The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 15:36-41

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Beginning of the second missionary journey.

The dissension of Paul and Barnabas, painful in itself, may yield useful matter of reflection.

HUMAN INFIRMITY IS MATURE CHRISTIANS.

1. The fact of it. Paul judged severely of Mark on moral grounds. His desertion of him and Barnabas (Acts 13:13) on a former occasion was to his mind a strong proof of inconstancy. But Mark had fallen away from them, not from Christ. And Barnabas would lean to the side of leniency and clemency towards the young disciple. The contention became sharp. Both thought themselves to be contending for Christ; both were unconsciously contending for self. Both were in the right, each from his own point of view aiming at the good of the young man and the furtherance of the kingdom.

2. The consolation of it.

HOMILIES BY R.A. REDFORD

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 15:1-41EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Acts 15:36-41Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less than Paul and Barnabas, yet made to end well. Barnabas wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect ourselves of being partial, and guard a…Matthew Henry commentaryDisagreement between Paul and BarnabasDISAGREEMENT BETWEEN PAUL AND BARNABAS. We have seen one unhappy difference among the brethren, which was of a public nature, brought to a good issue; but here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less me…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 15:36-41Apostles at fault. When a grave and critical juncture had been safely passed without damage done to any, there arose a quarrel about an unimportant and insignificant matter, which had regrettable, not to say deplorable,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 15:36-41Contention amongst brethren. Importance of the record as showing: 1. The sincerity and simplicity of the Christian writers. An impostor would never have inserted such a fact. 2. The overruling grace of God. The treasure…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 15:36After some days for some days after, A.V.; return now for go again, A.V.; the brethren for our brethren, A.V. and T.R.; wherein we proclaimed for where we have preached, A.V.; fare for do, A.V. After some days is hardly…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 15:36-41The paroxysm. The proposal of two friends whose fast friendship was of many years' standing; of two brethren loving and beloved; of two apostles of Jesus Christ, who had long labored together to win souls to Christ and…Joseph S. Exell and contributors devotionWhat God Has Made CleanGod shows no partiality. The Spirit went to Cornelius before Peter did. Where is the Spirit waiting for you to follow?DiscipleDeck