Word of the Day - 2/14/2008

Imbroglio

An imbroglio is a misunderstanding, disagreement, etc., of a complicated or bitter nature, as between persons or nations.

Paul and Barnabas had an imbroglio over the participation of John Mark in their missionary endeavors. (Acts 15:37-39) R. Alan Culpepper suggests that the dispute may have been due to John Mark’s loyalty to Jewish Christianity in general and Simon Peter specifically, whom had stayed in John Mark’s home during his youth (Acts 12). He bases his theory on linguistics and John Mark’s return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul’s primary argument, on the surface appears to be John Mark’s previous desertion which would indicate unreliability. I might add to Culpepper’s theory that Paul may have been jealous as Simon Peter and John Mark have two names and no one ever seems to refer to Paul as Saul Paul, leaving him with just one. Note to self: E-mail Culpepper directly.

Though the imbroglio caused a rift, Mark and Paul later reconciled. In the last chapter of Paul’s last epistle (his last will and testament, if you will), he instructs, “Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. (II Timothy 4:11)

There is no dispute greater than the love of Christ.