Christian love and forgiveness. If you remember, Barnabas was the first disciple to accept Paul as a brother in Christ. Paul, however, does not want John Mark to join their company (v 38). Where Barnabas exudes sympathy and forgiveness, Paul prioritizes the demanding needs of the mission and his vision for the gospel. The divergence leads to a sharp disagreement leading to the separation of these two friends and brothers in the faith (15:39). Is Barnabas or Paul in the right? Luke does not tell us.