Being a Barnabas: Willing to Stand

Being a Barnabas: Willing to Stand

Acts 15:36-41

January 18, 2026

Good people disagree, vv. 36-39a.

• Background to the disagreement.
  • Paul and Barnabas were sent out as missionaries by the in Antioch, Acts 13:2-3.
  • The first journey included Barnabas’ nephew,
    • Their first stop was on the island of Cyprus where Barnabas had grown up.
    • John Mark the team during the trip, v. 38.
• The disagreement was so sharp that Paul and Barnabas ways.
  • Both men took a stand for what they believed
• Who was right?
  • Each man was probably right and wrong.
  • Paul focused on the importance of the
  • Barnabas focused on the in John Mark.

God is at work despite our failures or problems, vv. 39b-41.

• mission teams formed instead of one.
  • This is similar to the that drove believers out of Jerusalem.
  • Paul and Silas had two more successful mission trips.
  • It appears Barnabas and John Mark were also successful in their ministry.
• Friends were
  • Paul’s writings show he reconciled with John Mark and maybe Barnabas.
• The continued to spread.
  • Many were started and discipled.
  • John Mark clearly grew into the work God had for him, 2 Timothy 4:11.
    • John Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark.

Take time this week:

• Ask God to give discernment on when to stand and when to be silent.
• Learn to listen, think, and pray before responding, James 1:19-20.

Do you know God in a personal relationship?

(Answers: church, John Mark, deserted, parted, best, mission, potential, Two, persecution, reconciled, gospel, churches)