December 5, 2023 -- Acts 15:36-41 -- Forgiveness--one of the most difficult Christian virtues
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And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:36-41 ESV
The Bible is very honest, very direct. The wickedness of the human heart is clearly exposed. When Paul was first drawn to Jesus Christ, and the leaders of the Christians in Jerusalem were afraid of him and wouldn’t welcome him, Barnabas took him and made introductions (Acts 10:26-27). Barnabas was for Paul a strong support, a true friend in the Lord Jesus. Paul and Barnabas were, by the appointment of the Holy Spirit and the agreement of the Christians in Antioch, sent off on a missionary journey (Acts 13:1ff).
Our passage today tells the reader that these dear brothers, companions in the work of Jesus Christ, fought. They could not be reconciled and went their separate ways. It is something that could easily be passed over because it is confusing. Should Bible readers take sides? Should believers figure out who was right and who was wrong? No.
The Bible shows the careful reader that even leading men and women in the church are sinful and must fight the sinful impulses of the heart.
The Bible shows the careful reader of the great need every single one of us has for Jesus and His reconciling work.
The Savior taught His people to pray: “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” Matthew 6:12. These are not mere polite cliche, these are words that require the redeeming work of Jesus Christ, applied to our hearts by the Holy Spirit, so that we will pray them, act on them, and live out forgiveness given and received. It is hard work.
It is recorded in II Timothy 4:11 that Paul and John Mark are reconciled. There are indications, in the early church but not in the Bible itself, that Paul and Barnabas were reconciled.
Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name! The reconciliation that is ours in Jesus Christ comes at the great cost of the cross. The reconciliation which must be applied among believers requires the power of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit’s power proud hearts are humbled and believers brought to such contrition that there can be a desire for true forgiveness and healing. Forgive us, our Father, for the times we have been willing to hold onto our anger and been rehearsing wrongs rather than humbling acknowledging our need of You and the reconciliation that is ours in Christ. Amen.
https://youtu.be/q3tp14wawMc?si=izQbzNPzWgBP7uLp “How Bright Appears the Morning Star”
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