The church in Acts was facing attack from the devil, from outside through persecution and then from the inside from sin and division. The council of leaders that met in Jerusalem helped prevent division over circumcision as they focused on the Gospel of grace.

Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Judas (v22) were sent to the church in Antioch to share the results of the Jerusalem council meeting, which declared that circumcision was not needed by Gentiles. This encouraged among the Gentiles sensitivity to their Jewish brethren.

The letter declaring this was received with joy and the people were strengthened in their faith (v30-32). Division had been wisely avoided.

The devil though does not give up and he now seeks to cause division between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark (v36-38). It has often been asked who was right here. We can say Paul was right in not wanting their mission harmed by an unreliable person. But we can also say Barnabas was right in wanting to give a second chance.

Later on Paul would be able to speak of John Mark’s faithfulness (2 Tim. 4 v11) and he would be used in writing the second Gospel.

Sadly two great men separated over this issue. We all need to be watchful about division. But God in the end overruled and instead of one team there were now two teams going out (v39-40).