Acts 15: Conflict Resolution - Personal Matters
by Dave Brown
Acts 15 shows that once the Holy Spirit reveals a doctrine, Christians can obtain its validity by examining all applicable direct commands, approved apostolic examples and necessary inferences from scripture. The scriptures totally furnish us unto every good work (2 Tim. 3:16f), so we can resolve all doctrine issues by considering the alternatives that are available to us, and then choosing the one that comes closest to what we find taught in scripture.
This includes issues regarding personal conflict. In fact, the very same chapter of the book of Acts that we found the early Christians dealing with doctrinal conflict also deals with personal conflict. Please read Acts 15: 35-41. Note that what arose between these two great men of faith was a “sharp contention.” It was not over doctrine, and that is why we are calling it a personal conflict. Further, we have here two of the greatest Christians who lived in the first century. Barnabas was noteworthy in that he sold a field to contribute to the work (Acts 4:36f). He stood up for Paul after his conversion (Acts 9:27). He was sent by the church of Jerusalem to encourage the disciples (Acts 11:22-30). And he was singled out by the Holy Spirit to go with Paul to the gentiles (Acts 13:2), which he did on what has been come to be known as Paul’s first missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas were the greatest of Christians and the best of friends. If they could have a “sharp contention” over a personal matter, than any two Christians can. This is the first lesson of Acts 15:35f — Christians can and will have personal conflicts, often over the welfare of the cause of Christ. Thus, we should expect this and prepare ourselves, whether we are involved directly or are to help when others are involved.
Acts 15 showed us how to resolve doctrinal conflict. It also presents some major principles with regard to the resolution of personal conflict. The argument in Acts 15:35 to the end of the chapter was over John Mark, a cousin (close relative) of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). He accompanied them at the beginning of the first missionary journey, but went back to Jerusalem early in the trip (Acts 13:13). No reason is given, and we should not assume that he did not have what he (and perhaps Barnabas) considered a good reason. It is clear that whatever the reason, he put it before the work for which Paul and Barnabas had enlisted him. And, it was surely Paul’s opinion that this disqualified him for such work in the near future. Let us examine the principles that are given by this example:
1. Christians can and will have bitter disagreements. Suppose they had a small problem and just worked it out. That would not have made this point at all.
2. Some of the most irresolvable issues involve judgments regarding the work. Both Paul and Barnabas felt that their position was in the Lord’s best interest.
3. It did not become an issue in the church. There is no evidence that anyone “took sides” on this issue. Churches should never divide over personal issues.
4. It was not allowed to affect the Lord’s work. Neither the church nor the individual work of these men was hampered by the way that they resolved this issue. Both continued to serve the Lord.
5. It did not have any lasting ramifications. We can imagine some of the arguments that might be made by Christians. Barnabas could have argued that it was he to whom Paul owed all of his status as a Christian, since he defended him at Jerusalem and also sought after him when he apparently went home to Tarsus (Acts 9 and 11). Paul could have responded that Barnabas was not being objective because of his family relationship with John Mark. But such cheap shots would have left lasting scars that may have prevented any possibility of reconciliation. But look (2 Tim 4:11): “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” Paul’s love for John Mark and the work overcame any lasting bitterness, and the story has a happy ending.
For a story about personal conflict, it sure has a lot to offer us today.