“A Spirit-Led Division?"
Acts 15:36-16:10
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. [Acts 15:39]
This title comes with a question mark because it poses a great question. Can there be a Spirit-led division? Can the Lord divide friends, ministry teams, and churches to further the Kingdom? It is an interesting question to ponder.
One thing for sure is that divisions do occur, and not just sometimes. We also know that God can use divisions as a way for spiritual and physical growth.
We have seen the early church expand through persecution from the outside. Now we see expansion through contention and division on the inside. At the end of Acts 15 is the record of the first missions’ team split. It would not be the last. God’s sovereign plan, however, went forward.
Paul and Barnabas had returned from their first missionary journey. It was a difficult journey, Paul was even stoned, and yet there was a multitude of blessings. There were numerous souls saved and newly planted churches.
They then traveled to Jerusalem to describe their work to James and Peter at the Jerusalem council. And after much contention their work was received.
Everything was on course and ready for another missionary journey. However, Paul and Barnabas got into a major dispute. “The contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus but Paul chose Silas…And they went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” [Acts 15:39-41]
Expansion through contention was the result. Can God use [and even orchestrate] contention to expand His Kingdom?
“Is it possible God wanted two missionary teams instead of one to cover twice the territory and so God allowed contention to arise? That was the net result of the contention. Barnabas took Mark and headed off to Cyprus. Paul took Silas and headed off to Syria, Cilicia, and beyond. They went all the way into Europe on this journey. Thus, the overall effect of the contention was good because it broadened the whole missionary endeavor.” [Chuck Smith]
In the end, as always, God’s Sovereign Plan ruled! And that is the great thing about choosing God, when we choose God, we reap the benefits of His plan for our lives.
“Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” And sometimes “Thy will” is in the division, something to consider in this life of faith.
