oDay 24, Read Acts 15:30-41. 15:39: "the contention became so sharp."

It is clear that this was not a theological dispute, for they had taught together (v35).  Certainly this contention did not separate them in Christ. But it was a ministry dispute of the most basic nature: evangelism and edification.  Paul must preach where the gospel has not been preached (Rom. 15:20).  This trip will take him in a direction he cannot now imagine (16:6-10).  So John Mark really should not be there.  We must conclude that Paul's ministry was for the glory of God; it was fruitful.  Some say Barnabas was not heard from again and so they assume his ministry was not of God.  But this, of course, is not true.  John Mark is the fruit of Barnabas' ministry and it is good fruit (2 Tim. 4:11).  Is this not the ministry of those who start new churches verses the ministry of those who shepherd established churches?  Lord, deliver us from unhealthy contention but do help us to lovingly contend for Your will!