Can followers of Jesus disagree? | Acts 15:36-41 (Part 1) | Join The Journey Podcast

Main message: Paul and Barnabas’ sharp disagreement over John Mark shows that faithful Christians can disagree about wisdom, timing, or strategy without denying gospel truth; such conflicts reveal our priorities and should be handled with prayer, humility, listening, and a pursuit of reconciliation.

Key points:

• The dispute in Acts 15 was about taking John Mark on a mission (wisdom/strategy), not about the essentials of the faith.
• We must learn to distinguish non-negotiable truths (gospel, authority of Scripture) from secondary matters (leadership, timing, preference).
• Conflict exposes underlying values and motives (Paul prioritized reliability and mission; Barnabas prioritized restoration and grace).
• God can bring good from broken relationships (the mission continued and the relationship was later restored), but Luke does not endorse division as a norm.
• Practical guidance: pray for wisdom (James 1), examine your motives, listen well (be quick to hear), and seek unity without demanding uniformity.

Scriptures mentioned: Acts 15:36-41, Acts 15:38, Acts 13:13, Romans 14, Colossians 4:10, James 1