Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 15:36-41

"And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, [and see] how they fare. And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called Mark. But Paul thought not good to take with them him who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus; but Paul choose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches." — Acts 15:36-41 (ASV)

Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less than Paul and Barnabas, yet it was made to end well. Barnabas wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect ourselves of being partial and guard against this when putting our relatives forward. Paul did not think him worthy of the honor, nor fit for the service, as he had departed from them without their knowledge or consent . Neither would yield; therefore, there was no alternative but for them to part.

We see that the best of men are only men, subject to the same passions as we are. Perhaps there were faults on both sides, as is usual in such contentions. Christ's example alone is a copy without a blot. Yet we are not to think it strange if there are differences among wise and good men. It will be so while we are in this imperfect state; we will never all be of one mind until we come to heaven.

But what mischief the remnants of pride and passion, found even in good men, do in the world, and do in the church! Many who lived at Antioch, who had heard little of the devotedness and piety of Paul and Barnabas, heard of their dispute and separation; and so it will be with us, if we give way to contention. Believers must be constant in prayer, so that they may never be led, by indulging unholy tempers, to hurt the cause they really desire to serve.

Paul speaks with esteem and affection of both Barnabas and Mark in his epistles, written after this event. May all who profess Your name, O loving Savior, be thoroughly reconciled by that love derived from You—a love that is not easily provoked and that soon forgets and buries injuries.