Set against a tranquil backdrop of much glad encouragement comes the storm of a ‘sharp disagreement’. It is messy – there’s no getting around it, and we can be grateful that Luke doesn’t brush this episode in the life of the early church under the carpet. His inclusion of the incident serves as a caution by underlining the seriousness of the sad event. As well, it reminds us that God’s redemptive power reaches to the lowest scenes in our stories and lifts new life from them. In this case, the planned single ministry journey turns into two trips and the three travellers become four, all of whom continue with lives of fruitful service.

This painful picture of disagreement between Christian colleagues also points us to the reality of relational gaps and the priority of filling those with trust. What might have happened if Paul and Barnabas had approached the conflict with well-founded confidence in each other’s heart and discernment? They may still have chosen different courses and co-workers, only in a more loving and peaceful manner. Whether the gaps we experience emerge in relationships with Christian family, friends or fellow workers, filling those with wise trust – including in God’s redemptive power to bring good – can help us to navigate the squall.