A Disagreement Between Church Leaders Series

Introduction

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson's disagreement was deeply rooted in their contrasting political philosophies, visions for the United States, and even personal rivalries.

Their differences played out over decades, from the American Revolution to their presidencies.

John Adams, a Federalist, favored a strong central government, a more structured economy, and closer ties with Britain. He believed in an elitist system where the educated and wealthy should lead.

Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, advocated for a smaller federal government, stronger states’ rights, and an agrarian society. He distrusted centralized power and leaned toward France in foreign affairs.

The 1800 election was one of the most bitter in U.S. history. Jefferson ran against the incumbent president, Adams, and both campaigns were filled with bitter, personal attacks.

John Adams’ Federalists accused Jefferson of being an atheist and too radical because of his sympathy toward the French Revolution.

Jeffersonians painted Adams as a monarchist and accused him of trying to curb individual liberties.

After the election of 1800, in which Jefferson won, and Adams left office bitterly after one term as president, their relationship soured for years.

Adams felt betrayed and underappreciated, while Jefferson felt that Adams had abandoned the ideals of the Revolution by siding too much with centralized power.

Their friendship was rekindled in 1812 when they began writing letters and exchanging ideas about politics, philosophy, and their contributions to the nation.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, 1826, 50 years after the Declaration of Independence.

Adams’ last words were reportedly, “Jefferson still lives” (though Jefferson had died a few hours earlier).

Despite their deep disagreements, Adams and Jefferson ultimately respected each other as key architects of America.

Their debates shaped the early political landscape of the U.S., setting the stage for the ongoing struggle between federal and state power.

The Book of Acts describes a notable disagreement between church leaders.

The disagreement was between two first-century leaders, Paul and Barnabas.

Two of the church’s key leaders eventually disagreed as the gospel significantly impacted wherever it went.

Scripture

Let’s read Acts 15:36-41:

36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Lesson

Acts 15:36-41 teaches us that disagreements in ministry, while challenging, can serve God’s greater purpose when approached with humility and a focus on the mission.

Let’s use the following outline:

1. The Reasons for the Disagreement (15:36-39a)

2. The Results of the Disagreement (15:39b-41)

I. The Reasons for the Disagreement (15:36-39a)

First, let’s look at the reasons for the disagreement.

Paul and Barnabas had returned to their home church in Antioch from the first missionary journey.

When they arrived in Antioch and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).

God had used Paul and Barnabas in significant ways to see the gospel take root in Gentile and pagan communities.

Scores of people came to faith in Jesus.

However, while Paul and Barnabas taught in the Antioch Church in the subsequent days, some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers that they had to be circumcised according to Moses's custom to be saved (Acts 15:1).

Paul and Barnabas had no minor disagreements with them (Acts 15:2), but they could not persuade them that they were wrong.

So, the Antioch Church appointed Paul and Barnabas to go to Jerusalem to find out what one must do to be saved.

After the Jerusalem Council settled what one must do to be saved, Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas returned to Antioch.

Acts 15:35 states, “But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”

Then we read in verse 36, “And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ ”

The phrase “after some days” is an indefinite period.

Scholars differ over the time that Paul and Barnabas spent in Antioch. Different scholars suggest anywhere between several months and eleven years.