Note 4 at Acts 15:39: There is no doubt that there was a strong disagreement between Barnabas and Paul here. However, the scripture does not say that there was strife or hatred involved. On the contrary, James 3:16 states, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." If these apostles had parted because of strife, Satan would have destroyed them and their work.

There is no reason to believe that this was anything more than a difference of opinion or a difference of what each felt the Lord was leading them to do which they resolved peacefully by going their own ways. We do not have to always agree to walk in unity with our brothers.

Some times the Lord will change the hearts or visions of friends for the purpose of leading them in different directions. As much as we might like to, we can not build us three tabernacles and just sit around fellowshipping with those we love (Mt. 17:4; Mk. 9:5; Lk. 9:33). The Lord wants us on the front lines, fighting the war. In this case, this separation worked out for the best by actually doubling the missionary force.

Note 5 at Acts 15:39: This is the last mention of Barnabas in scripture. That does not prove however that he was the one that was wrong in this dispute. Many of the apostles exploits were never recorded in the book of Acts and yet no one believes that it was because they were in error.

Whether right or wrong, Barnabas' faith and patience with John Mark paid off. No doubt, with the help of Barnabas, Mark went on to prove himself faithful so that years later, even the apostle Paul sent for Mark saying, "he is profitable to me for the ministry" (2 Tim. 4:11). This is also the Mark that the Lord inspired to write the gospel of Mark (see About the Author in the intro. to the Gospel of Mark-p. 21) which has changed the lives of untold numbers of people.