Sharp Contention
Acts 15:33-38
And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
Notice with me how preaching the Word brings peace. All these apostles are each working together as God sees fit. Silas and Judas minister to the people's needs while they continue here. So, they edify and build the early church up in the faith. Then something not quite right crept in. You know how some of you do. You go to church and hear a more excellent word from the preacher. Then you go home fighting like cats and dogs the whole way. Then some of you are ready to smite your family and neighbors for what had been preached that day. Next thing you know you try to make it look like someone else's fault. But that one was only trying to live godly in the first place. In so doing notice how like the seed of Moses you are. Now see how unlike that of Abraham and the house of faith. To those who hate him, he is a contention and a sword. Now see what Paul means by saying 'you cannot eat at both the table of the Lord and demons.' For then all the bad things that gather follow. See how some are not content with the way of Balaam; they convince others to eat themselves. Such will be their downfall. It is important to get these places we have been out of the way. The devil hates nothing more than unity in the beloved. You know how some want no one to be saved, healed, or delivered. The little phrase "in peace" and the word 'awhile' let me know their true situation. Whether lulled by a sense of peace remains uncertain. See how it pleased Silas to remain in such a place. Herein is found a danger of staying too long in some places. These might seem better to us than where the Lord has called at first. Yes, man makes plans. But God will always overrule. For God has much prepared for us next. It is better not to stay.
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
Now Paul and Barnabas are found here in this place "with many others also." There is no room for hatred and bigotry on a road trip with God. The home city of the apostles is already room enough for all. Where Jude went is anyone's guess. But if I had to hazard one, I would suggest this is where his book of testimony fits in nicely. When you know of naught else, then it is good to find the Word and the Lord. If you have nothing else to say, speak the Word. If you need some other direction, have a Word. If you need someone else, put the Word upon it. If you know not how to continue, stay with the Word. If you find the church leaderless, take them to the Word. In so doing you just might find he raises up some others also. Soon the apostles found more than just a few to teach and preach likewise. After all they had been through, Paul must be mad or indeed foolish; he suggests going again to check on those in every city. Sometimes it is good to visit again the places we have been. Some of us like the visiting again a little more than we should. Others are saying, 'you must be crazy; why on earth would anyone wish to go back there. Go if you must, but certainly don't take me with you.' Rather, it is like the divorced turning to their ex-partner and saying, 'I had so much fun with you; can we please get married again.' You might think it a good idea. But your partner is saying something entirely different. So, the issue lies not with visiting the churches, preaching the word, and seeing how they do.
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
Now you begin to see why Paul wished not to take John Mark along. Remember, before he went with the apostles as a servant. Where Paul would now go, he needed no such thing. Nor indeed did he wish to be reminded of John Mark's service unto them. You know how it is when someone you love, and value highly is being mistreated. I imagine between the here and there it was bound to happen given all the places they had been. The situation grieved John Mark so much that he forsook the apostles to make his own way back. I know some, being yet childlike in nature, are quick to accuse him of desertion. But how many could stand him being treated thus in all the places visited even if it were a testimony. Such is ridiculous and frankly nonsense. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul laid out his reasons for not wanting him along quite well. See, some of you really ought to pick up your feelings and put them back safely. Thus, Barnabas was confident to keep him being so minded; but Paul was not so confident of his well-treatment or his mental health. Now I am not saying that there is something wrong with service to God. Rather it should not always be as though stuck between difficulties and troubles with no end in sight. I certainly know that all good believers will hold nothing against such a one so treated either. For that is between them and God; allow him to sort those matters out. But when it comes to Christian ministry, it is better to give no offense that the Word be not hindered.