Although unity is a goal which we continually strive for, there are some times where a hard conversation uncovers differences that result in a decision to go separate ways. In this sermon we will look at Paul and Barnabas' decision to dissolve their ministry partnership. We will also see that this decision resulted in some strategic advantages and opportunities that led to a multiplication of ministry.

2. Paul and
Barnabas
Acts 15:36-41 Agreeing to go
separate ways

3. First Point
Hard Conversations
do not always result
in reconciliation.

4. Acts 15
36 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.”

5. Acts 15
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them one who had withdrawn from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.

6. Acts 15
39 And there arose a sharp
disagreement, so that they
separated from each
other. Barnabas took Mark with him
and sailed away to Cyprus,

7. Acts 15
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.

9. Acts 12
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned
from Jerusalem when they had
completed their service, bringing
with them John, whose other name
was Mark.

10. Acts 13
13 Now Paul and his companions
set sail from Paphos and came to
Perga in Pamphylia. And John
left them and returned to
Jerusalem.

11. Colossians 4:10
10a Aristarchus my fellow
prisoner greets you, and
Mark the cousin of
Barnabas…

12. Mark 14
51 And a young man followed him,
with nothing but a linen cloth about
his body. And they seized him, 52 but
he left the linen cloth and ran away
naked.

14. Second Point
Sharp disagreements
can sharpen us…
despite the painful
process.

15. Παροξυσμός/ Paroxūsmos
Acts 15:39 And there arose a sharp
disagreement…
Pará = alongside
oxunó = to sharpen

16. Hebrews 10
24 And let us consider how to stir
up (παροξυσμός) one another
to love and good works,

17. Series Verse
As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a
friend.
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

18. File vs. Rasp
File Rasp

19. Third Point
Sometimes separation
is strategically
advantageous.

20. First
Missionary
Journey
Paul and
Barnabas
planned
together to
repeat this
strategy for
a Second
Journey

21. Second Missionary Journey
Barnabas
and Mark
Paul and
Silas

22. Two Different Teams
Paul and Silas
•Roman citizens
•Evangelists
•Courageous
Barnabas and Mark
•Jewish citizens
•Encouragers
•Buckle to
pressure.

23. 1 Corinthians 9
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I
who have no right to refrain
from working for a living?

24. 2 Timothy 4
11 Luke alone is with me. Get
Mark and bring him with you,
for he is very useful to me for
ministry.

25. Colossians 4:10
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner
greets you, and Mark the
cousin of Barnabas
(concerning whom you have
received instructions—if he
comes to you, welcome him),

26. Steps in a Healthy Separation
1.Don’t vilify your opponent
or their work.

27. Steps in a Healthy Separation
1.Don’t vilify your opponent or
their work.
2.Separate neatly and
completely.

28. Steps in a Healthy Separation
1. Don’t vilify your opponent or their
work.
2.Separate neatly and
completely.
3.Separate cooperatively, not
competitively.