bed, or on the way to school and pray for them together.