31 The people read it and were glad for its encouragingmessage.
32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, saidmuch to encourage and strengthen the believers. - P148
35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, wherethey and many others taught and preached the word ofthe Lord. - P148
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us goback and visit the believers in all the towns where wepreached the word of the Lord and see how they aredoing."
37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, withthem, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him,
because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had notcontinued with them in the work.
- P149
39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they partedcompany. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by thebelievers to thegrace of the Lord.
41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengtheningthe churches. - P149
Paul and company deliver the council‘s letter to Antioch and the believers areencouraged by it. Judas and Silas return to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas getready to go elsewhere and decide to part ways because they do not agree onwho to take with them. - P149
Barnabas takes Mark and they go to Cyprus, and Paultakes Silas and they go through Syria and Cilicia. - P149
It is natural for humans not to agree on everything. We all have ourdifferent ways of thinking and our preferences. Christians are no dif-ferent. - P151
Paul and Barnabas both wanted to serve the Lord, yet theydisagreed on how best to do so. The Bible does not show one to beright and the other to be wrong. Instead, we see that both men seekto faithfully proclaim the gospel even when they have to serve indifferent places and different capacities. - P151
And as we read the epistles ofPaul, we see that he is later reconciled with both Mark and Barnabasand considers them beloved and valuable partners in the work of thegospel.
- P151
Christians don‘t have to agree on every matter, save the essentials ofour faith. What is most important is that we first and foremost holdon to the Word of truth and let it guide our choices. As we do so,
God will help us cultivate good relationships with our fellow believers. - P151
Heavenly Father, help me to be faithful to You where I am today. Help me tostrengthen others and serve You here. - P151
And if You should call me to go, makeme ready and willing to do so. Only let my life be an offering unto You. InJesus‘ name, amen - P151
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