Definition: And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 15:39. It’s a really important part of how Jesus established his ministry in Jerusalem. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a disagreement that escalated to a point where they had to separate. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements: “And the contention was so sharp between them…” : This means there was a big argument or conflict going on. It wasn't just a minor disagreement; it felt intense and unresolved. “…that they departed asunder one from the other…” : This is a really strong word. "Departed asunder" means they separated completely . They no longer had any connection with each other. “And so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus” : This tells us what happened next. Barnabas, a young servant of Jesus, chose to go to the island of Cyprus. He brought Mark along with him. Putting it all together: This passage describes a very serious disagreement between two people (Mark and possibly others) that became so intense they had to part ways. Barnabas, recognizing this conflict, decided to take Mark away from the situation to protect him and focus on his own work – which was important for spreading the good news of Jesus. Why is this significant? This event shows a few things: The Importance of Leadership: Barnabas's action demonstrates that he understood that leadership isn’t just about being powerful, but also about choosing to protect and guide others during difficult times. Focus on the Message: It highlights that Jesus is working to spread his message of good news. His priority was to keep the faith alive. In short, it's a story about a serious disagreement that led to a deliberate separation to ensure the message of Jesus could be shared effectively. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Give you some context about the situation in Acts 15?