Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
Acts 15:37-40 ESV
The apostles were having an argument that is described here as a “sharp disagreement”. The Greek word for this is “paroxusmós”. In classical Greek, the term could describe a medical condition, such as a fever or convulsion, or a psychological condition, such as an outburst of anger or passion. It often carried a negative connotation of irritation or contention. That’s where we get our English word “paroxysm,” which describes a fit, an attack of disease, or a sudden violent emotion or action. That was quite a fight!
It seems sad that two great apostles who were called together into that ministry (Acts 13:2), could split up so contentiously and so publicly over a personnel issue. But don’t quit reading. Approximately 16 years later Paul writes to Timothy from prison:
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11
About four years after that request from Paul, Mark’s Gospel was written and published to the churches.
So we see that called and anointed men of God can have heated disagreements. They might even decide they can’t work together anymore. In this episode, you could say that neither of them quite met expectations. The big lesson is that God used them both after this. We might even find that having a good, spirited debate is better than just murmuring and grumbling in private. Keep arguing, forgiving, and moving forward.
We can rejoice that both of them went on to serve God fruitfully and make an impact for the Kingdom. Paul’s ministry is well-documented. Barnabas contributed to building a thriving Cypriot church and to helping transform Mark from a deserter to a Gospel writer. And let’s please not forget that Paul came to recognize the gift and blessing of the Mark he rejected. Relationships continue for the work’s sake in spite of discord.
Interestingly, the only other use of the “paroxysm” term is in Hebrews:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
The words “stir up” are the translation of paroxusmós. The King James Version uses the word “provoke.” We are supposed to be passionately encouraging one another to live in love and do good works. As we get ready for the gathering of the saints today let’s allow ourselves to be provoked out of our lethargy. If we have disagreements, let’s remember we can hang on to our opinions, but not our resentments. When we fail, let’s go on with our calling. When others stumble, let’s pick them up, dust them off and recognize their gifts and not their failures. The Day is drawing near.
pastorvirgil.com 