Monday, November 21, 2011

Paul and Barnabas are no excuse!


Acts 15:36-41 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”  Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Have you ever heard anyone say “Well, we considered our issue with so and so (a believer in Christ) to be like a Paul and Barnabas situation, this we have separated ways.” I have heard it several times.

Christians seem to likes this passage of scripture because it gives them an “out” for working things through with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

I want you to take a look at the text though. In no way does the Bible ever condone this. Honestly, I would say that both Paul and Barnabas were in the wrong here. You are supposed to work it out if you are believers. Nowhere else in the Bible can you find a verse that says you don’t have to work your disagreements through with your brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, it says just the opposite!

Matt 18:15-17 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. 

Luke 17: 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Matt 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Eph 4:1-3 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is. For brethren to dwell together in unity!

Romans 12:10-11 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

1 Thes 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1 John 2:9
 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

1 John 3:10-11 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

1 John 4:21
 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Romans 12:16
 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Philippians 2:2
 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

The Bible stresses being like-minded and in unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Don’t use Paul and Barnabas as your escape goat!

Romans 12:18
 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.