Everyone who is familiar with the New Testament and its history holds the apostle Paul in high esteem because of his labors for Christ. Similarly, when we consider Barnabas, it is always with admiration for his character and service, “a good man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24). However, when we think about them as a ministry team, our minds tend to fixate on the incident at the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey: the rupture in their service, the sharp contention between them, and their parting of ways (15:38–40). It leaves us with more than a tinge of sadness and consternation.

In light of this, today’s text is encouraging and instructive. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians was written almost eight years after the ministry split with Barnabas. He mentions Barnabas by name: he describes his former colleague as one, like himself, who was self-supporting in the Lord’s work and who had labored with his own hands. There is no hint of hard feelings or reserve here. He used Barnabas for his illustration of self-sacrifice in the Lord’s work! It is also wonderful to see that these two godly brothers had not at any point drawn other brethren into their disagreement; neither did they send out letters or form a party to justify their position. This is a pattern for us.

Christ has reconciled us to God and hence has committed to believers, “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18–19). These words of Paul are important, but how can we preach the gospel of reconciliation to the sinner if we, as saints, cannot be reconciled among ourselves when difficulties or differences arise? God has left us the example of Paul and Barnabas: men who modeled the Christian grace of reconciliation and peace. May we follow in their steps!