The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 15:39-40, “And there occurred such a sharp disagreement

that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark

with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and

left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.”

Christians often disagree among themselves. That’s why, for

one thing, we have so many denominations within the Church.

Paul was keen on revisiting some churches he and Barnabas

had founded. Barnabas was willing to go, but wanted to take

Mark with them. Mark had previously left them and gone home.

Some years later, Paul spoke well of Mark (2 Tim. 4:11), but

on this instance, he stood his ground against taking him. Instead,

Paul chose Silas and they returned to strengthen the churches.

The only means by which we can assess who was right is that

Acts never mentions Barnabas again. Only once in 1 Cor. 9:6

and Col. 4:10 and three times in Galatians 2. ~ Differences

between believers are settled by the Holy Spirit in His own time.

Important, too, is the fact that Paul never spoke ill of either

Mark or Barnabas. What an example for us to follow!

Love you all immensely,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas