It is sad whenever we see two Christians break fellowship with each other. We know it shouldn’t happen because of our oneness in the Lord Jesus. And we naturally wonder whose fault it was and whose side we should be on? But it is possible that neither is at fault. Consider Acts 15:36-41 where we read of such an incident, one that might shock us on first reading.
Two great Christian leaders, pioneer church planters, who had worked hand in glove together for years fall out. They have an angry disagreement (vs 39) and part ways. As we read this we instinctively ask ourselves who was right? We wonder which of Barnabus and Paul sinned in this situation to precipitate this breach?
But it seems reasonable to conclude that neither of these good men deserves the blame. We have no reason to take sides. This isn’t to claim they behaved flawlessly; there was likely sin from both parties in the heat of the moment. Rather it is to say that Barnabus and Paul were both right in their decisions and arguments. Their sad breach was due to a difference of opinion over what to do with John Mark and they both had legitimate arguments.
