The contention— Παροξυσμος, a paroxysm, is a medical term, and signifies here a sharp fit of anger.—And there was a sharp contention,—so that, &c. However, we find not only that Paul and Barnabas were afterwards thoroughly reconciled, (compare 1 Corinthians 9:6. Galatians 2:9.) but also that St. Mark was taken into St. Paul's favour again, and admitted by him as a companion in his labour. Compare Colossians 4:10. Philemon 1:24. 2 Timothy 4:11. Some have thought that, notwithstanding this contention, these two excellent men parted in as friendly a manner as Abraham and Lot did after their contention, Genesis 13:7; Genesis 13:18. But, suppose they parted with dislike and resentment, there is nothing wonderful in it; for though they were inspired with the whole scheme of the Christian doctrine, and so far under the guidance of an unerringSpirit;yetno Christian supposes they were inspired in their ordinary conduct, or diverted of all human infirmities; and it would be ridiculous to make such things any objection to the truth of the Christian religion. On the contrary, it ought to be looked upon as a proof of the great fairness and impartiality in the sacred writers, that they franklyowned, and without reserve published, the foibles and imperfections of their fellow-Christians, and even of the apostles and first planters of the glorious gospel. But whatever human infirmity there was in this contention, God, in his good providence, made this separation of the two apostles turn to the greater and more extensive welfare of mankind; Christianity by this means being more generally and widely spread.
Related Commentaries of Acts 15:39
Acts 15:39
39 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;