DON’T PANIC ACTS 15:35-41 The end of Acts 15 comes as a shock. The Great Commission declares until we are prepared to nurture new Christians, we are not ready to take the Gospel to the lost. Barnabas was agreeable to Paul’s suggestion (15:36) but added a suggestion of his own (15:37). I. STRIFE IS AROUSED 15:38, 39a. The Son of Encouragement was happy to give Mark another chance but Paul was not convinced he had matured sufficiently to risk taking him. Kept insisting indicates Barnabas kept saying we should take Mark while Paul insisting should not. II. SOLUTION 15:39b-41. Decision was made for them to split task of visiting churches they had established. III. SIMPLE, SOUND LESSONS TO APPLY. 1. At times, brethren have and will disagree. Paul saw question of taking Mark from standpoint of the mission; Barnabas from standpoint of the man. 2. Sometimes, in spite of great efforts and attempts, an agreement cannot be reached. 3. When brethren disagree, act like Christians. Thankfully, neither stopped serving the Lord. 4. God can bring good from disagreement. Immediate result was two mission teams went out. Barnabas helping Mark to serve was successful. Mark later was a co-worker with apostle Peter; he was referred to as a fellow worker by Paul shortly before Paul’s death as Paul wrote 2 Tim. 4:11.