What is the difference between disagreement and opposition?

[rmoore1021]

Read Acts 15:36-41. Disagreement: The Reality.

Acts 15:36-41

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)


Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.


Until now, Paul and Barnabas have been in conflict with people opposed to their work for the Gospel. But now, they’re at odds with each another. Disagreement is inevitable – even between Christians. Why is this true? What takes disagreement from being something that could be constructive to something that is destructive? What are the heart issues that usually stir up disagreement?

 

[veteran]

Read Acts 15:36-41. Disagreement: The Reality.

Acts 15:36-41

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)


Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.


Until now, Paul and Barnabas have been in conflict with people opposed to their work for the Gospel. But now, they’re at odds with each another. Disagreement is inevitable – even between Christians. Why is this true? What takes disagreement from being something that could be constructive to something that is destructive? What are the heart issues that usually stir up disagreement?

That event must be first put in its proper Scriptural context. The specific disagreement between Paul and Barnabas was with bringing along Mark who had left them from Pamphylia.

It's shows because of Mark's actions, Paul did not have trust in him, but Barnabas still did.

All in all, it reveals God's leading overall, regarding His commissions to Paul and Barnabas. Because of this, Paul chose Silas to join him in his travels. If Mark had gones with Paul and Barnabas, and Mark had wanted to leave again in their travels, Barnabas would most likely have left with Mark too. Then Paul would have been by himself. So it's not that difficult why Paul didn't want to take Mark, and why the contention led to Paul taking with him one he could trust, Silas.